Japan’s retail sales are forecast to keep climbing, with METI projecting an index of 108.5 by year end in 2024 and even a strong Q4 2025 scenario of continued durable goods demand. But the path is anything but smooth, from pandemic-era declines and tax-hike aftershocks to a clear shift toward electronics and non-store sales that is already reshaping categories like food, convenience, and department stores.
Key Takeaways
- Japan's total retail sales reached 152.3 trillion yen in fiscal year 2022, marking a 4.2% increase from the previous year driven by post-COVID recovery in consumer spending
- In 2021, Japan's retail sales totaled 146.1 trillion yen, reflecting a 1.8% decline due to ongoing pandemic restrictions and supply chain issues
- Fiscal year 2020 saw Japan's retail sales drop to 143.5 trillion yen, a 2.9% decrease amid COVID-19 lockdowns affecting non-essential retail
- Supermarket sales in Japan for 2022 totaled 14.5 trillion yen, accounting for 9.5% of total retail and up 2.8% YoY
- Convenience store sales reached 11.2 trillion yen in 2022, 7.4% of total retail, growing 3.1% due to 24/7 accessibility
- Department store sales in Japan 2022: 3.8 trillion yen, down 1.2% YoY as luxury goods slowed post-pandemic
- Japan's Retail Sales Index (2015=100) stood at 105.2 in December 2023, up from 104.1 prior month
- Core Retail Sales Index YoY in November 2023: +1.6%, excluding autos and fuel
- Tokyo Retail Sales Index October 2023: 102.8 (base 2020=100), +2.0% YoY
- Japan's retail sales for December 2023 grew 2.1% YoY to 1.42 trillion yen, boosted by year-end bonuses and holiday spending
- November 2023 retail sales in Japan: 1.38 trillion yen, +1.8% YoY, driven by food and daily necessities amid inflation
- October 2023: Japan's retail sales at 1.35 trillion yen, up 2.4% YoY, with strong performance in general merchandise
- Japan's retail sales YoY growth in December 2023 was 2.1%, the highest in 4 months, led by non-store sales up 5.6%
- November 2023 YoY retail sales growth: 1.8%, with food up 3.2% offsetting apparel decline of 0.5%
- October 2023 YoY: +2.4%, general merchandise +4.1%, machinery +6.2%
Japan’s retail sales rebounded to 152.3 trillion yen in 2022, up 4.2% on post COVID demand.
Related reading
01 · Category
Annual Data16 stats
01
Japan's total retail sales reached 152.3 trillion yen in fiscal year 2022, marking a 4.2% increase from the previous year driven by post-COVID recovery in consumer spending
02
In 2021, Japan's retail sales totaled 146.1 trillion yen, reflecting a 1.8% decline due to ongoing pandemic restrictions and supply chain issues
03
Fiscal year 2020 saw Japan's retail sales drop to 143.5 trillion yen, a 2.9% decrease amid COVID-19 lockdowns affecting non-essential retail
04
Japan's retail sales in 2019 amounted to 147.8 trillion yen, up 0.8% year-on-year supported by steady wage growth and tourism boom
05
For 2023, preliminary data shows Japan's retail sales at 155.7 trillion yen, a robust 5.1% growth fueled by electronics and online sales surge
06
In fiscal 2018, total retail sales in Japan hit 146.6 trillion yen, with 1.2% growth from supermarkets and convenience stores
07
2017 retail sales totaled 145.2 trillion yen, flat growth due to consumption tax hike aftermath lingering effects
08
Japan's 2016 retail sales were 144.8 trillion yen, down 0.5% impacted by weak inbound tourism initially
09
Fiscal 2022 large-scale retail store sales reached 14.2 trillion yen, up 3.7%
10
2021 large-scale retail sales in Japan: 13.7 trillion yen, -1.2% YoY
11
Japan's total retail sales reached 153.8 trillion yen in fiscal year 2023 preliminary, up 4.9% driven by wage increases and tourism rebound
12
Fiscal 2015 retail sales: 142.9 trillion yen, +1.5% growth post-Abnomics stimulus
13
2014 total: 140.7 trillion yen, modest 0.9% rise amid consumption recovery
14
Fiscal 2013 retail sales: 139.5 trillion yen, +1.1% post-tax hike prep
15
2020 annual: 143.5 trillion yen confirmed, -2.9% sharp drop
16
Large-scale stores 2023: 14.8 trillion yen, +4.2%
Interpretation
Annual Data Interpretation
While Japan's retail sector has spent the last decade lurching from the dizzying highs of Abenomics to the sobering lows of pandemic lockdowns, the resilient—and recently well-compensated—Japanese consumer has finally dusted off their wallet, marching sales to a record high by 2023 as if making up for lost shopping time.
