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. 

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

The latest Census in Japan confirms the ongoing fall in total population across most of the country but reveals surprising growth markets in small pockets, particularly around Greater Tokyo which now accounts for just under 30% of the total population.There are also ever growing numbers of single people, expanding the promising solo market. In the bigger cities, younger people bring new types of consumption but the increase in older singles is a growing problem.The following provides background macro trends for any investor looking at the Japan consumer space and some stocks we think will benefit from these macro trends.

The latest Census in Japan confirms the ongoing fall in total population across most of the country but reveals surprising growth markets in small pockets, particularly around Greater Tokyo which now accounts for just under 30% of the total population.There are also ever growing numbers of single people, expanding the promising solo market. In the bigger cities, younger people bring new types of consumption but the increase in older singles is a growing problem.The following provides background macro trends for any investor looking at the Japan consumer space and some stocks we think will benefit from these macro trends.

Shrinking, Ageing Japan but a Growing Solo Market

Home decoration consumption has been one of the few non-essential consumption categories to show consistent positive growth in the last few years. All types of brand and retailer have benefited but, since the start of the pandemic, it has been online stores and mass market retailers like <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nitori-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20386:1" rel="noopener">Nitori Holdings (9843 JP),</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ryohin-keikaku-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2765:1" rel="noopener">Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)</a> and the home centre retailers that have performed best. The boost from Covid aside, increased spending on home decoration is a long-term trend, supporting further growth for the leading retailers well into the future.

Home decoration consumption has been one of the few non-essential consumption categories to show consistent positive growth in the last few years. All types of brand and retailer have benefited but, since the start of the pandemic, it has been online stores and mass market retailers like Nitori Holdings (9843 JP),Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP) and the home centre retailers that have performed best. The boost from Covid aside, increased spending on home decoration is a long-term trend, supporting further growth for the leading retailers well into the future. 

Japanese Interiors Market Reaches Record High Boosting Nitori, Muji and Others

'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.

• LARGE CAP RESULTS - 14th APRIL •<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/635/original/image_32488738921618434736177.png?1618434737" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200635"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics</div>RESULTS - The percentage of positive Results Scores continues to fall, with only 39% of the 116 results reported on Wednesday. There were only three positives among large caps, including <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ryohin-keikaku-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2765:1" rel="noopener">Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)</a>, which has changed its year-end limiting comparability. There was no revision to the company's now six-month-old forecasts. Shoe retailer <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/abc-mart-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3213:1" rel="noopener">ABC Mart (2670 JP)</a> fared less well but is optimistic about FY22.<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/644/original/image_16911018231618435000838.png?1618435002" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200644"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/646/original/image_24286058841618435028922.png?1618435030" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200646"></figure>• LARGE CAP FORECASTS/REVISIONS - 14th APRIL •<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/649/original/image_3948594651618435133716.png?1618435135" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200649"></figure>REVISIONS/FORECASTS - Bullishness abounds for FY22, particularly amongst the many Restaurant Sector companies, of which coffee house <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/doutor-nichires-holdings-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3096:1" rel="noopener">Doutor Nichires (3087 JP) </a>would be our value pick. Erstwhile E-Commerce darling <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kitanotatsujin-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6126:1" rel="noopener">Kitanotatsujin (2930 JP)</a> was the only negatively-scoring large-cap, foreseeing yet more margin erosion. The shares remain overvalued at 36 EV/TTM OP.<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/652/original/image_67668075561618435352425.png?1618435353" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200652"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/655/original/image_87740698871618435386254.png?1618435387" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200655"></figure>

• LARGE CAP RESULTS - 14th APRIL •Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan AnalyticsRESULTS - The percentage of positive Results Scores continues to fall, with only 39% of the 116 results reported on Wednesday. There were only three positives among large caps, including Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP), which has changed its year-end limiting comparability. There was no revision to the company's now six-month-old forecasts. Shoe retailer ABC Mart (2670 JP) fared less well but is optimistic about FY22.• LARGE CAP FORECASTS/REVISIONS - 14th APRIL •REVISIONS/FORECASTS - Bullishness abounds for FY22, particularly amongst the many Restaurant Sector companies, of which coffee house Doutor Nichires (3087 JP) would be our value pick. Erstwhile E-Commerce darling Kitanotatsujin (2930 JP) was the only negatively-scoring large-cap, foreseeing yet more margin erosion. The shares remain overvalued at 36 EV/TTM OP.

