Expert on Japan Retail and Consumer Markets, JapanConsuming

Michael Causton

Expert on Japan Retail and Consumer Markets

Real Insight on Japanese Consumer Markets

JapanConsuming

JapanConsuming is a specialist research firm producing intelligence on Japanese retail and consumer markets. Founded in 2000, JapanConsuming has become the leading provider of insights on Japanese retailers and consumer trends to retailers, brands, government agencies and investors. As well as a highly regarded monthly report on the market, JapanConsuming produces in-depth reports on retail sectors, seminars on key trends and telephone consulting to investors on trends and retailers.

JapanConsuming was founded by Michael Causton and Roy Larke. 

Equity Bottom-Up

<p>Another case of hubris in Japanese e-commerce? Shoplist operator, Crooz, made a big splash about its plans to build wa ¥100 billion fashion platform three years ago but made a thumping loss in 2018 and then sales actually fell last year, proving just how hard it is for smaller e-commerce platforms to shine in the shadow of the big three.</p>

Another case of hubris in Japanese e-commerce? Shoplist operator, Crooz, made a big splash about its plans to build wa ¥100 billion fashion platform three years ago but made a thumping loss in 2018 and then sales actually fell last year, proving just how hard it is for smaller e-commerce platforms to shine in the shadow of the big three.

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist, LightStream Research

Campbell Gunn

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist

Long-Short Analysis on Japan, Asia and the World

LightStream Research

LightStream conducts quantitatively rigorous and data-driven analysis with a focus on Japan and Asia.

We consistently cover the Tech, Consumer and Industrial sectors, and provide ECM and Events coverage more broadly.

We supplement traditional qualitative insights from company relationships with a robust quantitative foundation that examines as much historical data as is available.
We further refine the accuracy of our insights and calls through the use of alternative data to flesh out current trends, and through a valuation framework that emphasises non-superficial peer group selection and a proper attempt to understand the metrics and changes that have driven security valuations in the past.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<div>
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/144/786/original/2020-07-08_06-33-57.png?1594157660" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="144786"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/144/788/original/2020-07-08_06-35-53.png?1594157763" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="144788"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/144/790/original/2020-07-08_06-48-56.png?1594158549" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="144790"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Japan Analytics</div>
<p><strong>DESTINATION BLUES</strong> - Destination malls are proving to be this century's department stores, for which COVID-19 has proved to be an unwelcome 'kicker', while turnover leases add volatility to the mix. The foreign shareholder ratio and the Relative Price Score both peaked in 2014, despite the 455 increase in operating profits in the last five years. The revised profit target of ¥30 billion is less than that achieved in FY2008 when revenues were one-third current levels.  Residual returns have been negative since FY2019-Q2; our model suggests the shares are still overvalued at 0.82x book.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>DAILY STATS</strong></p>
</div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>14 Quarterly Results</strong></p></div><div><ul>
<li>
<strong>Results Score</strong>: 6 Positive / 1 Neutral / 7 Negative</li>
<li>
<strong>Average Results Score Change:</strong>-0.6</li>
<li>
<strong>Average % Change in Revenue:</strong> -3.7% Quarter YoY* / +1.4% Rolling TTM YoY</li>
<li>
<strong>Average Operating Profit Margin Change:</strong> -2.4ppt</li>
</ul></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><br><strong>8 Annual • 7 Interim Forecasts/Revisions</strong></p></div><div><ul>
<li>
<strong>Annual Forecast/Revision Score:</strong> 4 Positive / 1 Neutral / 3 Negative</li>
<li>
<strong>Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change:</strong> 2 Positive / 1 Neutral / 3 Negative</li>
<li>
<strong>Average Forecast/Revision Score Change:</strong> -5.9</li>
</ul></div>


Source • Japan Analytics
DESTINATION BLUES - Destination malls are proving to be this century's department stores, for which COVID-19 has proved to be an unwelcome 'kicker', while turnover leases add volatility to the mix. The foreign shareholder ratio and the Relative Price Score both peaked in 2014, despite the 455 increase in operating profits in the last five years. The revised profit target of ¥30 billion is less than that achieved in FY2008 when revenues were one-third current levels.  Residual returns have been negative since FY2019-Q2; our model suggests the shares are still overvalued at 0.82x book.
DAILY STATS
14 Quarterly Results

Results Score: 6 Positive / 1 Neutral / 7 Negative

Average Results Score Change:-0.6

Average % Change in Revenue: -3.7% Quarter YoY* / +1.4% Rolling TTM YoY

Average Operating Profit Margin Change: -2.4ppt
 8 Annual • 7 Interim Forecasts/Revisions

Annual Forecast/Revision Score: 4 Positive / 1 Neutral / 3 Negative

Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change: 2 Positive / 1 Neutral / 3 Negative

Average Forecast/Revision Score Change: -5.9


🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 7th July - Aeon Mauled

ja research

ja research is an independent research platform focused exclusively on Japanese equities. Leveraging data and graphic analysis provided by Japan Analytics, we provide insights on small and medium-sized companies that have been ignored by the sell-side as well as challenging conventional wisdom on larger companies. We also offer analyst and corporate access, the latter with translation if required. 