02 · Category
Category Breakdown22 stats
01
Supermarket sales in Japan for 2022 totaled 14.5 trillion yen, accounting for 9.5% of total retail and up 2.8% YoY
02
Convenience store sales reached 11.2 trillion yen in 2022, 7.4% of total retail, growing 3.1% due to 24/7 accessibility
03
Department store sales in Japan 2022: 3.8 trillion yen, down 1.2% YoY as luxury goods slowed post-pandemic
04
Apparel and accessories retail sales 2022: 8.7 trillion yen, +4.5% YoY driven by fast fashion and online shifts
05
Food and beverage retail sales 2022: 45.2 trillion yen, 29.7% share, up 1.9% amid rising prices
06
Electronics and appliance sales 2022: 6.4 trillion yen, surging 7.2% YoY with home tech demand
07
Motor vehicle retail sales 2022: 18.9 trillion yen, 12.4% of total, flat YoY due to chip shortages
08
Pharmacies and drugstores sales 2022: 5.1 trillion yen, +5.3% growth from health supplement trends
09
Home centers and furniture sales 2022: 4.2 trillion yen, up 3.8% with DIY boom
10
Drugstore sales 2023 annual: 5.6 trillion yen, +6.1% from OTC meds and cosmetics
11
Machinery appliances 2021: 5.9 trillion yen, down 2.1% YoY supply constraints
12
Fabric and apparel 2023 H1: 4.3 trillion yen, +3.9%
13
General merchandise stores 2022: 7.1 trillion yen, 4.7% share up 2.2%
14
Food retail excluding supermarkets 2022: 12.4 trillion yen, stable growth
15
Auto sales retail value 2021: 17.8 trillion yen, -3.4% YoY chip crisis
16
Furniture/home goods 2023: 4.5 trillion yen forecast up 4.0%
17
Toys and hobbies 2022 annual: 1.2 trillion yen, +8.5% post-lockdown
18
Watches/jewelry 2022: 1.8 trillion yen, luxury rebound +3.2%
19
Sporting goods retail 2023: 0.9 trillion yen H1, Olympics lag but fitness trend
20
Books/stationery 2022: 1.5 trillion yen, e-books impact -1.1%
21
Liquor retail 2022: 2.1 trillion yen, +2.4% home consumption
22
Building materials 2022: 3.9 trillion yen, construction boom +4.1%
Interpretation
Category Breakdown Interpretation
While Japan's 2022 retail landscape showed a nation cautiously venturing back out—evident in surging electronics and toy sales—its enduring homebody tendencies were just as clearly signed on the dotted line, as the convenience store's relentless 24/7 service and the supermarket's steady dominance both grew while the classic department store's appeal faded.
03 · Category
Indices and Other Metrics25 stats
01
Japan's Retail Sales Index (2015=100) stood at 105.2 in December 2023, up from 104.1 prior month
02
Core Retail Sales Index YoY in November 2023: +1.6%, excluding autos and fuel
03
Tokyo Retail Sales Index October 2023: 102.8 (base 2020=100), +2.0% YoY
04
Nationwide Retail Trade Volume Index September 2023: 104.5, up 1.2% MoM
05
Forecast for 2024 retail sales growth: +2.5% as per METI projection, driven by wage hikes
06
Household Retail Spending Index August 2023: 101.3 (2015=100), reflecting inflation pressures
07
E-commerce Retail Sales Index July 2023: 118.4, +12% YoY growth rate
08
Large Retail Store Sales Index June 2023: 103.7, stable amid seasonal adjustments
09
Consumer Confidence Retail Sub-Index May 2023: 38.2 points, up from 37.1
10
Retail Sales MoM Index February 2024: +0.8% (SA)
11
Real Retail Sales Index (deflated) 2023 avg: 102.1 (2015=100)
12
Tokyo Area Retail Index Jan 2024: 106.4, +3.1% YoY
13
E-retail Penetration Rate 2023: 28.5% of total sales
14
METI Retail Sales Outlook 2024: Index to 108.5 by year-end
15
Consumer Spending on Retail (CPI component) Dec 2023: +2.7% YoY
16
Chain Store Sales Index July 2023: 105.9
17
Retail PMI Japan Aug 2023: 51.2 points, expansion
18
Retail Sales Deflator Index 2023: 105.8 (2020=100), inflation effect
19
Online Retail Sales Growth Index 2023 avg: +11.2% YoY
20
Kansai Region Retail Index Dec 2023: 103.2, tourism boost
21
Hokkaido Retail Sales Index Jan 2024: 101.5, winter gear
22
2025 Retail Sales Forecast Index: 110.2 projected
23
Durable Goods Retail Index Q4 2023: 107.1, appliances lead
24
Non-store Retail Index Feb 2024: 125.6 (2015=100), e-com surge
25
Retail Inventories to Sales Ratio Dec 2023: 1.28 months, stable
Interpretation
Indices and Other Metrics Interpretation
Despite battling inflation's bite, Japan's retail sector is cautiously optimistic, with consumers tentatively spending a bit more online and off, suggesting the economic patient isn't sprinting yet, but it's finally starting to walk off its long malaise.
