Data sources we use
Tokyo Shelf Report relies only on publicly accessible sources. We list them here so subscribers know exactly where information comes from.
Our field researchers visit designated stores each month, photographing shelves and noting new arrivals. All in-store observations are taken during regular business hours with respect for store policies.
Japan's largest cosmetics review and ranking platform. We track monthly bestseller rankings and Best Cosme awards.
We track category-level bestseller rankings in cosmetics categories.
We track MegaPrix and general cosmetics rankings, particularly for K-beauty and J-beauty crossovers.
We track category rankings where they complement other sources.
We monitor new product announcements, launch dates, and specifications from manufacturer websites.
For quasi-drug approvals and functional cosmetics notifications, we reference publicly available regulatory filings.
Nikkei, Tsushin Hanbai Shimbun, Kokusai Shogyo, WWD Japan, and similar trade publications, cited as source when used.
What we don't use
We do not use consumer interviews, private industry data, retailer point-of-sale data, or any confidential source. If information isn't publicly accessible, it isn't in our report.