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Tag: Japan

  • GreyOrange released GreyMatter for robotics warehouse automation

    GreyOrange released GreyMatter for robotics warehouse automation

    Leading robotics and automation company, GreyOrange, announced the release of its next-generation software platform, GreyMatterTM, at the launch of the latest warehouse of the Nitori Holdings Group, Japan’s largest furniture and home furnishing chain with over 400 stores. The ButlerTM robotics system from GreyOrange is deployed at the Osaka centre of Home Logistics, a logistics subsidiary of Nitori Holdings which operates 34 distribution bases and a logistics network for product delivery to stores and e-commerce customers across Japan.

    In the Butler system, GreyMatterTM is an end-to-end Intelligent Order Fulfilment software solution from GreyOrange that controls and manages automation in a warehouse via collaboration among devices comprising Butler robots, storage racks, pick-put stations, charging stations, among others. Central to the GreyMatter software is its Artificial Intelligence (AI) which operates at several levels to drive autonomous collaboration to automate warehouse functions and processes.

    Its always-on AI algorithms learns from large amounts of data and identifies patterns quickly to perform in real-time to make super-smart decisions. It adapts to changing inventory profiles and order fulfilment requirements to optimise path planning and navigation of the robots and racks. This enables the team of robots to work together to maximise storage, streamline zoning, improve space utilisation and accelerate order fulfilment. This is particularly important for operations handling same and next day deliveries that require faster efficiency and accuracy, and a higher throughput in a volatile multi-SKU environment. The GreyMatter software is applicable across industries such as Ecommerce, Store Retail and Factory Warehouses.

    Manabu Matsuura, CEO of Home Logistics said, “For a start we stocked over the most popular items capable of fulfilling thousands of online orders a day. The Butler robotics and advanced software collaborate among the devices to take efficiency to new heights. The most number of items are brought from the racks to be picked in the shortest time, which is a very productive process. Over time as the system is continuously learning about our products, we expect to see increasingly higher levels of efficiency. Our staff appreciate working with these new processes as it is easy and they are seeing good results in their output. ”

    Nalin Advani, CEO – APAC, GreyOrange commented, “GreyOrange and GROUND Inc. our distributor in Japan, are honoured to work with the Nitori Group to deploy our Butler robotics solution and launch our next-generation Artificial Intelligence, GreyMatter, at the Home Logistics centre. E-commerce growth in Japan is forecasted to grow to US$200 billion within the next three years, and will accelerate annually in the lead up to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. We are excited to play our part in this exhilarating journey.”

    He added, “On top of Nitori’s industry-leading warehouse operations, we worked together to layer the AI-powered software to create a revolutionary process for order fulfilment. Within the AI of GreyMatter, the Industry Engine we have designed for E-Commerce provides control at even more granular levels than before.  Using machine learning and analytics, it is able to predict product popularity and seasonal trends, and more, to magnify the efficiencies for real-time order management.”

  • K11 art mall to open Pokemon Hub soon

    K11 art mall to open Pokemon Hub soon

    A Pokemon Hub will open in Tsim Sha Tsui’s K11 art mall in time for Christmas.

    Few details have been released, including the opening date, but the official Facebook page has been publishing images of items on their way from Tokyo.

    Pokemon stores in Japan offer themed sweets, tableware, trading cards and plush toys.

    Pokemon Hub is the first official and permanent Pokemon store outside of Japan licensed by The Pokemon Company.

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  • FamilyMart Japan to sell its Interests

    FamilyMart Japan to sell its Interests

    Japanese convenience store company FamilyMart Uny Holdings may sell its Hong Kong retail interests.

    Working with a financial adviser, the company is seeking about US$100 million for its three stores, insiders say.

    In Hong Kong, FamilyMart Uny runs department stores under the Apita, Piago and Uny brand names. They sell stationery, clothing and food ranging from local produce to imported chocolate, wine and wagyu beef.

    Government statistics show that sales in Hong Kong’s supermarket industry fell 0.1 per cent in the first 10 months of this year, compared with overall retail industry sales rising 1.2 per cent.

