Question 1

What language is the report in?

Accepted Answer

All reports are in English. Japanese source material — product names, ingredient lists, brand announcements — is translated by our team.

Question 2

How long is a typical issue?

Accepted Answer

Starter issues run 25 to 35 pages. Pro issues run 45 to 60 pages, plus a separate CSV data sheet. Enterprise issues include additional custom content.

Question 3

How many products does each issue cover?

Accepted Answer

Typically 15 to 20 new arrival SKUs in Starter, and 30 to 50 SKUs in Pro issues.

Question 4

Do you cover Korean and Western brands sold in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as they appear on Japanese drugstore or variety shop shelves. Our coverage is about what's available in the Japanese market, regardless of brand origin.

Question 5

Do you forecast trends or predict market size?

Accepted Answer

No. We publish observations only. For forecasts and market sizing, we recommend consulting dedicated market research firms.

Question 6

When is each issue delivered?

Accepted Answer

The first business day of every month. Delivery is by email, with the PDF as an attachment and a backup download link.

Question 7

What if I subscribe mid-month?

Accepted Answer

Your first issue will be the next month's issue. We do not send prior months' issues unless you purchase back issues separately.

Question 8

Can I cancel anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can stop your subscription at any monthly renewal. Starter and Pro are month-to-month. Enterprise is annual.

Question 9

Can I pay in Japanese yen?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can issue invoices in JPY with consumption tax. USD is the default for international subscribers.

Question 10

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Bank transfer, Wise, PayPal, and direct international wire. Credit card payments will be added in a future update.

Question 11

Can I share the report internally?

Accepted Answer

Starter allows up to three readers within your organization. Pro allows up to ten. Enterprise allows unlimited readers within one organization. Please contact us for multi-site licensing.

Question 12

Can I quote from the report in my own materials?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with attribution to Tokyo Shelf Report. Redistribution of the full PDF is not permitted.

Question 13

Do you offer custom research?

Accepted Answer

Yes, under the Enterprise plan (one custom observation request per month included) or as one-off paid engagements. Contact us for scope and pricing.

Question 14

Can I get past issues?

Accepted Answer

Starter and Pro subscribers can purchase back issues individually. Pro subscribers also gain access to the searchable SKU archive, which includes historical data.

Question 15

Who writes the report?

Accepted Answer

Tokyo Shelf Report is produced by a team of field researchers and bilingual writers based in Tokyo.

Question 16

Are you affiliated with any brand or retailer?

Accepted Answer

No. Tokyo Shelf Report is fully independent. We do not accept sponsored content or paid placements of any kind. Observations are made without the knowledge or cooperation of the brands and retailers we cover.

Question 17

How can I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Email us at info@oemjp.com, or reach out through our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

About the report

Subscription and delivery

Using the report

About us

Still have questions?