Andone Inc.’s Post

Recently, the depreciation of the Japanese yen has made it irresistible for many people, leading them to travel to and spend in Japan. While this undoubtedly benefits Japan's tourism industry, it may have adverse effects on other sectors, particularly manufacturing. The yen's depreciation not only raises Japan's import costs, leading to higher production expenses, but also poses significant challenges for distributors of Japanese products. For instance, our supplier of Japanese Shigeru Kitchen Sink faces a substantial increase in costs, compelling them to adjust their product prices. If the yen's exchange rate remains low, it will be a considerable challenge for companies like ours that distribute Japanese products. For more details, please see my article on HKET, click here: https://lnkd.in/gWfgHuWZ #YenDepreciation #ProsAndConsAnalysis #JapaneseProducts #Distributors #Challenges #RisingCosts #MarketDynamics #Jibpool #日圓貶值 #利弊分析 #日本產品 #代理商 #挑戰 #成本上漲 #市場動態

China’s export growth slowed from 12.7% in October to 6.7% in November, falling below initial projections. This has fueled concerns about the prolonged sluggishness of the Chinese economy, especially since exports were considered a bright spot for China’s growth amidst lacklustre domestic investment and consumer spending, Lianhe Zaobao 联合早报 reports. EAI Senior Research Fellow Yao Li told Zaobao that this slowdown in export growth was not unexpected, seeing as how statistics have indicated that new export orders in the manufacturing sector have been on the decline as early as May this year. Moving forward, Dr Li anticipates that trade will decrease in importance as a measurement of China’s economic performance. To the question of whether China’s economic structure can shift to one that is driven by domestic demand, Dr Li cited positive trends, such as improvements in the consumption data for Double Eleven, China’s biggest annual online shopping festival. She added that investment data for the fourth quarter is also expected to improvefollowing the country’s extensive debt reduction efforts. Nevertheless, further economic challenges lie ahead for China, with the threat of tariffs lurking on the horizon under the Trump administration, she added. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/giUNqU5f 

"Consumer goods are closer to people's lives and perceptions, so during the recovery process of the entire industry, the consumer-goods industry often receives early indicators and experiences significant changes," Frank Bi, head of corporate transactions practice in Asia at Ashurst, told us. Deloitte estimates the total funds raised in consumer sector in the Hong Kong IPO market will reach approximately HK$ 58.8 billion in 2024, accounting for about 69.4% of the total. In comparison, the total funds raised in consumer sector in the Hong Kong IPO market in 2023 was HK$19.1 billion, representing 41.3% of the total. Edward Au, Southern Region Managing Partner at Deloitte China, told us that when making IPO investment choices, investors are most concerned about the economic development of the region where the company is located. Recently, national policies promoting the consumer and retail sectors have boosted investors' confidence. Kenny Wen, head of Investment Strategy at KGI 凱基 Asia, said that mainland Chinese tea brands are eager to leverage the Hong Kong market to expand their business, enhance brand awareness, optimize shareholder structure, and attract overseas funds. Although the recent recovery of the Hong Kong stock market's consumer sector has increased the attractiveness of tea brands, for now, the overall atmosphere of the Hong Kong stock market has not yet returned to its best level. Read: https://lnkd.in/gqMjavp8

Have you ever visited a Japanese “Izakaya”?   みなさんは“居酒屋”に行ったことがありますか？    An izakaya is a type of Japanese bar that serves not only drinks but also a wide variety of dishes, ranging from light snacks to full meals. Known for their lively and welcoming atmosphere, izakaya has long been a popular destination for post-work drinking, student gatherings, or casual drinking & eating with friends.  居酒屋とは、お酒だけでなく、スナックのような軽食から主食まで、幅広い飲食物を提供するバーのような場所で、仕事後の飲み会や学生の集まり、またはカジュアルな飲み会の場として賑わい、長く親しまれてきました。    However, these iconic establishments are now confronting significant challenges due to rising operational costs and changing consumer behaviours.  しかしながら、近年のコストの高騰や消費者動向の変化により、苦戦を強いられているようです。    In 2024, 203 izakaya operators declared bankruptcy in Japan, surpassing the 189 bankruptcies recorded during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020  2024年には203店の居酒屋が倒産を申請、この数は2020年パンデミック最中に記録された189店を上回る数字となりました。    The financial strain comes from increased expenses in materials, energy, and labour, influenced by Japan's inflation rate, which reached a decade-high of approximately 2% in 2023.   経済的困窮は記録的なインフレ率２％による材料費、光熱費、人件費などの高騰に起因しています。    At the same time, consumer spending has tightened. Younger generations are drinking less alcohol and increasingly opting for home-based socializing, reducing demand for traditional izakaya experiences.  それにより、消費者は支出を控えがちとなり、若い世代のお酒の消費量が下がり、自宅での飲み会を好む傾向が見られ、居酒屋への需要が減少しています。    Moreover, Japan’s aging population and a cultural shift away from after-work drinking sessions have further weakened the customer base.  さらに、高齢化により若者の飲み会離れなど、文化的な部分でも変化が生じていることも需要の減少へ拍車をかけているようです。    Despite these challenges, many industry observers remain optimistic, believing that the unique atmosphere and cultural significance of izakayas will help them endure.  このような課題がある中でも、多くの業界関係者は居酒屋の独特の雰囲気や文化的意義が居酒屋の存続を後押しするだろうと楽観的な見方を続けています。    In London and other parts of Europe, Japanese izakayas have also gained popularity. They offer a nostalgic haven for Japanese expatriates and an authentic taste of Japan for locals, with their diverse selection of food and drinks.  ロンドンをはじめ他欧州の都市でも日本の居酒屋がいくつか見られ、人気を博しています。    Do you have a favourite Japanese izakaya in London or Europe? What dishes do you recommend trying at an izakaya?  Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!  欧州でお気に入りの居酒屋はございますか？どんなメニューがお勧めですか？コメント欄でぜひ教えてください！  Source: https://lnkd.in/g8866p3N   #Japan #Japaneseculture #JapanStandardService #Recruitment