    A spokesman told the company had no plans to sell the stores at the moment.

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  • Hansa Heavy Lift Develops Tailored Solutions For Floating Unit Customers Globally

    Hansa Heavy Lift Develops Tailored Solutions For Floating Unit Customers Globally

    HANSA HEAVY LIFT has strengthened its position in the floating unit market after successfully completing a series of projects in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

     

    The moves included the transportation of 45 yachts in one consignment, as well as the safe delivery of two oversized barges and three tugs.

     

    “We see much potential in the floating unit market. Our very adaptable heavy lift ships and engineering know-how ensures we are able to meet our customers’ bespoke requirements globally, no matter the challenges,” said Emek Ersin Takmaz, Head of Projects, Engineering Department, HANSA HEAVY LIFT.

     

    The consignment of 45 yachts was recorded as the largest number of yachts shipped on a single vessel for Peters & May, and took place aboard HHL New York, with the journeys originating in the USA and the Caribbean and concluding in the UK and Germany, coordinated by bespoke logistics provider Peters & May.

     

    HANSA HEAVY LIFT crews worked with Peters & May’s expert loadmasters to load the yachts with their masts up at Port Everglades in Florida, USA, St Thomas, and Antigua, and delivered them to the ports of Southampton, UK, and Bremerhaven, Germany.

     

    “Working with a trusted partner, such as HANSA HEAVY LIFT on key projects such as this, means all stages of the operation – from planning to execution – are flawlessly executed. Both teams’ high attention to detail allowed us to provide the optimum service our clients expect. We look forward to working with HANSA HEAVY LIFT on exciting projects in the future,” said Simon Judson, Global Operations Director, Peters & May Group.

     

    HANSA HEAVY LIFT also transported a bunker barge from Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, to Mazatlán, Mexico, and a petroleum barge from Antwerp, Belgium to Banana, Democratic Republic of Congo.

     

    HHL Tokyo delivered the bunker barge, which measured 53.37m long by 12.49m wide by 14m high, and weighed 516 metric tonnes, whilst HHL Venice transported the petroleum barge, measuring 71.65m long by 12.30m wide by 6.90m high, and weighed 410 metric tonnes.

     

    The heavy lift specialist also transported three tugs from Singapore to Russia on board HHL New York. The heaviest tug measured 33.7m long by 10.6m wide by 22.3m high and weighed 467 metric tonnes.

     

    “This project was a race against time, which required us to find an efficient and cost-effective solution to be able to lift the tugs and transport them safely on our vessel,” said Takmaz.

     

    “Tailor-made steel structures were designed and suitable lifting solutions developed for each tug by our in-house engineers.”

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  • Kanebo Cosmetics President plan to depart

    Kanebo Cosmetics President plan to depart

    Kanebo Cosmetics announced that Masumi Natsusaka, the company’s President, is scheduled to leave his post at the end of the year.

    Natsusaka has served in the role of the president of Kanebo since 2012, and is credited for orchestrating the brand’s recall of 50 products due to white splotches reported on the skin of customers, caused by Rhododenol. Following this, Natsusaka also made improvements to the company’s customer response bureau.

    In addition, Kanebo said Natsusaka’s successor, Yoshihiro Murakam, is planned to start in the head role, effective January 1, 2018.

    Natsusaka joined Kao Corp. in 1986, the owner of Kanebo since 2006, and previously served as president of its global skincare business. He is a graduate of Tokyto’s Rikkyo University.

    Kanebo has been strengthening its global reach and product portfolio in recent seasons. In 2016, the Japanese brand launched a namesake luxury skincare line and high-end cosmetic collection in its domestic market.

    More recently, Kanebo brought the same line to the European market in September 2017. In addition to the new brand, it also revealed its prestige line Sensai in Europe, the Middle East and South Africa.

    Looking ahead, Kanebo Cosmetics aims to bring its new line of skincare products to China in 2020. Kanebo hopes its namesake brand will become a pillar of global operations and is aiming for 30 billion yen ($264 million) in annual sales by 2020.

