Market trend
Japanese yen recovered the level of 80 yen
per U.S. dollar in mid-February, and the closing value of the Nikkei Stock
Average also recovered the level of 10,000 yen in mid-March. However, the low
yen means higher gasoline price. The price of regular gasoline stood at 157.6
yen per liter today, recording the highest price in the past three and a half
year. An increasing number of drivers buy gasoline for a fixed value instead of
filling up the tank. Another changes in consumer behavior are foreseen.
The unstable political world still makes
consumers worry about the economic prospect, and it will supposedly take time
to improve the thrifty attitudes of Japanese consumers. But sales of
ecology-related products and products to support the recovery of the
disaster-stricken areas will go up steadily. LED light fittings and renewable
energy systems like residential solar panels will maintain the sales with the
background of growing awareness of energy saving.
The March 11 disaster of last year made the
association between Japanese even stronger. Many thanks, Facebook! The efforts
of devastated prefectures to market their commercial and agricultural products
of local specialty will continue to stimulate domestic consumption. On the
rebound of satiation, the health conscious trend will grow stronger as shown by
the rampant TV commercials of health-care equipment and growing sales of
fermented foods. As is often the case, the pendulum swings from side to
side.
An increasing number of convenience stores
employ LED lighting for in-store illuminations.
The solar panel market for housing is
growing fast with the background of the energy-saving attitudes among
consumers.
