What’s in demand, and when

Before the cold sets in, people service heating, insulate homes, fit winter tyres and replace car batteries — then emergency repairs spike in cold snaps.

Christmas Eve is a couples’ and family-treat day in Japan (Christmas cake, fried chicken, illuminations), followed by year-end parties (bōnenkai).

Parties, dinners and countdown events push one night of very high demand for venues, food, drinks and entertainment.

People start the year with goals — fitness, money, learning — so sign-ups and first purchases cluster in January.

In Japan women traditionally give chocolate on 14 February and men return gifts on White Day (14 March), so confectionery peaks twice.

Japan’s school and business year starts in April: school bags (randoseru), uniforms and new-starter suits peak in March.

A cluster of public holidays from late April to 5 May: Japan’s busiest travel week; many offices close.

Gifts, flowers and meals out for mothers — one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants and florists.

Holidays and good weather: travel, outdoor activities, ice cream, drinks and events rise; some office services slow down.

Many employees receive summer bonuses (and again in December), and seasonal gift-giving (ochūgen in summer, oseibo at year-end) follows.

Gifts and outings for fathers: grilling, tools, electronics, grooming and meals out.

Families return home to honour ancestors: travel peaks and many businesses close for a few days in mid-August.