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/125/157/original/File%202020-03-28%2015%2042%2009.jpeg?1585378270" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="125157"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Mainichi Photography</div><p><strong>STAY AT HOME (PLEASE)</strong> - With the 2020 Olympics now destined for 2021, the authorities can focus on containing Covid-19 which continues to spread in Tokyo.  Governor Koike and the Governors of the surrounding prefectures have responded to the recent growth in cases in the metropolis by requesting that citizens stay at home this weekend. Parks and many shops and restaurants have closed, and inclement weather (it is snowing across most of the Kanto plain this Sunday) has resulted in a high degree of compliance.</p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/125/263/original/File%202020-03-29%206%2035%2050.jpeg?1585431441" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="125263"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • aatishb.com</div><p><strong>CATCHING UP</strong> - Without the implementation of the measures adopted in China and South Korea, Japan is now moving more in line with the global trends shown above in terms of log-scale incremental rate of change. Sixty-three new cases were reported on Saturday, the largest single-day total to date. Over half of the new cases were in the 'Longevity General Hospital' in Taito Ward, taking the total for the capital to 362. For Japan as a whole, the total one cases for Saturday was 194 a 68% one-day increase. Covid-19 fatalities increased by six to 53.</p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/125/264/original/File%202020-03-29%206%2037%2003.jpeg?1585431468" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="125264"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • aatishb.com</div><p><strong>THE SWEDISH MODEL </strong>- PM Abe is concerned that a full societal 'lockdown' would damage the economy and has yet to invoke his newly-minted emergency powers - which, in any case, do not provide for such a measure. For now, Japan is following Sweden's social experiment of permitting life to go on as usual as much as possible. Both countries have been criticised for their 'novel' approach; however, their trajectories are noticeably different from the US and Italy. Let us hope than Japan's remarkably low-incidence of, and CFR from, Covid-19 infection can hold.</p><p><strong>CORONA 'SHOKKU'</strong> - At a press conference yesterday Abe pledged to introduce an economic package that would exceed Japan's response to the "Lehman Shock" with a particular focus on SMEs and distressed households. The details are to be announced in the next ten days.</p><p><strong>RATIONING BOOK</strong> - In other news, Kinokuniya bookstore in Tokyo is limiting purchases of the now-existential necessity Camus' <em>The Plague</em>' to one per person.</p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/125/256/original/2020-03-28_08-20-51.png?1585429894" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="125256"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Japan Analytics</div><p><strong>PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS</strong> - On Thursday the Bank of Japan's ETF purchase programme constituted 6% of Value Traded as the total interventions this month now total <strong>¥1.3 trillion</strong> has recovered <strong>18%</strong> from the last weeks' low and is 'only' <strong>16%</strong> below the December high. Our Results Score is now negative, and the Forecast/Revision Score will follow next week. With over 3 billion people around the world in some form of social isolation, we expect both of our Scores to reach new five year lows by May and for equities to follow, despite Governor Kuroda's machinations.</p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/125/260/original/2020-03-29_06-20-04.png?1585430434" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="125260"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Japan Analytics</div><p><strong>NO MAN'S LAND</strong> - As Aggregate TTM and Forecast Operating and Net Income head lower, the last week's bear-market-bounce has taken multiples back towards the long-term averages. With 3 quarters of results before a possible cycle low, Japanese equities are stuck in no man's land, neither overvalued not undervalued.  </p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/125/158/original/2020-03-28_15-56-17.png?1585378601" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="125158"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/125/305/original/2020-03-29_08-40-46.png?1585438866" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="125305"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Japan Analytics</div><p><strong>FRIDAY 27th MARCH</strong> - Friday saw six companies reporting results, of which two - <strong><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jastec-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:9201:1" rel="noopener">Jastec (9717 JP)</a></strong>- and<strong><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/niitaka-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4911:1" rel="noopener">Niitaka (4465 JP)</a></strong> had positive scores. Fifteen companies revised their forecasts, and one - <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/imv-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14159:1" rel="noopener"><strong>IMV (7760 JP)</strong></a> withdrew its forecast entirely. In terms of our scoring system, the ratio of positive to negative 'scores' was <strong>6:10</strong>, with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jfe-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:210:1" rel="noopener"><strong>JFE (5411 JP)</strong></a> being the largest negative-scoring company. High-tech lamp maker <strong><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ushio-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6640:1" rel="noopener">Ushio (6925 JP)</a></strong> cut its forecast for Operating Income to ¥6b - which would be the lowest outcome since<strong> 1994</strong> and implies a fourth-quarter operating loss of <strong>¥0.35b</strong>.<strong><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sony-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:563:1" rel="noopener">Sony (6758 JP)</a></strong>announced that its forecasts made in February are now likely to be revised down and that the company may not be able to release FY2020 earnings as scheduled on 30th April due to delays in accounting procedures. <strong><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/honda-motor-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:154:1" rel="noopener">Honda Motor (7267 JP)</a></strong>has shut down two plants in Japan, reflecting a weaker sales outlook.</p>