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 04/​​​​​​​14 - Finding Value in ABC-MART & Doutor Nichires

The growth in subscription services is a global phenomenon that has been growing just as fast in Japan as anywhere else. While most attention is given to music and media subscriptions, many brands and retailers of consumer goods are finding that the subscription model can be a key part of their online strategy, delivering multiple benefits across sales growth, customer data, marketing, inventory management and margin improvement.

The growth in subscription services is a global phenomenon that has been growing just as fast in Japan as anywhere else. While most attention is given to music and media subscriptions, many brands and retailers of consumer goods are finding that the subscription model can be a key part of their online strategy, delivering multiple benefits across sales growth, customer data, marketing, inventory management and margin improvement.

The Subscription Economy: Keeping Customers Keen While Earning Recurring Revenues

The following is an in-depth review of the retail sector by format with a brief overview of incomes and consumption trends and metrics before that. For any investor looking at the Japanese consumer/retail space, this insight will provide a rapid overview of all the major trends.2020 was a year to remember, although not for good reasons. While the news was overwhelmingly negative given the devastation that the pandemic caused to so many lives, for Japan as a country the experience could become a catalyst to spur positive change.No matter how much we might never wish to repeat the last 12 months, those governments and companies that learn from the experience will be better positioned whenever a new pandemic emerges.Department stores, convenience stores, and most fashion chains had a horrible year as so many people stayed away from major shopping areas, but many other retailers actually had stellar years, with further upside still to come.

The following is an in-depth review of the retail sector by format with a brief overview of incomes and consumption trends and metrics before that. For any investor looking at the Japanese consumer/retail space, this insight will provide a rapid overview of all the major trends.2020 was a year to remember, although not for good reasons. While the news was overwhelmingly negative given the devastation that the pandemic caused to so many lives, for Japan as a country the experience could become a catalyst to spur positive change.No matter how much we might never wish to repeat the last 12 months, those governments and companies that learn from the experience will be better positioned whenever a new pandemic emerges.Department stores, convenience stores, and most fashion chains had a horrible year as so many people stayed away from major shopping areas, but many other retailers actually had stellar years, with further upside still to come. 

Japan Retail Full Review 2020-2021: Some Retail Sectors Outperform in a Pandemic

Japan

RYOHIN KEIKAKU CO., LTD. is a retailer and wholesaler of Mujirushi Ryohin brand products, which were originally a generic private-brand product.  The Company's product line includes knitwear, food, and household items

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Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)

Shrinking, Ageing Japan but a Growing Solo Market

Japan's population is contracting but there are areas of growth, particularly the solo market (single people living alone) and the senior market....

Michael Causton

Japanese Interiors Market Reaches Record High Boosting Nitori, Muji and Others

The big home interiors retailers like Nitori and Muji as well as the home centre chains are doing well thanks to the expansion of the home decor...

Michael Causton

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 04/14 - Finding Value in ABC-MART & Doutor Nichires

RESULTS - The percentage of positive Results Scores continues to fall, with only 39% of the 116 results reported on Wednesday.

Campbell Gunn

The Subscription Economy: Keeping Customers Keen While Earning Recurring Revenues

Subscriptions to physical goods are rapidly becoming a popular model. In Japan, many major retailers and brands are creating subscriptions, gaining...

Michael Causton

Japan Retail Full Review 2020-2021: Some Retail Sectors Outperform in a Pandemic

An in-depth update for investors in Japan's retail and consumer space on Japan's retail sector by retail type as well as a review of the impact of...

Michael Causton

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Shrinking, Ageing Japan but a Growing Solo Market

Japan's population is contracting but there are areas of growth, particularly the solo market (single people living alone) and the senior market....

Michael Causton

Japanese Interiors Market Reaches Record High Boosting Nitori, Muji and Others

The big home interiors retailers like Nitori and Muji as well as the home centre chains are doing well thanks to the expansion of the home decor...

Michael Causton

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 04/​​​​​​​14 - Finding Value in ABC-MART & Doutor Nichires

RESULTS - The percentage of positive Results Scores continues to fall, with only 39% of the 116 results reported on Wednesday.

Campbell Gunn

The Subscription Economy: Keeping Customers Keen While Earning Recurring Revenues

Subscriptions to physical goods are rapidly becoming a popular model. In Japan, many major retailers and brands are creating subscriptions, gaining...

Michael Causton

Japan Retail Full Review 2020-2021: Some Retail Sectors Outperform in a Pandemic

An in-depth update for investors in Japan's retail and consumer space on Japan's retail sector by retail type as well as a review of the impact of...

Michael Causton

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 04/14 - Finding Value in ABC-MART & Doutor Nichires