Retailers are seeing a boost in sales, fueled by Chinese tourists visiting the nation in droves during the week from Oct. 1 through Sunday, the Chinese holiday period marking the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
With more Chinese tourists expected to visit Japan this year than in 2017, retailers and other businesses are already competing for their spending. Sales are off to a strong start, so far recording higher figures than last year.
The retail industry is working to attract Chinese tourists as part of efforts to recover from a drop in sales following typhoons and an earthquake that recently hit the nation.
Shimamura Aqua City Odaiba store in Minato Ward, Tokyo, put about 70 colorful yukata summer kimono on sale, attracting many Chinese tourists. "My shopping budget is 150,000 yen [about 1,300 dollars]. I also want to go to shops in Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku," said a 32-year-old female engineer visiting Japan from Shanghai with her family.
In China, people take an annual weeklong holiday starting on the anniversary of the nation's founding, Oct. 1.
About 7 million Chinese are expected to go abroad during the holiday season this year. Hundreds of thousands will likely visit Japan, sources said.
In one survey's ranking of popular destinations, Japan climbed to the top spot this year, up from second in 2017. Japanese retailers believe the popularity of the nation is a good business opportunity, as Japan's appeal was not harmed by the recent series of disasters.
The Seibu Ikebukuro main store in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, aims to increase its sales of duty-free goods by 30 percent from the previous year. The department store has launched a discount campaign for customers who buy over a certain amount using WeChat Pay, a popular mobile payment method in China.
So far, sales of duty-free goods at the store are favorable, recording a 20 percent increase from last year.
Lavish spending sprees for luxury items have cooled off, and other retailers have taken measures to attract Chinese customers.
For a limited period during the Chinese holiday week, Don Quijote's Ginza Honkan main building is selling grab bags ranging from 10,000 yen to 50,000 yen containing a hair dryer and other personal care appliances. The store is aiming to boost interest by emphasizing the money-saving nature of the products.
Some areas have seen a negative impact on sales from disasters such as typhoons and the earthquake that hit Hokkaido.
Following Typhoon No. 21 at the beginning of September, very few tourists visited the Kuromon Ichiba Market in Chuo Ward, Osaka. The number of visitors from China and other countries has yet to fully recover, a source close to the market said.
"In spite of the Chinese holiday season, sales haven't returned to normal yet," said an employee of a fresh fish retail shop.
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