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

<ul>
<li>Ryohin Keikaku's biggest weakness is its unwieldy and expensive supply chains, with hundreds of suppliers across its three main categories of household, apparel and food.</li>
<li>The Muji operator just acquired a large team from one of its principle clothing supply partners, Mitsubishi, to finally streamline its supply chains and improve cost performance in clothing. </li>
<li>This should have a positive impact on its cost of goods, margins and inventory levels, allowing for quicker responses to trends at a lower price at home and overseas.</li>
</ul>


Ryohin Keikaku's biggest weakness is its unwieldy and expensive supply chains, with hundreds of suppliers across its three main categories of household, apparel and food.
The Muji operator just acquired a large team from one of its principle clothing supply partners, Mitsubishi, to finally streamline its supply chains and improve cost performance in clothing. 
This should have a positive impact on its cost of goods, margins and inventory levels, allowing for quicker responses to trends at a lower price at home and overseas.


Ryohin Keikaku: Finally Fixing Its Biggest Weakness?

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

Travis Lundy

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

TSE Tokyo Price Index TOPIX / Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>In April 2022, after long prep and considerable public comment as to desires and design, the TSE launched its new market segments designed to encourage governance and foreign investment.</li>
<li>At the time, the TSE wanted to showcase Japan's best blue chips. In March, JPX announced JPX Prime 150, designed to make visible</li>
<li>In March 2023, JPX announced JPX Prime 150, to "make visible the leading Japanese companies that are estimated to create value." Ambitious? Yes. Fated to fail? Probably. Badly constructed?  Definitely. </li>
</ul>


In April 2022, after long prep and considerable public comment as to desires and design, the TSE launched its new market segments designed to encourage governance and foreign investment.
At the time, the TSE wanted to showcase Japan's best blue chips. In March, JPX announced JPX Prime 150, designed to make visible
In March 2023, JPX announced JPX Prime 150, to "make visible the leading Japanese companies that are estimated to create value." Ambitious? Yes. Fated to fail? Probably. Badly constructed?  Definitely. 


The TSE's New 'Better' Index:  JPX Prime 150

Tracking developments across tech supply chains, Tech Supply Chain Tracker

Tech Supply Chain Tracker

Tracking developments across tech supply chains

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul><li>Horizon Robotics is at the forefront of China's advancements in autonomous driving technology, indicating a significant shift in the automotive industry.</li><li>Foxtron's acquisition plans for Luxgen have raised concerns among investors, highlighting potential instability in the electric vehicle market.</li><li>The ASEAN region is experiencing a surge in global semiconductor IDM investments, reflecting a growing focus on technology development and manufacturing capabilities.</li></ul>

Horizon Robotics is at the forefront of China's advancements in autonomous driving technology, indicating a significant shift in the automotive industry.Foxtron's acquisition plans for Luxgen have raised concerns among investors, highlighting potential instability in the electric vehicle market.The ASEAN region is experiencing a surge in global semiconductor IDM investments, reflecting a growing focus on technology development and manufacturing capabilities.

Tech Supply Chain Tracker (21-Nov-2025): Horizon Robotics drives China's autonomous

IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

<ul>
<li>On 14 November, media outlets reported that Sapphireterra has <a href="https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/e7ddad68-3d70-4201-b3f3-16f665298127/downloads/055ae6dd-96a9-457f-baab-01eafcc12759/STC%20IS%20Press%20Release%202025-11-05%20E%20FINAL.pdf?ver=1763150335833" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sent a letter</a> to the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/itochu-shokuhin-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14985:1" rel="noopener">Itochu Shokuhin (2692 JP)</a> Board suggesting two strategic alternatives to improve shareholder returns. </li>
<li>Sapphireterra has suggested that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/itochu-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18448:1" rel="noopener">Itochu Corp (8001 JP)</a> privatise Itochu-Shokuhin at JPY14,000, a 50.5% takeover premium. Due to the shareholder structure, Itochu does not need to be this generous.</li>
<li>Sapphireterra has also alternatively suggested JPY7,000 special dividend. The strong YTD share performance suggests no pressing need for the Board to act on this proposal. </li>
</ul>


On 14 November, media outlets reported that Sapphireterra has sent a letter to the Itochu Shokuhin (2692 JP) Board suggesting two strategic alternatives to improve shareholder returns. 
Sapphireterra has suggested that Itochu Corp (8001 JP) privatise Itochu-Shokuhin at JPY14,000, a 50.5% takeover premium. Due to the shareholder structure, Itochu does not need to be this generous.
Sapphireterra has also alternatively suggested JPY7,000 special dividend. The strong YTD share performance suggests no pressing need for the Board to act on this proposal. 


