The EU-Japan Centre is pleased to start a new weekly service by publishing brief press reviews from most important Japanese media.

A couple of minutes reading to be informed about what is happening in Japan's policy, economy, EU-Japan relations, and innovation.

The Japan Times: Production returns to Japan as firms review supply chains and take advantage of weak yen (22/10)

Manufacturers with production operations overseas are moving their production back to Japan, because of disruptions in supply chains due to the pandemic and the U.S.-China trade war. Some have also moved manufacturing back to the country.

NHK: Japanese department store sales continue to rebound (26/10)

In September, department stores’ duty-free sales jumped by 20% from a year earlier, rising for the seventh month straight. An increase in overseas visitors due to eased COVID-19 restrictions, along with the depreciation of the yen, led to an upsurge in sales of luxury goods, such as jewelry and art.

NHK: Restaurant sales in Japan up for 10th straight month (25/10)

In September, Japan's major restaurant chains sales were up 19.7% from a year earlier, rising for the 10th consecutive month. Yet, compared to 3 years ago overall sales were still down 5.9%.

NHK: Weak yen attracting more overseas customers to Japanese e-commerce sites (21/10)

There is an increase in people overseas shopping on Japanese e-commerce sites, due to the weak yen. The company Beenos offers a service, called Buyee, by which people can use Japanese e-commerce sites more easily. They report sales have increased by approximately 80 % from two years ago.

The Japan Times: Camping gear in high demand among youths in Japan (27/10)

Camping gear sales in Japan are rising. Demand for camping equipment is especially strong among young people, because solo camping trips are becoming more popular. Also are most camping products highly functional, which allows them to be used at home.

The Japan Times: Bookstores vanish from Japan as population falls (25/10)

The number of bookshops in Japan has decreased by approximately 30% over the last 10 years, as the population declines and internet use increases. Gross profits of bookstores in Japan are around 20%. The publishing industry should start thinking about how to tackle the issue.

The Japan Times: Insurers offer to protect Japan firms from losses due to parental leave (25/10)

Two of Japan’s largest insurers, Sompo Holdings and Tokio Marine Holdings, now offer services that pay out to companies if employees go on parental leave. The number of men who take paternity leave is growing and therefore also the demand for such services rises, amidst labor shortage problems.