Source • Mainichi PhotographySTAY AT HOME (PLEASE) - With the 2020 Olympics now destined for 2021, the authorities can focus on containing Covid-19 which continues to spread in Tokyo.  Governor Koike and the Governors of the surrounding prefectures have responded to the recent growth in cases in the metropolis by requesting that citizens stay at home this weekend. Parks and many shops and restaurants have closed, and inclement weather (it is snowing across most of the Kanto plain this Sunday) has resulted in a high degree of compliance.Source • aatishb.comCATCHING UP - Without the implementation of the measures adopted in China and South Korea, Japan is now moving more in line with the global trends shown above in terms of log-scale incremental rate of change. Sixty-three new cases were reported on Saturday, the largest single-day total to date. Over half of the new cases were in the 'Longevity General Hospital' in Taito Ward, taking the total for the capital to 362. For Japan as a whole, the total one cases for Saturday was 194 a 68% one-day increase. Covid-19 fatalities increased by six to 53.Source • aatishb.comTHE SWEDISH MODEL - PM Abe is concerned that a full societal 'lockdown' would damage the economy and has yet to invoke his newly-minted emergency powers - which, in any case, do not provide for such a measure. For now, Japan is following Sweden's social experiment of permitting life to go on as usual as much as possible. Both countries have been criticised for their 'novel' approach; however, their trajectories are noticeably different from the US and Italy. Let us hope than Japan's remarkably low-incidence of, and CFR from, Covid-19 infection can hold.CORONA 'SHOKKU' - At a press conference yesterday Abe pledged to introduce an economic package that would exceed Japan's response to the "Lehman Shock" with a particular focus on SMEs and distressed households. The details are to be announced in the next ten days.RATIONING BOOK - In other news, Kinokuniya bookstore in Tokyo is limiting purchases of the now-existential necessity Camus' The Plague' to one per person.Source • Japan AnalyticsPULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS - On Thursday the Bank of Japan's ETF purchase programme constituted 6% of Value Traded as the total interventions this month now total ¥1.3 trillion has recovered 18% from the last weeks' low and is 'only' 16% below the December high. Our Results Score is now negative, and the Forecast/Revision Score will follow next week. With over 3 billion people around the world in some form of social isolation, we expect both of our Scores to reach new five year lows by May and for equities to follow, despite Governor Kuroda's machinations.Source • Japan AnalyticsNO MAN'S LAND - As Aggregate TTM and Forecast Operating and Net Income head lower, the last week's bear-market-bounce has taken multiples back towards the long-term averages. With 3 quarters of results before a possible cycle low, Japanese equities are stuck in no man's land, neither overvalued not undervalued.  Source • Japan AnalyticsFRIDAY 27th MARCH - Friday saw six companies reporting results, of which two - Jastec (9717 JP)- andNiitaka (4465 JP) had positive scores. Fifteen companies revised their forecasts, and one - IMV (7760 JP) withdrew its forecast entirely. In terms of our scoring system, the ratio of positive to negative 'scores' was 6:10, with JFE (5411 JP) being the largest negative-scoring company. High-tech lamp maker Ushio (6925 JP) cut its forecast for Operating Income to ¥6b - which would be the lowest outcome since 1994 and implies a fourth-quarter operating loss of ¥0.35b.Sony (6758 JP)announced that its forecasts made in February are now likely to be revised down and that the company may not be able to release FY2020 earnings as scheduled on 30th April due to delays in accounting procedures. Honda Motor (7267 JP)has shut down two plants in Japan, reflecting a weaker sales outlook.