It has been observed that this is due to the fact that Japanese senior managers lack international experience and are not agile enough to respond to global changes. In particular, the country was left behind in the IT revolution, with significant changes from global trends. Personally, A narrow-mindedness was perceived in the social implementation of novel food, with the delay in reforming the old system reducing opportunity and being detrimental to the national interest. What should I do for it? Do our very best! https://lnkd.in/gTBpxzfX

Japan and South Korea have been limited in their China-facing policy by their economic ties to the country. Now, as those ties loosen and reliance on China's market dwindles, both countries' connections to China are becoming weaker. South Korea, once heavily reliant on China as an export destination, now faces a probably permanent trade deficit with the country as the two countries' export similarity ratio approaches one. Japan, as detailed below on June 30 and July 1, is slowly and surely pulling back from its presence on the mainland. Are geopolitical forces causing economic decoupling??? Or, is economic decoupling freeing these countries to pursue more aggressive China-facing foreign policies??? Yes. ------------ Yomiuru Shimbun: Isetan Shanghai closes, Japanese department stores closing one after another in China; Takashimaya's sales are on the decline "Japanese department stores are closing one after another in China. The last Isetan store in Shanghai closed on the 30th, and the number of Isetan stores in mainland China has decreased from six at its peak to one. The expansion of online shopping and the real estate downturn have caused a consumer slump, highlighting the difficulties of the department store business." https://lnkd.in/gSt4_xgf ------------- Yomiuri Shimbun: "Mos Burger" withdraws from China for the second time... Unable to establish itself in China due to "difficulties for a Japanese company to manufacture hamburgers in the country" "At a board meeting on June 24, the company resolved to withdraw from its Chinese business, and the local subsidiary it established as a joint venture with Taiwanese companies and others has entered the liquidation process. Mos Food Services opened its first store in Xiamen, Fujian Province, on the coast in 2010, and had 24 stores at its peak in 2015. It had a policy of expanding its store network, aiming to open 100 stores in Shanghai alone. However, "it is difficult for a Japanese company to handle a food ingredient such as a hamburger in China," according to a public relations representative, and the company was unable to establish itself in the country. Mos Food Services also opened a store in China in 1994, but withdrew in 1997. Mos Food Services had about 450 stores in eight countries and regions in Asia and Oceania, including China, from which it has withdrawn. It is believed that going forward, the company will focus its management resources on countries and regions with a large number of stores." https://lnkd.in/gE64qkm2

I enjoyed watching the effort taken to create the typical Japanese school lunch for two reasons. It teaches us that there can be no short cuts to nutritious food and that working together for a common goal requires harmony and coordination. This is also exactly why these Japanese qualities propels them to be one of the top innovators in the regional sustainability pivot. Speaking to some senior japanese executives recently, it is also their wish to see Japanese corporations sharing these innovation with the rest of ASEAN and to be much more adventurous beyond their shores. I fully agree with them. I do believe much synergies can be achieved through closer collaboration between ASEAN and Japan for our shared vision of regional sustainability pivot. #harmony #atittude #vision #sustainabilitypivot #ASEAN #dedication

Why Are Nordic Companies So Successful? 🌍✨ The Nordics are home to global leaders like Spotify, Nokia, Maersk, and Lego. So, what sets them apart? 1️⃣ Global Mindset: Only 2% of revenues for top Nordic companies come from domestic markets—global ambition is in their DNA. 2️⃣ Tech Pioneers: 73% of firms with >10 employees have adopted cloud computing, staying ahead of the curve. 3️⃣ Business-Friendly Environment: Ranked top 10 in economic freedom, setting up a VAT number here takes just a day! 4️⃣ Long-Term Vision: Family-controlled firms like Lego and Maersk focus on sustainable growth over quick wins. But with globalization slowing and protectionism rising, Nordic firms must adapt to find new markets for growth. A strong foundation, but challenges lie ahead—how do you think Nordic companies will evolve? 🤔 https://lnkd.in/ddp9qWZG

It's the beginning of the new Lunar Year tomorrow. The year of the snake chimes particularly well with us on many levels, given our work in change and the Bank of Me. It promises renewal, transformation and growth. Read our latest article for top tips. #BankOfMe #LunarNewYear #ChineseNewYear