11, 01. 2004
Companies
Supermarket
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AEON
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As the major general merchandise stores(GMS), the company has strength in suburban areas, ranking 1st in sales. In 2005, it reached agreement with Carrefour S.A. concerning the formation of a strategic partnership, acquiring all the shares of Carrefour Japan.
http://www.aeon.info/aeoncorp/english/ -
Ito-Yokado
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Ito-Yokado operates stores mainly in eastern Japan centering around Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture, ranking 2nd in sales. The company and other group companies have established their holding company Seven & I Holdings.
http://www.itoyokado.co.jp/company/index1_e.htm -
Daiei
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One of the major food retailers, ranking 3rd in sales, is implementing management reconstruction measures under the support of the Industrial Revitalization Corporation and its sponsor Marubeni Corporation.
http://www.daiei.jp/corporate/ir/annual/ (English is available in Annual Report only)
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SEIYU
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Leading supermarket operator, with majority of stores in the Tokyo metropolitan areas, ranking 4th in sales. Moved under auspices of Wal-Mart Stores of the U.S.A. The company also has capital alliance with Sumitomo Corporation.
http://www.seiyu.co.jp/english/
Home Center
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Cainz
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Major home center operator based in Kanto area, ranking 1st in sales. Retailer of DIY goods, housing improvement appliances, interior accessories, etc.
http://www.cainz.co.jp/english_Site/e_index.html
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Kohnan Shoji
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Home center operator mainly in Osaka, but moved into densely-populated areas in Kansai area including Kobe and Kyoto. It is also advancing into Kanto area. Ranking 2nd in sales in the industry.
http://www.hc-kohnan.com/hc/foreign/engindex.html -
KOMERI
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Major home center operator based in Niigata Prefecture, ranking 3rd in sales. Mainly deals with hardware and gardening goods. Originally rice retailer founded in 1952.
http://www.komeri.bit.or.jp/english/top_e.htm -
NAFCO
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NAFCO has started business as a furniture retailer. The company currently operates furniture shops and home centers mainly western Japan, such as Kyushu and Chugoku areas.
http://www.nafco.tv/corporate/english/
The competent authorities
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Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
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The ministry offers information on regulations regarding retail stores.
http://www.meti.go.jp/english/ -
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
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Information on food safety is available.
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/ -
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan
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The ministry offers information on food distribution, market policies as well as statistics on agriculture.
http://www.maff.go.jp/eindex.html -
Fair Trade Commission of Japan
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Information on anti-monopoly law is provided.
http://www.jftc.go.jp/e-page/
Supermarket and Home Center industry organization
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Japan Retailers Association
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JRA is comprised of retailers and related organizations. The organization holds lectures and conducts surveys on the industry. Statistics on retail industry are available on the website.
http://www.japan-retail.or.jp/english/