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Revisions & Results Alert - 27th March - A Weekend at Home with the Swedish Model

<p>The apparel and fashion market contracted slightly last year and no single format was immune to the tougher trading environment – even the online channel.</p>
<p>The large store formats suffered the worst but a number of major specialty chains also posted lower sales. In e-commerce, even <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zozo-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18379:1" rel="noopener">ZOZO Inc (3092 JP)</a> suffered its lowest sales growth in several years.</p>
<p>The reasons are clear: consumption of apparel fell again last year while other categories like home interiors, food and communications rose.</p>
<p>At the same time, the leading specialty retailers face saturation in some product categories and territories. As a result, e-commerce share continues to grow as does that of the biggest firms – the top 10 apparel retailers saw their share increase 3 points in a year to 30%.</p>
<p><strong>This is Part I of a 2-part review of Japan's apparel and fashion markets. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/winners-losers-and-key-business-trends-in-japanese-fashion-retailing-2018-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Part II of our review is here</a> and has profiles of the winners in 2018-19 and key trends impacting performance now and going forward.</strong></p>

The apparel and fashion market contracted slightly last year and no single format was immune to the tougher trading environment – even the online channel.
The large store formats suffered the worst but a number of major specialty chains also posted lower sales. In e-commerce, even ZOZO Inc (3092 JP) suffered its lowest sales growth in several years.
The reasons are clear: consumption of apparel fell again last year while other categories like home interiors, food and communications rose.
At the same time, the leading specialty retailers face saturation in some product categories and territories. As a result, e-commerce share continues to grow as does that of the biggest firms – the top 10 apparel retailers saw their share increase 3 points in a year to 30%.
This is Part I of a 2-part review of Japan's apparel and fashion markets. Part II of our review is here and has profiles of the winners in 2018-19 and key trends impacting performance now and going forward.

Japan Fashion Market Review 2019 Part I: A Stable Market but Tougher Trading All Round

<p>Fashion retailers had a much better year in 2017-18 as the apparel and accessories market expanded 2.2% after two years of market contraction.</p>
<p>Recent growth has mostly benefited the speciality store and online sectors, but last year department stores also improved, and even the odd GMS chain enjoyed the balmier climate.</p>
<p>As a result, department store market share among the top 100 apparel retailers – which account for 70% of the market – rose for the first time in 15 years.</p>
<p>The market share of the top 100 fell due to better sales at small retailers and independents.</p>
<p>Trading is still tough, however, and retailers are cautious about consumer sentiment going forward.</p>
<p>The winners though are clear to see, with companies like <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/2765" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2765:1">Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/23991" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23991:1">Tokyo Base (3415 JP)</a>, Mash Holdings and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/18379" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18379:1">ZOZO Inc (3092 JP)</a> pushing well ahead of the sector year after year.</p>
<p>The following is a comprehensive review of the Japanese apparel/fashion market in FY2017, and the winners within it.</p>

Fashion retailers had a much better year in 2017-18 as the apparel and accessories market expanded 2.2% after two years of market contraction.
Recent growth has mostly benefited the speciality store and online sectors, but last year department stores also improved, and even the odd GMS chain enjoyed the balmier climate.
As a result, department store market share among the top 100 apparel retailers – which account for 70% of the market – rose for the first time in 15 years.
The market share of the top 100 fell due to better sales at small retailers and independents.
Trading is still tough, however, and retailers are cautious about consumer sentiment going forward.
The winners though are clear to see, with companies like Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP), Tokyo Base (3415 JP), Mash Holdings and ZOZO Inc (3092 JP) pushing well ahead of the sector year after year.
The following is a comprehensive review of the Japanese apparel/fashion market in FY2017, and the winners within it.

The Winners in Japanese Fashion Retailing

Japan

HONEYS. CO., LTD. plans, manufactures, and retails ladies' casual clothing and accessories.  The Company operates stores throughout Japan.

Price Gauge
52-week Range	0.00 - 0.00
Market Cap (USDm)	0.00
P/E	0.00
Dividend (Yield)	0.00

Honeys Holdings Co., Ltd. (2792 JP)

Shoplist Promise Withers on the Web

Crooz promised sales of ¥100 billion within a few years and a long-term target of a ¥1 trillion capitalisation. Its early promise has withered...

Michael Causton

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 7th July - Aeon Mauled

DESTINATION BLUES - Destination malls are proving to be this century's department stores, for which COVID-19 has proved to be an unwelcome...

Campbell Gunn

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Revisions & Results Alert - 27th March - A Weekend at Home with the Swedish Model

STAY AT HOME (PLEASE) - With the 2020 Olympics now destined for 2021, the authorities can focus on containing Covid-19 which continues to spread in...

Campbell Gunn

Japan Fashion Market Review 2019 Part I: A Stable Market but Tougher Trading All Round

The apparel and fashion market contracted slightly last year and no single format was immune to the tougher trading environment – even the online...

Michael Causton

The Winners in Japanese Fashion Retailing

Fashion retailers had a much better year in 2017-18 as the apparel and accessories market expanded 2.2% after two years of market...

Michael Causton

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)