    In China, the brand already offers midrange products under its Kate, freeplus and other brands, priced at around 1,000 yen to 3,500 yen per item. Kanebo-branded products will be priced higher than those brands, and sales are said to begin in major cities such as Shanghai before being expanded across the country.

    For the year ending December 31, Kao Corp.’s net profit grew 20.3 percent to 126.55 billion yen ($1.17 billion). Net sales for the same period declined 1.1 percent to 1.46 trillion yen. Hindered by currency exchanges, yearly sales would have increased by 3.2 percent.

  • New face for Chanel Japan Flagship store

    New face for Chanel Japan Flagship store

    Following a three-year renovation, Chanel Japan has re-opened its flagship store on Namiki Dori in Ginza.

    Initially opening in 1994, the store was the brand’s first Japanese standalone boutique. As well as new interiors, architect Peter Marino has given the nine-storey building a fresh facade with matte black and white panels alluding to Chanel’s iconic colour palette. For the first two months, the building will feature an artwork by Shuji Mukai.

    Inside, the store features curated works from international contemporary artists, including an ink painting by Heinz Mack, a bronze relief by Anthony Pearson and a painting by Gregor Hildebrandt.

    On the ground floor, bags and accessories are displayed on sleek shelving and custom-made cabinets. On the second floor, the palette is softer with beige carpeting and matching furnishings to background shoes and more accessories.

    More bags feature on the third floor alongside the ready-to-wear collection, repeated on the next floor in a setting defined by gold and black accents.

    On the eighth floor is Le Salon Beaute, which offers a fusion of western and oriental face and body treatments, while the top floor is home to Le Salon Prive, an exclusive event space.

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  • UNIQLO to Launch UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON Spring/Summer 2018 Collection

    UNIQLO to Launch UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON Spring/Summer 2018 Collection

    Uniqlo announces plans to launch a Spring/Summer 2018 UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON collection, following the positive response worldwide for its Fall/Winter2017 line. The new collection, created once again in collaboration with London-based fashion brand JW ANDERSON, will include items for men and women, and will be available in the upcoming Spring/Summer 2018 season at selected UNIQLO stores and online at www.uniqlo.com/sg.

    Commenting on the announcement, Jonathan Anderson said, “The first UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON collaboration was super exciting for me, and I am very happy with the results. I am proud of it and I think the pieces are incredibly well made. The line was also a good bridge between the ideal of British classicism and my own brand.”He added,“The Spring/Summer 2018 collection is about items that interlink with each other. It’s about layering this time. The idea is to mix and match things together, and I truly hope you will enjoy it.”

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  • FamilyMart expands to 24hrs gym

    FamilyMart expands to 24hrs gym

    Japan’s FamilyMart is about to launch a fitness club chain, Fit & Go.

    Like its convenience stores, the gyms will be open 24 hours a day.

    Around-the-clock gyms have been growing in popularity in Japan, mainly supported by the age range of FamilyMart’s primary customer demographic, as reported. While equipment may vary, all locations will offer treadmills and weight machines, as well as personal trainers, says FamilyMart. There will also be showers.

    A certain amount of synergy is expected by the company as customers can buy workout-related items such as towels, soap and dietary supplements in the neighbouring convenience store.

    Attached to FamilyMart in Tokyo’s Ota ward, the first Fit & Go is expected to open in February.

    “While the gyms won’t have as much floor space as larger fitness centres, the aim is to provide a convenient place for people to get in a quick 30-minute workout at the start or end of their daily commute,” says Sora News 24. “It could be a great way to stay in shape, provided you don’t make a habit of rewarding yourself with a piece of FamilyMart’s fried chicken after you’re done.”

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  • Mitsui Outlet Park continue its opening phase

    Mitsui Outlet Park continue its opening phase

    About 35 new stores are lined up for the soft opening of phase two of Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang on December 15.

    An official launch is slated for February, says Mitsui Fudosan (Asia) Malaysia, which runs the project in a JV with Malaysia Airport Holdings, MFMA Development.

