Japan Business
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- Strategy by Region
- Japan Business
Achieving the No. 1 Position in Japan
FY2018 Results
Review of 2018
Although the cosmetics market in Japan has only grown at an annual rate of 1%, we realized double-digit growth of 11% year on year in sales at stores, allowing us to greatly expand our share in this market. In addition to the continued sales growth of core brands, for which we have been stepping up marketing investment, we were able to firmly capture inbound demand by strengthening our cross-border marketing, which focuses on Japan, China, and Travel Retail as a single market. This in turn contributed to our strong business performance.
Also, in terms of the skin trinity category (skincare, base makeup, and sunscreen), an area in which the Company excels, brands for which marketing investment has been realized robust growth. These included SHISEIDO, which saw a renewal of its core product, the serum Ultimune, and ELIXIR, which saw a favorable performance from lotions and moisturizers.
Cross-border marketing
Future Market Landscape
The Japanese market is expected to see a gradual expansion, centered on mid-to-high-priced markets, due to such factors as the increase in overseas visitors to Japan and the establishment of new fields, such as wrinkle improvement.
Key Strategies
No. 1 in Japan Strategies
To solidify the No. 1 position in the Japanese market, we will continue to step up marketing investment in core brands such as SHISEIDO and ELIXIR as well as in the skin trinity category (skincare, base makeup, and sun care). Furthermore, we will aim to create new markets by developing and introducing innovative products.
Additionally, across all channels, we will make efforts to expand and strengthen contact points in line with consumer behavioral patterns and purchasing styles. We will also focus our efforts on attracting the young and the second baby-boomer generation, who will lead new markets in the future. In particular, we will further enhance marketing investment in digital marketing.
Inbound Strategies
Inbound consumption is on a trend of continued expansion following the growth in the number of tourists visiting Japan. Accordingly, we will take steps to further reinforce cross-border marketing, which views all regions in Asia collectively as one market. In addition, we will continue to strengthen our support for tourists at stores in Japan through such means as introducing interpreters and leveraging digital tools that facilitate counseling in multiple languages.
Inbound Tourists
VISION 2020 Strategies and Targets
- No. 1 in Japan strategies
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- Focus on three skin-related segments and core brands
- Expand and strengthen contact points, enhance digital marketing
- Attract the young and the second baby-boomer generation
- Inbound strategies
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- Continue cross-border marketing
- Expand brands through multiple touch points
- Strengthen multilingual support