On the 24th, Japanese soccer fans celebrated the victory of the Japan national soccer team over Germany in the 2022 Qatar World Cup on the streets of Shibuya, Tokyo. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Following the Japanese government's easing of COVID-19 restrictions and travel promotion policies, the number of outing visitors has increased, leading to a clear growth trend in Japan's food service industry and convenience store sales.
According to a report by Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on the 26th, the Japan Food Service Association announced that last month's food service industry sales increased by 14.8% compared to the same month last year, surpassing the sales figures from October 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sales at bars selling beer and sake rose by as much as 49.7% compared to the same period last year. Sales at family restaurants and fast food outlets also increased by 20.3% and 9.9%, respectively.
The Japan Franchise Chain Association also reported that convenience store sales in October increased by 6.9% compared to the same month last year. In particular, sales of rice balls and lunch boxes showed a notable increase.
The Japanese government launched the "Nationwide Travel Support" program on the 11th of last month, offering discounts to travelers, and allowed visa-free entry for 68 countries and regions, including South Korea.
Nikkei analyzed, "While the increase in sales is partly due to menu price hikes, delivery and takeout sales are performing well, and the number of people dining in restaurants has also increased." As more people enjoy outings and travel, sales at some clothing companies have also risen.
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