    Shops making their first appearance in Malaysia include Hummer bags store and The Beauty Laboratory by Shiseido.

    “The expansion will also introduce a good retail mix ranging from fashion apparel and accessories, sports and kidswear to cosmetics and personal care, with diversification into entertainment and amusement as well as specialty stores,” says Mitsui Fudosan.

    Phase 2’s environmental design follows the park’s “tropical resort” theme and also features the Sky Walk, River Walk and Forest Walk. The first phase opened in May 2015.

    Headquartered in Japan, Mitsui Fudosan is expanding in Asia with Shanjing Outlet Plaza Nimbo and Mitsui Outlet Park Linkou in Taiwan.

    For next year the group plans to open Mitsui Outlet Park Taichung Port in Taiwan, followed by Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Shanghai Jinqiao in 2020 and Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Kuala Lumpur in 2021.

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  • Japan inflation ticks up but far from target

    Japan inflation ticks up but far from target

    Japan’s consumer prices rose for the 10th straight month in October, government data showed Friday, but inflation was still far from the target seen as crucial to revive the world’s third-largest economy.

    The core inflation rate was 0.8 percent year-on-year in October, according to data published by the internal affairs ministry, far below the two-percent target set by the Bank of Japan (BoJ).

    When the volatile prices for fresh food and energy were stripped out, prices rose by even less — 0.2 percent, the ministry said.

    Japan’s economy has battled deflation for many years and the BoJ’s ultra-loose monetary policy appears to be having limited impact.

    Other data showed that October household spending — seen as key for exiting deflation — remained flat compared to the same month a year earlier.

    However, this was better than the 0.3-percent drop market analysts were expecting.

    Household spending had fallen by 0.3 percent in September after rising by 0.6 percent in August.

    The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.8 percent for the fifth consecutive month, also in line with market expectations, the ministry said.

    Japan has notched up seven straight quarters of economic growth — the longest positive run for 16 years — with the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games giving the economy a shot in the arm.

    However, consumer spending has remained weak and deflation continues to stalk the economy.

    Japan’s weak inflation stands in sharp contrast to other major economies whose central bankers are looking to wind up their easing policies.

    The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to hike rates for the third time this year in December and U.S. policymakers have forecast another three rate hikes in 2018.

    Meanwhile, the European Central Bank has announced it would halve its massive bond purchases from January as the eurozone recovery gathers pace, allowing the Frankfurt institution to begin winding down its crisis-era stimulus measures.

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  • Nissan’s Japan car sales slide for second month after compliance scandal

    Nissan’s Japan car sales slide for second month after compliance scandal

    Nissan Motor Co’s sales of domestic passenger cars fell by almost half in November – its second straight month of slides in the wake of a compliance scandal and its first since it resumed production of cars for the home market.

    Revelations that Nissan failed to follow proper final inspection procedures for its domestic market cars have resulted in a recall of 1.2 million cars and a halt to production of vehicles it makes for the Japanese market over three weeks to early November.

    Japan’s second-biggest automaker has previously said it would take a month or so until production returns to regular levels.

    Its sales of passenger cars, excluding minivehicles, tumbled 46.8 percent in November from a year earlier to 16,888 vehicles, the Japan Automobile Dealers Association said on Friday. That follows a slide of around 53 percent in October.

    Nissan said in October that uncertified inspectors had for decades signed off on vehicle checks required by the transport ministry for cars sold in the country. It has blamed staffing shortages and said it would increase the number of trained staff to prevent a recurrence of the issue.

    The checks are not required for exported vehicles.

    The scandal at Nissan has come amidst a raft of scandals at Japanese manufacturers that have raised questions about compliance and quality control, including a data falsification scandal at Kobe Steel Ltd (5406.T).

    Subaru Corp (7270.T) has also admitted it had not been following proper inspection issues going back around 30 years. Last month, sales of its passenger cars fell 13 percent from a year ago.