Itochu-Shokuhin (2692 JP): Itochu Likely to Shrug off Sapphireterra’s Privatisation Call

Global Materials | Industrials | Commodities

Rahul Jain

<ul>
<li>Earnings Growth: Non-resource engines (Food, FamilyMart, ICT, Textiles) compounding at double-digit rates; mid- to high-single-digit EPS growth outlook.</li>
<li>Valuation: Trades at ~13× FY2026E P/E, in line with peers, offering steady TSR without a valuation premium.</li>
<li>Capital Returns: ¥200/share dividend + ¥150 bn buybacks underpin 40–50% payout; EPS uplift from share reduction.</li>
</ul>


Earnings Growth: Non-resource engines (Food, FamilyMart, ICT, Textiles) compounding at double-digit rates; mid- to high-single-digit EPS growth outlook.
Valuation: Trades at ~13× FY2026E P/E, in line with peers, offering steady TSR without a valuation premium.
Capital Returns: ¥200/share dividend + ¥150 bn buybacks underpin 40–50% payout; EPS uplift from share reduction.


Itochu (8001 JP) — Structural Growth, Fair Valuation, Solid TSR

Japan

Mitsubishi Corporation is a general trading company.  The Company has business groups such as New Business Initiatives, IT & Electronics, Fuels, Metals, Machinery, Chemicals, Living Essentials, and Professional Services.  Mitsubishi diversifies by satellite communications through a joint venture.

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Mitsubishi Corp (8058 JP)

Ryohin Keikaku: Finally Fixing Its Biggest Weakness?

Muji operator Ryohin Keikaku looks set to improve its supply chains and cost performance in clothing by acquiring a team from Mitsubishi, leading...

Michael Causton

The TSE's New 'Better' Index: JPX Prime 150

The TSE is launching a new JPX Prime 150 Index on 3 July 2023. It is 150 stocks with high PBRs and high "Equity Spread" (ROE vs cost of capital)...

Travis Lundy

Tech Supply Chain Tracker (21-Nov-2025): Horizon Robotics drives China's autonomous

Horizon Robotics advances China's autonomous driving, Foxtron's Luxgen deal raises concerns, Wistron and Pegatron support Health2Sync, while BOE...

Tech Supply Chain Tracker

Itochu-Shokuhin (2692 JP): Itochu Likely to Shrug off Sapphireterra’s Privatisation Call

Sapphireterra has suggested two proposals (privatisation by Itochu, special divs) to improve shareholder returns. The Board is likely to react to...

Arun George

Itochu (8001 JP) — Structural Growth, Fair Valuation, Solid TSR

Article highlights strong earnings growth in non-resource sectors, steady valuation in line with peers, and significant capital returns through...

Rahul Jain

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Ryohin Keikaku: Finally Fixing Its Biggest Weakness?

​Muji operator Ryohin Keikaku looks set to improve its supply chains and cost performance in clothing by acquiring a team from Mitsubishi, leading...

Michael Causton

The TSE's New 'Better' Index: JPX Prime 150

The TSE is launching a new JPX Prime 150 Index on 3 July 2023. It is 150 stocks with high PBRs and high "Equity Spread" (ROE vs cost of capital)...

Travis Lundy

Tech Supply Chain Tracker (21-Nov-2025): Horizon Robotics drives China's autonomous

Horizon Robotics advances China's autonomous driving, Foxtron's Luxgen deal raises concerns, Wistron and Pegatron support Health2Sync, while BOE...

Tech Supply Chain Tracker

Itochu-Shokuhin (2692 JP): Itochu Likely to Shrug off Sapphireterra’s Privatisation Call

Sapphireterra has suggested two proposals (privatisation by Itochu, special divs) to improve shareholder returns. The Board is likely to react to...

Arun George

Itochu (8001 JP) — Structural Growth, Fair Valuation, Solid TSR

​Article highlights strong earnings growth in non-resource sectors, steady valuation in line with peers, and significant capital returns through...

Rahul Jain

Muji operator Ryohin Keikaku looks set to improve its supply chains and cost performance in clothing by acquiring a team from Mitsubishi, leading...

Article highlights strong earnings growth in non-resource sectors, steady valuation in line with peers, and significant capital returns through...