MERXWIRE NEWSROOM Press Releases

Published on April 3, 2026 - 14:59 GMT

Japan Pushes Contactless Delivery Policy; Aims for 50% Usage by 2030

To address labor shortages and rising delivery demand, the Japanese government has approved the “Logistics Policy Outline,” accelerating the adoption of contactless delivery methods such as “placement delivery” and targeting a usage rate of 50% by fiscal …

Distribution channels: Consumer Goods, Culture, Society & Lifestyle ...

Published on April 3, 2026 - 14:58 GMT

Japan Convenience Stores Hit Record Sales, but Face Declining Foot Traffic and Price Pressures

Japan’s convenience store industry has recorded its highest-ever sales, but is facing declining customer traffic, as rising prices and shifting consumer behavior present growing challenges. Japan’s convenience store sales hit record highs, but falling foot …

Distribution channels: Business & Economy, Consumer Goods ...

Published on April 3, 2026 - 14:58 GMT

Desserts Become Luxury Goods! Cocoa Price Surge Pushes Chocolate into High-Cost Era

According to Statista, cocoa prices stayed between $2 and $3/kg from 2016, rose to $7.33 in 2024, and are estimated to peak at $8 in 2025. Prices may drop slightly afterward but remain above the ten-year average. Rising cocoa costs and tight supply push …

Distribution channels: Consumer Goods, Food & Beverage Industry ...

Published on March 19, 2026 - 04:41 GMT

A Decade of Gains Gold Prices Climb 300% Safe Haven Status in Focus

Dubbed the “King of Safe Havens,” gold has experienced price fluctuations over the past decade but has maintained a steady upward trend. From around $1,050 per ounce in early 2016, gold surged past $5,000 per ounce by January 2026, capturing the market’s …

Distribution channels: Banking, Finance & Investment Industry, Business & Economy ...

Published on March 19, 2026 - 04:40 GMT

Japan’s Breakfast Market Hits Record High as Brunch Boom Fuels Dining Industry Growth

Changing lifestyles and proactive industry expansion have pushed Japan’s breakfast market to a record high in 2025, with demand continuing to rise. Japan’s breakfast market has reached a record high. (Photo via MERXWIRE) TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – Japan’s …

Distribution channels: Culture, Society & Lifestyle, Food & Beverage Industry ...

Published on March 19, 2026 - 04:39 GMT

Brown Rice Gains Popularity for Health Benefits; Online Searches Up 24% Over the Past Decade

The trend toward healthier eating is driving renewed interest in brown rice. According to Japan’s Brown Rice Food White Paper 2025, online searches for brown rice have increased by 24% over the past decade, while the market for health-focused grains …

Distribution channels: Agriculture, Farming & Forestry Industry, Consumer Goods ...

Published on March 19, 2026 - 04:38 GMT

Tokyo’s Ideal Residential Areas Shift to Suburbs as Rising Prices Change Housing Choices

As Tokyo’s housing prices continue to rise, popular rental and home-buying locations are moving from the city center to more affordable, convenient suburban areas. Convenient, affordable suburbs are now popular for renting and buying. (Photo via MERXWIRE) …

Distribution channels: Culture, Society & Lifestyle, Real Estate & Property Management ...

Published on March 19, 2026 - 04:33 GMT

Global Food Prices End a Five-Month Decline, While Wheat Prices Rose Against the Trend by 1.8% in February

Amid mounting pressure from geopolitical tensions and rising energy costs, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) reported that global wheat prices increased by 1.8% month over month in February 2026. The burden of higher living …

Distribution channels: Agriculture, Farming & Forestry Industry, Business & Economy ...

Published on February 26, 2026 - 06:23 GMT

Global Museums See Strong Rebound as Visitor Numbers Near Pre-Pandemic Levels

With the normalisation of global cross-border travel, museum attendance saw a significant resurgence in 2025. Iconic institutions, such as the Musée du Louvre, have regained the 9-million-visitor milestone, with cultural organisations in numerous countries …

Distribution channels: Culture, Society & Lifestyle, Travel & Tourism Industry

Published on February 26, 2026 - 05:18 GMT

Foreign Tourists Face Higher Fees as Attractions Revise Pricing Policies

Many popular tourist attractions around the world have implemented a “double pricing system,” with foreign tourists generally paying higher prices than domestic residents. The price difference at some attractions exceeds 20 times. As tourism fully recovers …

Distribution channels: Travel & Tourism Industry ...

