| Japan's Zen-Like Consumer Steady-state economy & Japan's reluctant consumers |
| Japan's Seasonal Factors Seasonal income flow & impact on consumer spending |
| Arbitrage & Consumers Law of "One Price" in consumer product markets |
| Japan Viewed from the Outside "Gai-jin," outsiders, views of Japan uncover new insights |
| Mobile phone usage habits -- Japan, China, U.S. JMR study finds culturally influenced patterns |
| Richard May -- interview on iTV Video clip -- marketing research trends in Japan now |
| Software-as-a-Service SaaS changes how you acquire software |
| 1. Japan's Non-consuming Consumers |
| 2. Economic Weather Chart of 47 Prefectures |
| 3. JMR on Economics of Marketing |
Gift buying pattern connection to Japan's seasons
Japan prides itself on its four very distinct seasons. An important part of the trend in consumer demand is the distinctive pattern of gift giving that accompanies each holiday period. Here we present a graphic view of the yearly calendar and associated gift giving items.
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Slide Transcript:
| Month | Promotions/sales |
| March | - Fiscal year start yearly personnel rotations - Girls Day themed sales - White Day themed sales - High-school and university graduation ceremonies related promotions |
| April | - Regular survey of market demand by retailers, supermarkets, etc. - New employee company entry ceremonies, related activities & sales |
| May | - "Golden Week" holidays sales - Mother's Day sales |
| June and July | - "Ochu-gen" mid-summer greetings & gift exchange - Father's Day |
| August | - Mid-term stock and inventory renewal - "Obon" mid-summer holiday promotions |
| September | - Mid-term staff re-assignments - Respect-for-aged holiday promotions |
| October and November | - Mid-term staff re-assignments - Respect-for-aged holiday promotions |
| December | - Year-end sales campaigns - New Year promotions plus Christmas tie-ins |
| January | - Coming-of-age holiday - "Setsubun" promotions preparations |
| February | - Fiscal year end inventory activities (for companies with 2/28/x0 to 3/31/x1 fiscal year) - Valentine promotions |
