After postponing the rise of consumption tax twice, Japan has today brought in the long-delayed policy into effect. The increase is the first time in five years, from 8% to 10%. Rebate to provide shoppers relief The new rate applies to nearly all goods and services, from electronics to books. The government has introduced measures, however, including discounts for certain purchases made u...

Online shopping mall Rakuten and supermarket chain Seiyu have agreed to road test autonomous delivery robots service, in collaboration with JD.com. Delivering goods using the Rakuten UGV The autonomous delivery robots service is to be tested from September 21 to October 27. Using the Rakuten Drone app, shoppers can place their orders from the Seiyu Livin Yokosuka Store and have the goods...

Amazon Japan will begin installing Amazon Lockers in retail outlets and train stations this year. Partnering with retailers The ecommerce operator will introduce this service through partnerships with FamilyMart convenience store chain, supermarket operator Fuji Citio and Odakyu Electric Railway. The lockers will appear in dozens of retail outlets and train stations by the end of this year,...