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  • More discount from Don Don Donki for Singaporean

    More discount from Don Don Donki for Singaporean

    Japanese discount store Don Don Donki opens its first Southeast Asian outlet at Orchard Central today, to be followed by a second outlet at the 100 AM mall in Tanjong Pagar in June.

    The aim is to have at least 10 stores in Singapore within the next four or five years.

    Over two storeys, the Orchard Central megastore will be open 24/7 and also feature a “night market” concept featuring eight dining outlets in partnership with food manufacturer Hokkaido Marche. This section will launch next month and be open only during dinner hours.

    Don Don Donki’s product range of about 30,000 items was curated for Singapore and spans fresh and processed foods, vegetables, meat, sushi, groceries, beverages, costumes, clothing, cosmetics, novelty goods and household items. A third of the product selection is from Hokkaido.

    Covering 1400sqm, Don Don Donki will also offer products from its in-house brand Jonetsu Kakaku as well as a Hokkaido-themed retail space.

    The brand is known for its wide range of made-and-designed-in-Japan products – from toilet paper to second-hand Rolex watches.

    Better known as Donki, the store was founded by Japanese businessman Takao Yasuda in 1978 and is owned by the Don Quijote Group. Its stores in Singapore will be run by Pan Pacific International Holdings, its holding company for overseas business.

    Name change

    While the stores in Japan are called Don Quijote, its Singapore branch name has been changed to avoid confusion with a local Spanish restaurant of the same name. The term “Don Don Donki” was taken from the store’s theme song.

    “The idea to have Don Don Donki in Singapore was suggested by Hokkaido Marche,” said Yasuda, 68, who “semi-retired” a couple of years ago and moved to Singapore. “When I came here, I realised products in Singapore are very expensive, and in Japan I’m known as the king of discounts.

    “What costs one dollar in Japan is sometimes two or three dollars here.”

    So when he was approached by Hokkaido Marche to partner and open its concepts in Singapore, he agreed immediately.

    Pan Pacific International Holdings director Hideki Okada says the Singapore store is a pioneer for the rest of Southeast Asia. It will be followed by a branch in Thailand next November.

    With 368 stores in Japan, Hawaii and the US, the brand earned nearly ¥828.8 billion (US$7.3 billion) in annual sales for the fiscal year to June 30.

  • Tokyo plan its permanent Pokemon cafe

    Tokyo plan its permanent Pokemon cafe

    While themed restaurants are usually temporary affairs in Japan, Tokyo is about to have its first permanent Pokemon diner.

    Opening in the Takashimaya department store in Nihonbashi, the cafe will feature food, drinks, and décor that draws on decades of Pokemon anime and videogame aesthetics.

    Scheduled to arrive at Takashimaya Nihonbashi at the same time is a Pokemon specialty shop, Pokemon Center Tokyo DX. Like similar Pokemon shops, it will offer exclusive merchandise related to the game character.

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  • All about tourism in Asia

    All about tourism in Asia

    Leading insurance company, AIG brought together expert panelists from leading organisations Agoda, Hong Kong Airlines and Sunflower Travel to talk about the latest travel trends, habits and risks for travellers from Hong Kong.

    All of the panelists confirmed that their data shows the top destination for all generations of Hong Kong travellers is Japan.

    Meeting these demands, Hong Kong Airlines, has increased its flight departures to Japan and is now the carrier with the most flights from Hong Kong, providing 85 per week.

    Data analysis from Agoda, showed that over the last five years, the demand for Japan has dramatically increased with up to 40% of Hong Kongers choosing this as the number one holiday destination.

    Safety of a country is the main priority for people in Hong Kong. In the last two years, Eastern Europe and Russia have become popular destinations for travellers looking for safer and visa-free long-haul destinations.” Dennis Owen, General Manager of Branding and Social Media at Hong Kong Airlines added, “The top overseas destinations are Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. In 2018, we will see other up and coming destinations including the Maldives, which we have just launched direct routes to following the demand. Other popular destinations will include long-haul travel to the USA.”

