News On Japan

Beyond Medicine: Japan's Drugstores in Fierce Competition

TOKYO, Aug 23 (News On Japan) - Drugstores are rapidly expanding across Japan, with the market size reaching over 8.3 trillion yen ($57 billion) in 2023. Introduced to Japan in the 1970s, drugstores initially focused on selling medicine and daily necessities. However, many stores now offer a wide range of products, intensifying competition among companies leveraging their unique strengths.

Some chains are emphasizing their private label products, focusing on health-conscious items, while others are capitalizing on the growing interest in men's cosmetics. Additionally, some drugstores have begun to resemble supermarkets, offering fresh produce like meat and vegetables, as well as ready-made dishes. This has broadened the scope of competition beyond the traditional drugstore industry.

The number of drugstores across Japan has surged, now totaling around 20,000 outlets. Customers frequently visit these stores not just for medicine, but also for daily necessities, attracted by the competitive prices. In response to the growing competition, drugstores are differentiating themselves through various strategies. A noticeable trend is the increasing emphasis on grocery items, with some chains even offering fresh food.

For instance, Welcia Holdings, the top-grossing chain in the industry, has focused on exclusive products under its private brand, "Welcia Class." With around 300 types of health-conscious items, Welcia is leveraging its scale as part of the Aeon Group to capture customer attention. One of its popular items is an exclusive frozen fried rice developed with a famous ramen shop owner in Tokyo.

Meanwhile, Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings, the third-largest player in the market, is expanding its cosmetics line, particularly for men, in response to the rising beauty consciousness among male customers. By collaborating with men's cosmetics manufacturer Mandom, Matsumotokiyoshi has successfully attracted new customers.

Drugstores have evolved since their introduction in the 1970s, alongside Japan's rapid economic growth. Initially selling only pharmaceuticals and daily necessities, they have now broadened their product range significantly. According to industry experts, the key to increasing sales has been expanding the range of frequently purchased items, such as groceries.

For example, Kusuri no Aoki, based in Ishikawa Prefecture, operates stores that resemble supermarkets, with fresh vegetables displayed prominently. The store offers competitively priced fresh produce and ready-made dishes prepared in-house. Kusuri no Aoki's focus on groceries has allowed it to increase sales while maintaining customer interest with affordable prices.

As the competition intensifies, drugstores are not just competing within their industry but are also facing challenges from supermarkets and convenience stores. The battle for survival is becoming increasingly fierce, with each chain striving to capture a larger share of the shrinking population’s spending.

Source: YOMIURI

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Scholars affiliated with the Science Council of Japan formed a symbolic human chain in front of the National Diet building on May 8th, calling for revisions to the government’s proposed reform bill targeting the council’s structure, as deliberations enter their final phase in the Diet.

Across Japan, road collapses have been occurring with increasing frequency, often blamed on aging infrastructure. In one recent incident in Ashioshi, Saitama Prefecture, a truck was swallowed by a gaping sinkhole.

Two men who were arrested for forcibly entering an elementary school in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, and assaulting staff members have been identified as friends of a student's mother. One of the suspects denies the charges, claiming he was only brushing people off after being restrained.

Cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in Wakkanai and Kushiro, marking the near completion of Japan's cherry blossom front for 2025.

As many in Japan returned to work or school on May 7th following the Golden Week holiday, a growing number are reporting post-holiday fatigue and sleep deprivation—conditions that experts warn may point to deeper sleep-related issues.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Business NEWS

Nintendo has announced that it expects a significant boost in revenue for the fiscal year ending March 2026, projecting a 63.1% increase from the previous year to reach 1.9 trillion yen. The strong outlook is driven by the launch of the company’s new home gaming console, the Nintendo Switch 2, set for release in June.

As NTT Docomo and KDDI move to raise their mobile phone fees, SoftBank has also revealed it is considering a similar hike.

As the U.S.-China trade tensions escalate, 151 companies from Shanghai gathered in Osaka for a business fair, with some shifting their focus to Japan by planning store openings and relocating their families.

Mitsubishi Motors has announced that it will procure electric vehicles from Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry, marking the first time a major Japanese automaker will receive EVs from the Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant.

Kansai Electric Power announced plans to construct one of Japan's largest battery storage facilities on the former site of the Tanagawa Power Station in Misaki Town, Osaka Prefecture, in an effort to stabilize the supply of renewable energy.

Police have launched a public awareness campaign to warn local rice farmers about rampant thefts driven by soaring prices.

The newly established Hokkaido Valley Vision Council aims to create a 'Hokkaido version of Silicon Valley' by promoting development around next-generation semiconductor firm Rapidus and transforming the region from Tomakomai to Ishikari into a hub for advanced technology.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group plans to establish a new online-only bank by the end of the next fiscal year, aiming to attract younger customers in an environment where interest-bearing deposits are gaining renewed importance.