News On Japan

Japanese Department Stores Thrive on Inbound Tourism

TOKYO, Apr 16 (News On Japan) - Japanese department stores have reported a series of strong financial results for the fiscal year, buoyed by increased spending by foreign tourists due to the weakening yen.

Takashimaya announced that its operating profit, a measure of core earnings, reached its highest level in 33 years.

The depreciation of the yen has particularly boosted tax-free sales of luxury brands and other high-priced items.

J. Front Retailing, which operates Daimaru and Matsuzakaya department stores, also reported increased revenue and profits.

Their tax-free sales exceeded those of the pre-pandemic fiscal year 2019 by 12%, setting a new record.

Matsuya achieved its highest sales since 1991 at its flagship Matsuya Ginza store, popular among foreign tourists, marking the best performance in 32 years.

With the yen's weakness significantly impacting performance, all companies are closely monitoring future currency movements.

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Police have arrested a man in his 20s after 3 people were killed in a collision involving seven vehicles on the Tokyo Expressway on Tuesday morning.

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The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China has released the results of a survey targeting Japanese companies operating in China, revealing that over half of them report worsening sales trends.

The Corporate Goods Price Index (CGPI) for April, which indicates the price level of goods traded between companies, rose by 0.9% compared to last year, marking the fifth consecutive month of record highs.

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Japan is not the only country facing a weakening currency. In a situation that could be described as "dollar dominance," countries in Asia that have previously experienced currency crises are also embarking on currency defense measures. We explore what lies ahead in the face of currency devaluation.