The Japanese food distribution system and the Large Scale Retail Store Law

Abstract

Spotlights important developments in the Japanese food distribution system over the past two to three years. States that, foreign pressure, combined with economic and social change in Japan, has forced the Japanese Government to alter some government regulations, including the Large Scale Retail Store Law. Reports that these regulatory changes, combined with other changes in the Japanese economy and society, have led to an increase in the number of supermarkets in Japan, and also to an expansion in the number of convenience stores and mini supermarkets. Discusses these developments and outlines possible implications for foreign firms interested in selling into the Japanese food market.