Richard's Eye

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

Seasonal Trends

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   -  click the "Start Presentation" button below to view.    Viewing note:  When the Slide show starts click the far right menu icon to view in full screen mode; when finished viewing, hit your Esc / Escape key to return to normal mode.





Supporting seasonal demand are the work bonus system, school calendar and traditional holidays  that regulate  the  flows  of household disposal income.  For comments and data on this see our  "Japan's Seasonal Factors" news article here