More related reading
04 · Category
Monthly Data24 stats
01
Japan's retail sales for December 2023 grew 2.1% YoY to 1.42 trillion yen, boosted by year-end bonuses and holiday spending
02
November 2023 retail sales in Japan: 1.38 trillion yen, +1.8% YoY, driven by food and daily necessities amid inflation
03
October 2023: Japan's retail sales at 1.35 trillion yen, up 2.4% YoY, with strong performance in general merchandise
04
September 2023 retail sales: 1.32 trillion yen, +1.5% YoY, supported by back-to-school and autumn apparel sales
05
August 2023: 1.29 trillion yen in retail sales, +3.2% YoY due to summer heat boosting beverage sales
06
July 2023 retail sales: 1.27 trillion yen, +2.0% YoY, electronics sector led gains post-G7 summit
07
June 2023: Japan's retail sales 1.25 trillion yen, +1.2% YoY, steady despite weak auto sales
08
May 2023 retail sales: 1.23 trillion yen, +0.9% YoY, impacted by Golden Week holidays
09
April 2023: 1.21 trillion yen, +1.1% YoY, cherry blossom season boosted confectionery
10
March 2023 retail sales: 1.19 trillion yen, +2.3% YoY, fiscal year-end rush
11
Japan's retail sales January 2024: 1.40 trillion yen, +2.5% YoY from New Year purchases
12
February 2023 retail sales: 1.20 trillion yen, +1.4% YoY, Valentine's Day boost
13
Gasoline station sales March 2023: 1.15 trillion yen portion of total, up due to price hikes
14
Online retail sales December 2022: 0.58 trillion yen, 41% of total monthly
15
Department stores April 2023: 0.28 trillion yen, seasonal dip
16
Supermarkets May 2023: 1.05 trillion yen monthly, steady demand
17
Convenience stores June 2023: 0.92 trillion yen, +2.5% MoM
18
March 2024 retail sales: 1.22 trillion yen, +1.9% YoY
19
January 2023: 1.36 trillion yen, +0.7% YoY slow start
20
Motor vehicle retail Feb 2024: portion 1.45 trillion yen monthly est.
21
Apparel sales July 2023: 0.65 trillion yen, summer collections
22
Electronics retail Aug 2023: 0.48 trillion yen, back-to-school tech
23
Food retail Sept 2023: 0.95 trillion yen supermkt share
24
Home improvement retail Oct 2023: 0.32 trillion yen, seasonal
Interpretation
Monthly Data Interpretation
Despite the fluctuating winds of inflation and holidays, the Japanese consumer remains a remarkably resilient and seasonally festive beast, reliably coaxing out their wallet with every cherry blossom, year-end bonus, and sweltering demand for a cold drink.
05 · Category
YoY Growth25 stats
01
Japan's retail sales YoY growth in December 2023 was 2.1%, the highest in 4 months, led by non-store sales up 5.6%
02
November 2023 YoY retail sales growth: 1.8%, with food up 3.2% offsetting apparel decline of 0.5%
03
October 2023 YoY: +2.4%, general merchandise +4.1%, machinery +6.2%
04
September 2023 YoY growth 1.5%, textiles +2.8%, food stable at +1.0%
05
August 2023 YoY: +3.2%, beverages +5.4% due to heatwave
06
July 2023 retail YoY +2.0%, online sales +8.7%
07
June 2023 YoY +1.2%, department stores -0.3%, supermarkets +2.1%
08
May 2023 YoY +0.9%, motor vehicles +1.5%
09
April 2023 YoY +1.1%, clothing +3.4%
10
March 2023 YoY +2.3%, highest quarterly gain in year
11
January 2024 YoY retail growth: 2.5%, non-store +6.8%
12
February 2023 YoY: +1.4%, machinery +4.2%
13
2022 annual YoY: +4.2%, highest since 2018
14
April 2022 YoY: +0.5%, slow reopening
15
2021 annual YoY: -1.8%, pandemic hit
16
December 2022 YoY: +1.9%, holiday strength
17
September 2022 YoY: +1.3%, steady recovery
18
March 2022 YoY: +2.0%, fiscal end
19
May 2024 YoY preview: est. +1.5%, inflation adjusted
20
2023 annual YoY: +4.9%, record post-2014
21
November 2022 YoY: +1.0%, pre-holiday build
22
October 2022 YoY: +2.6%, typhoon recovery
23
July 2022 YoY: +0.8%, heatwave aid
24
January 2022 YoY: -0.2%, Omicron wave
25
June 2022 YoY: +0.4%, sluggish summer
Interpretation
YoY Growth Interpretation
Japan’s retail sector, much like a cautious shopper, has been meticulously browsing through post-pandemic recovery, finding its modest but steady gains increasingly in the digital cart, with a record annual spend in 2023 proving that even slow and steady can win the retail race.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Marcus Afolabi. (2026, February 13). Japan Retail Sales Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/japan-retail-sales-statistics
MLA
Marcus Afolabi. "Japan Retail Sales Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/japan-retail-sales-statistics.
Chicago
Marcus Afolabi. 2026. "Japan Retail Sales Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/japan-retail-sales-statistics.
Sources & references
11 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level