Published on February 25, 2026 - 07:46 GMT

Increased Risk of Snow Melting Disasters: Tourists in Japan Must Be Vigilant

Rising snowmelt in Japan increases the risk of slips and avalanches. Travelers should stay cautious, especially in mountains and icy areas. Take extra care to avoid slipping when clearing snow or walking outdoors. (Photo via MERXWIRE) TOKYO, JAPAN ( …

Distribution channels: Travel & Tourism Industry

Published on February 25, 2026 - 07:45 GMT

Japan Tourism Remains Resilient Despite 60.7% Drop in Chinese Visitors

Multi-story wooden inns, built between the late Taisho and early Showa eras, line the banks of the Ginzan River in Ginzan Onsen. As dusk falls, crowds of tourists gather to witness snowflakes dancing under the warm glow of the town’s iconic gas lamps. ( …

Distribution channels: Travel & Tourism Industry

Published on February 25, 2026 - 07:44 GMT

Hamamatsu Tops Japan in Household Gyoza Spending for Third Consecutive Year

Gyoza (dumplings) are a favorite among the residents of Hamamatsu. (Photo via MERXWIRE) TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – According to the latest household survey released by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Hamamatsu City households spent …

Distribution channels: Food & Beverage Industry

Published on February 25, 2026 - 07:43 GMT

【台湾・台東】山海の恵みを世界へ　優良企業8社を率いて日本へ

台東県政府、8社とともに「FOODEX JAPAN 2026」出展へ TAITUNG, TAIWAN (MERXWIRE) – 台東県政府は2月24日、THE GAYA HOTEL内の「Gaya Café（ガヤ・カフェ）」にて「FOODEX JAPAN 2026 （国際食品・飲料展）台東パビリオン」の出展記者会見を開催しました。会見では、台東県地元の優秀企業8 …

Distribution channels: Food & Beverage Industry, Travel & Tourism Industry ...

Published on February 5, 2026 - 11:19 GMT

Spring Pollen Season Hits Japan – Visitors Should Be Careful

Japan’s cedar pollen season is approaching, with high concentrations expected in eastern and northern regions. Travelers are advised to wear protective gear and monitor daily pollen forecasts. Japan’s pollen season is approaching, and overseas travelers …

Distribution channels: Culture, Society & Lifestyle, Travel & Tourism Industry ...

Published on February 5, 2026 - 11:18 GMT

Foreign Workers in Japan Hit Record High, Accounting for 4.1% of Total Workforce

Japan’s ongoing demographic decline continues to reshape its labor market, with the number of foreign workers reaching a record 2.57 million. Labor-intensive industries such as manufacturing and services remain the primary sectors employing overseas …

Distribution channels: Culture, Society & Lifestyle, Travel & Tourism Industry ...

Published on February 5, 2026 - 08:38 GMT

World Economic Forum Warns of Growing Uncertainty in Global Outlook

A recent international survey indicates that global economic and social risks are on the rise. The interplay of economic confrontation, social polarisation, and environmental challenges is impacting prices, employment, and structural stability, leaving …

Distribution channels: Banking, Finance & Investment Industry, Business & Economy ...

Published on February 5, 2026 - 08:36 GMT

The Era of Unmanned Stores: Self-Checkout Becomes Mainstream in Japan

Labor shortages and rising wages are driving Japan’s shift to self-checkout and unmanned stores, making automated shopping an increasingly common part of daily life. Many Japanese stores expanding overseas also use self-checkout. (Photo via MERXWIRE) TOKYO …

Distribution channels: Automotive Industry, Banking, Finance & Investment Industry ...

Published on February 5, 2026 - 08:36 GMT

Japan Tourism Hits Record as Foreign Visitors Exceed 40 Million

Japan’s tourism sector has reached a historic milestone, as international visitor arrivals surged past 40 million in 2025, setting a new annual record and highlighting the country’s growing appeal as a top global travel destination. Japan breaks monthly …

Distribution channels: Automotive Industry, Banking, Finance & Investment Industry ...

Published on February 5, 2026 - 08:35 GMT

Rising Costs and Waste Shadow Japan’s Setsubun Ehomaki Tradition

Rising prices and food waste concerns shadow Japan’s Setsubun ehomaki tradition. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative urges consumers to pre-order, share, and buy responsibly. Many convenience stores are displaying flyers to promote pre-orders of “ehomaki sushi …

Distribution channels: Culture, Society & Lifestyle, Food & Beverage Industry ...

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