    A recent survey by MoveHub, identified Hong Kong citizens as the world’s biggest travellers, taking over 10 holidays a year. According to ESD Life, people from Hong Kong spend 70% of their annual leave travelling overseas.

    Business Monitor International research showed that outbound departures from Hong Kong increased by an estimated 4.7% year-on-year and forecasts that this will keep increasing each year.

    “Social media is playing a huge role in helping the younger generation define their travel choices. People trust people, friends and families over brands. They see their friends posting on social media and want to go to those places. There has also been a significant increase in Hong Kong travellers booking their flights using their mobiles, especially since the screens have become larger and it is easier than ever to use the booking apps. Hong Kongers are price savvy and will book their trips overseas around airline promotions to secure a good deal. In 2018, we expect to see a growing trend for in-depth travel with people focusing on one place to visit rather than multiple destinations. Interest in visiting secondary cities will also increase, especially in countries like Japan,” added Dennis Owen, from Hong Kong Airlines.

    Peter Allen, Managing Director at Agoda Outside, commented, “A large proportion of our customers booking online are Millennials, aged between 31-40 years old. We have found that people in Hong Kong are planners and book their travel up to seven weeks in advance, earlier than any other market in the region. We can also see that they are booking traditional hotels, spending an average of HKD $1,000 per night for short-haul accommodation. Travellers are choosing mid-range hotels with 3 – 3.5 stars however, when travelling to longhaul destinations, they will choose to upgrade to 4 – 4.5-star properties. We are also beginning to see a rapid increase in Hong Kongers booking non-hotel accommodation, especially when visiting Japan during the summer holidays. One reason for this is visitors are wanting to experience how locals are living and will opt for an apartment instead.”

    According to Terrence Leung at Sunflower Travel, “The group travel sector in Hong Kong is dominated by people aged 40 plus with more disposable time and income. With the emerging trend for authentic experiences, retirees are looking for extraordinary journeys, including luxury river cruises along the Amazon and fly-cruises to Antarctica with an average travelling time of 9-12 days for long-haul trips. We also work closely with primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong, arranging educational student group trips to nearby destinations including Singapore, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. The Hong Kong Government is very passionate about this and supports students visiting and learning about other countries.”

    Commenting on new travel trends in the market, Catherine Mak from AIG added, “AIG is always adapting to the way people are travelling. Over the last year, we have noticed a demand for people looking to be protected when taking part in marathon-running holidays. In response to this growing trend, we have adjusted our Travel products.”

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  • Japanese property giant, Tokyu invests in Titijaya’s unit

    Japanese property giant, Tokyu invests in Titijaya’s unit

    Titijaya Land Bhd has roped in Japanese leading property giant, Tokyu Land Corp, to be the new shareholder of its wholly-owned Epoch Property Sdn Bhd in a RM47 million deal.

    Epoch Property sealed a conditional share subscription agreement with Tokyu for the subscription of 47 million Class A ordinary shares in Epoch Property worth RM47 million.

    Titijaya said both companies will jointly enhance the development of Mizu Residence which is expected to command a gross development value of RM300 million.

    Tokyu, which holds more than one trillion yen of assets and is ranked third among Japanese real estate companies, is the core company of the Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Group, a Japanese company listed in the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

    Tokyu Fudosan is also one of the companies in the Nikkei 225 Index, which refers to the price-weighted average of the 225 top-rated Japanese listed companies.

    Titijaya group managing director Tan Sri Lim Soon Peng believes the collaboration will help establish the two companies as one of the industry leaders, pushing the frontiers of urban development and property management.

    “We are envisioning through the knowledge transfer from Tokyu’s expertise in urban development, especially its expertise in transit-oriented development, retail knowledge, property management (best property management services in Japan), it will further strengthen Titijaya’s objective to offer products that will be a half-step ahead of the times.

    “TOD and enhancing senior living experience are definitely the directions going forward for us, as TOD concept will help a country to reduce carbon footprint while becoming more productive and move livable, and on the other hand, senior living experience values the living experiences for discerning individuals who have an affinity for actively engaging all that life offers,” he said.

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