infomapJAPAN Free Travel Guide. Maps, Sightseeing, Access Guide, Accommodation, Events, Japanese Trends, Gifts

Get to know 'what's in' in Japan before you go! Keep an eye out for these current and special treats while in Japan!

In March 2009, Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., the parent company of popular clothing chain UNIQLO, launched a new line of shockingly inexpensive jeans for only 990 yen (approx. $10). Despite its low-end price, the quality is quite good (comfortable) with nice stitching details. This new line, under their g.u. brand, became very popular due to the recession period. With less to spend, consumers jumped at the chance to shop for quality items at a low price. To provide such a low price, the company cut costs by handling everything from production to sales on their own (known as SPA - Specialty Store Retailer of Private Label Apparel) and reducing store operating costs. As much as possible, they also used the same fabric for a number of products and shared company resources, such as UNIQLO partner factories. In addition to jeans, a variety of tops and shorts are also selling for a low price.

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

Since 1991, the Narita Express or N’EX has connected Narita International Airport with Tokyo and its major urban centers (Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Yokohama). Now this fast and convenient service has become much more pleasurable to ride. In October 2009, the new N’EX Series E259 made its debut with remarkably upgraded service and improved comfort, quality and security. All seats are equipped with a large table, luggage space in the foot area and a power outlet for laptops and mobile phones. Anti-theft cameras near entrances and in the luggage area, as well as combination locks in each car’s luggage space offer added protection. The superior service of the new N’EX is guaranteed to please travelers. Additionally, more exciting upgrades are coming this year. The Keisei Skyliner, another popular line from Narita airport, will put its new train series on the new track in 2010. In December 2010, the Tohoku Shinkansen, which runs between Tokyo and Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture, will extend its route to Shin-Aomori, connecting with Tokyo in 3 hours and 20 minutes. Meanwhile, the Kagoshima route of the Kyushu Shinkansen Line will open in Spring 2011, completing the entire Kyushu Shinkansen route.

East Japan Railway Company
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/

The eco-conscious Swift Plug-in Hybrid from Suzuki is geared at consumers seeking the daily convenience of a vehicle. This series hybrid has a propulsion motor, battery and engine powered generator that provide enough power for short drives of up to 20 km. A company survey showed that 60% of small car owners drove less than 20 km per day, so they minimized the volume of the Swift’s battery to 2.66 kWh in order to make low cost and space a priority. Charged from the household mains socket, the battery can be fully charged in about three hours. With an engine like those found in mini-vehicles, the Swift Plug-in Hybrid can easily power the generator and re-charge the battery when needed. This means users can travel at ease without having to worry about searching for a charging stand or being stranded without power. Thanks to the Swift-Plug in Hybrid, anyone can reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying daily mobility.

Suzuki Motor Corporation
http://www.globalsuzuki.com/

Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s top breweries, introduced Free, a new product in April 2009 that claims to be the first 100% alcohol-free beer in the world. Labeled as ‘Alcohol 0.00%’, Free far exceeded the initial profit target of 630,000 cases, selling 3.5 million in 2009. To make KIRIN FREE, the company developed an original brewing process that leaves out yeast, such as malt and hops, but still makes a crisp and refreshing alcohol-free beverage. So many imitation beer products on the market contain trace amounts of alcohol, leaving drivers worried if it is safe to drink - especially since the government introduced stricter penalties for drunk driving in 2002. Many might ask, “But how does it taste?” Some say it tastes like a beerflavoured soda. Despite some critics, KIRIN FREE is in huge demand and appeals to designated drivers, pregnant women and others who want to enjoy the taste of a beer without the consequences.

Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd.

In the past few years antenna shops, or pilot shops, for promoting and attracting tourists to different prefectures have opened in Ginza and Tokyo Station. More antenna shops opened this year, including shops for Nara and Yamagata Prefecture. Distributing travel brochures has proven ineffective as most tourists now get information online, so these shops sell local food products and serve local dishes in their restaurants in an effort to raise interest. One example is Oishii Yamagata Plaza, the pilot shop for Yamagata Prefecture, which has an Italian restaurant serving dishes made with local rice, seasonal vegetables and fresh seafood from the Japan Sea. The restaurant has been a big hit, receiving many reservations each day. Due to their success, the number of prefectural antenna shops is likely to increase from now on.

Yamagata Prefecture

In 2009, Haruki Murakami’s 1Q84 was published in two volumes throughout Japan. This highly anticipated work flew off the shelves, becoming an instant best seller. This is his first novel in seven years, since Umibe no Kafuka(Kafka on the Shore), from the critically acclaimed modern novelist. Virtually nothing has been leaked about 1Q84. Some critics speculate the title is a reference to George Orwell’s futuristic thriller, “1984”, as ‘Q’ is a homonym for ‘kyu’ - the Japanese word for ‘9’. Where Orwell’s classic looks ahead to the near future, Murakami depicts 1984 from the near past, to a world that might have been. The third volume of 1Q84 is set to hit bookstores in summer 2010 and is guaranteed to be a hit with readers.

Published by SHINCHOSHA Publishing Co., Ltd.

Featuring chic department stores and designer boutiques, Ginza has long been regarded as Tokyo’s most famous high end shopping district. However, things appear to be changing in recent years. In 2008, Ginza’s center and busiest area became home to large-scale fashion retail stores Zara and H&M, which continually offer trendy products for reasonable prices. Moreover, Abercrombie & Fitch opened an 11 story shop in December 2009, it’s first in Japan and their flagship store in Asia. Famous Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer and retailer, UNIQLO, expanded their Ginza store’s floor space this fall and American casual wear company, GAP, will open in the same area in February 2011. When visiting Ginza, take some time to visit these shops. You’ll be surprised to find designs quite different from those branches in your country. Check P.44 to see Ginza area map.

In 2001, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) introduced the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system in an effort to ease congestion at highway toll booths. However, the ETC system did not become as popular as the MLIT had expected. In an effort to encourage the use of these systems, the government provided subsidies for those who purchased and installed the ETC device. Furthermore, as part of their economic stimulus plan, the Japanese Government created a highway toll discount system in March 2009 for all passenger cars and motorcycles equipped with ETC systems. The toll has a 1,000 yen limit regardless of the mileage driven. With a discount of 50% on highway tolls in regional areas, ETC systems are now selling well and there has been a marked weekly increase in their usage - the weekly average was 82.8% as of October 2009. However, the discount system is not without its problems. There have been complaints of congested highways and delayed buses. Trains and ferries have been hardest hit by the change, losing many passengers, particularly over holiday periods. For now, the new discount system is a limited offer and will only last two years, but the government estimates overall profits will be 730 billion yen.