Christmas is closer than you think, so if you’re scrambling to get the best deals for the perfect gifts, this is your opportunity to snag a bargain. Black Friday may have started in the US as the biggest sale day after Thanksgiving, but Japan is now firmly on the bandwagon, too.
And since Thanksgiving isn't widely celebrated here, the Black Friday sales last much longer than one day, sometimes running for half of November. Then there's Cyber Monday, which Japan's famous tech stores have also fully embraced.
Sites including Amazon Japan, GAP and the Disney Store are all holding sales for online shoppers, meaning you might get a few things on your wishlist at a discounted price.
In need of a new winter jacket? A new tablet, camera, earphones or houseful appliance? Or all of the above? Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or make some practical purchases, it’s worth checking out what’s on offer for the following dates.
Happy Socks
When: Available now (end-date TBA)
What: Free shipping and a 25 percent discount on socks, underwear and swimwear.
Nojima
When: Until November 25
What: Big discounts on electronics and appliances such as TVs, laptops, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators and more.
Capcom
When: Until November 30
What: Discounts up to 84 percent on PC games, including the Monster Hunter series, 'Devil May Cry 5', 'Dragon's Dogma' and more.
Takashimaya Online Store
When: Until November 28 (10am)
What: About 1,500 items are available for a discount, including food and beverages, clothing, jewellery, golf and camping equipment. You can even get discounts on hotel stays and restaurant visits.
Picard
When: Until November 27
What: French delicacy brand Picard is offering discounts of up to 50 percent on 12 of its signature food items. The offers are available online and at all Picard stores.
Bic Camera
When: From November 24, 8am (end-date TBA)
What: Discounts on cosmetics, supplements and proteins, contact lenses and bean bags.
Fat Burger
When: November 25 until November 27
What: Fat Burger, on the seventh floor of the shopping mall Magnet by Shibuya 109, provides a 50 percent discount on its regular burger menu. This includes the original, double and triple 'Fatburgers' as well as its selection of cheeseburgers.
Amazon Japan
When: November 25 until December 1
What: A wide selection of products will be discounted, including home appliances, PCs, monitors, smart watches, clothes and sports items.
Aeon
When: Until November 27
What: About 1,400 items are available for a discount online and in stores, including TVs, bicycles, washing machines, furniture, air purifiers and more.
Lalaport
When: Until November 27
What: Get discounts of up to 80 percent online or directly at one of the Lalaport shopping malls as well as Lazona Kawasaki Plaza and DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. Participating brands include fashion labels Heather, Pageboy and Lowrys Farm as well as interior shop Franc Franc, organic cosmetic shop Cosme Kitchen, Belgian chocolate maker Godiva and many more.
GAP
When: Until November 28
What: Discounts of up to 50 percent on men's, women's and kids' clothing at all GAP stores and online.
Expedia
When: Until November 28
What: Discounts of more than 30 percent on hotel stays in Japan and abroad. Bookings can be made for overnight stays until June 30 2023.
Disney Store
When: Until November 28 (online until November 29)
What: A large range of Disney character merchandise with up to 50 percent off. Available online and in stores.
Namco
When: Until December 15
What: Namco app (iOS/Android) users can enjoy one free game per day at Namco game centres. You can play crane games from November 18 to 24, Fishing Star from November 25 to December 1, Mario Kart from December 2 to 8 and drumming game Taiko no Tatsujin from December 9 to 15.
Wondertable
When: November 25 until December 2
What: Restaurant group Wondertable offers discounts of up to 20 percent on its online meals that are delivered to your home. Items include Lawry’s The Prime Rib’s prime rib set, Obica Mozzarella Bar’s traditional lasagna, Terres de Truffes Tokyo’s black truffle and parmigiano cream pasta and Pinsa de Roma’s fig and gorgonzola pizza.
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