From August 18 to 20, Japan Drugstore Show 2023 was held at the Tokyo Big Sight. With 2 of the 3 days open to the general public, 475 companies showcased a variety of products to be sold in drugstores throughout Japan, as well as pharmacy and healthcare services.
The event consisted of 11 specialized trade show zones: Health Care Zone, Beauty Care Zone, Feminine Care Zone, SDGs Zone, Food & Health Zone, Food & Drink Zone, Life Care Zone, Home Care Zone, Pet Care Zone, Entertainment Zone, and Store & Pharmacy Solutions Zone
The venue was packed with booths exhibiting products to stock every aisle of a drugstore, such as cosmetics, health supplements, sports goods, medicines, and toiletries. Yamasan Shoji Co., Ltd exhibited their Eddy line of orthopedic shoes intended to improve foot health while walking, as well as reduce swelling and pain in hips and knees, by changing the wearer’s center of gravity. Dreams Inc., maker of the internationally trendy Sonny Angel series, showcased their upcoming merchandise lines, including stuffed animals that help correct posture while sitting.
Many products, such as Takeda Corporation’s daily necessities, general goods, and furniture, are already available for purchase in hospitals, home centers, supermarkets, and dollar stores. Exhibiting companies were working towards breaking into the growing drugstore market.
Food was also a major contender at the event. Taesung Industrial’s Sweet Monster Korean snacks and corresponding original characters; Kaneyoshi Co., Ltd from Nemuro in Hokkaido and their processed Pacific saury, sardines, and scallops, which are stewed in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin and preserved at room temperature; and Katsumi Japan’s nutritional frozen foods for consumption in hospitals and nursing care facilities, which are frozen with low-temperature steam to keep flavor contained; each company offered unique products to fulfill consumers’ needs.
One special segment of the Food & Drink Zone was dedicated to diversity in alcohol and connecting Japan with the rest of the world through alcohol. Companies and breweries under the Nihon Shurui Hanbai Corporation showcased everything from sake to Italian wine. As alcoholic products costing over 1000 yen are gaining more popularity in drugstores, their variety is also growing. In addition, in response to rising numbers of international tourists visiting Japan, exhibitors also focused on alcohol aimed at tourists. By supporting already-established brands from various regions around the country and marketing products to tourists from abroad, companies endeavor to support local economies, promote tourism in rural areas, and encourage the spread of Japanese culture.
During the open public days, a kids’ area was implemented where children could learn about the SDGs and experience the job of a pharmacist first-hand. In total, 58,872 business and public visitors attended the event.
