Graffiti and Declining Sales: Coca-Cola’s Vending Machine Struggles in Osaka

Japan, Route to Market, Vending / By

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan (CCBJ) oversees bottling, sales, and distribution across retail, vending, and foodservice channels. In Japanese business language, this frontline activity is known as the genba (現場) —the coal face, where strategy meets reality. As a publicly listed entity, CCBJ reports its financial results regularly. Its second-quarter (H1) earnings presentation drew attention online, as […]

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小樽
Otaru, Hokkaido

Cracking the Crab Code: Can Otaru’s Seafood Find a Global Route to Market?

Japan, Tourism / By

Last week, I returned from a summer trip to Hokkaido, Japan’s northern frontier—and a rising star in the global seafood trade. With its cool, UK-like climate and rich marine bounty, Hokkaido offers a compelling case study for exporters and market entry strategists alike. Otaru: A Historic Port with Modern Potential Nestled just north of Sapporo,

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How Onitsuka Tiger Became a Japanese Fashion Powerhouse – Outpacing Global Giants

Fashion, Market entry / By

A Lesson in Branding: Onitsuka Tiger Defies Expectations I’ve always harboured a degree of scepticism when it comes to brand management in Japan—especially in the food and beverage sector, where structured marketing departments are often lacking or non-existent. But fashion brand Onitsuka Tiger breaks the mould entirely. From Kobe Origins to Global Expansion Originally founded in Kobe

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From Cereal Toppings to Category Drivers: What Goji Berries Reveal About Marketing Penetration

Analytics, Marketing / By

The other morning, I added a handful of Goji berries to my cereal. I enjoy dried fruit, but most cereals fall short when it comes to variety and volume of fruit inclusions. The Goji berries were bright red, chewy, but—after a few days—sticky. Despite their “superfood” halo, they still contain fructose. But that’s not the

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Inside Lawson’s Futuristic AI-Powered Convenience Store in Tokyo

Other / By

25th June 2025 On Monday, on the 6th floor of Lawson’s soon-to-open head office (set to debut this July), a press event offered a sneak peek into the retailer’s futuristic new tech store. Japan’s convenience stores are iconic and hugely successful—not just at home but increasingly across Asia. While Lawson trails behind industry leader 7-Eleven

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Japan’s Love for Belgian Chocolate – Insights from Expo 2025

Belgium, Japan, Market entry / By

Whilst Expo 2025 Osaka is largely an event for the general public, business and trade discussions play a crucial role.  Yesterday, I had the opportunity to be a VIP guest at the Belgian Pavilion, exploring key industries that are core to Belgium’s export engine—Chocolate, Biscuits, and Coffee. The event featured presentations from four leading Belgian

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Châteraisé’s Quest for a Hero Product in Dubai – Have They Done Their Homework?

Marketing / By

Observations from a flying visit (May 2025) Flying from Japan to Europe these days often involves a gruelling journey over Alaska with hours spent gazing at Greenland—or a much more tolerable route through the Middle East. I, for one, lack the patience for the former and typically opt for a stopover in Dubai or Qatar.

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What Lawson’s Osaka Test Store Tells Us About Their Next Big Move in Asia

Retail / By

In 2024, Japan’s second-largest convenience store chain, Lawson, was delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange by its new owners, trading house Mitsubishi and communications giant KDDI. Lawson has long played second fiddle to market leader 7-Eleven, but could it be poised to overtake its rival in key Asian markets? In Japan, Lawson operates around 14,000

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Trump’s Tariffs: Strategic Insights for Consumer Products Leaders

Pricing, Regulation, Tax / By

America imports over $1.3 billion of French wine, while Italy ships over $600 million of pasta stateside annually. Although the U.S. has a substantial domestic pet food business, did you know it imports over 39 million tons of dog and cat food annually? All these items and many more are being hit with new tariffs,

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