Japan’s Iconic First Sales Postponed to January 3, 2026

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Kanto Smart Living Cooperative reminds travelers that many Japanese department stores have postponed their Hatsuuri sales to January 3. Check store hours before planning your trip to avoid disappointment.

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TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – With the growing popularity of New Year’s Eve travel, the number of international tourists planning trips to Japan continues to increase. However, several Japanese department stores have announced adjustments to their New Year’s sales schedules for 2026, postponing the traditional Hatsuuri sales (“first sale”) from January 2 to January 3.

Kanto Smart Living Cooperative, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting smart living, reminds travelers that participating in Hatsuuri sales is an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese New Year culture, but be sure to check department store hours in advance to avoid missing out on closed days.

In the past, Japanese department stores often held their Hatsuuri sales on January 2, offering limited-edition “lucky bags,” New Year discounts, and special events, attracting large crowds. However, due to labor shortages and workplace reforms, many department stores have postponed their hours to January 3 this year.

Takashimaya had postponed some of its department stores’ first sales until January 3rd starting in 2025, marking the first time in 23 years that it has closed on January 2. Tobu Department Store will follow suit in 2026, marking a first in 49 years.

Furthermore, several well-known department store chains, including Daimaru Matsuzakaya, Hankyu Hanshin, and Tokyu Department Store, have announced similar adjustments starting in 2026, reflecting Japan’s retail industry’s move toward more employee-friendly operations.

For international travelers planning a trip to Japan, this change may impact their shopping itineraries. The Kanto Smart Living Cooperative urges travelers to check the operating schedules and promotions of major department stores before departure to avoid closures and take advantage of the first wave of first-sale deals.

Despite the postponement of the first sale, travelers’ anticipation remains strong. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative recommends that travelers interested in experiencing Japanese New Year culture take advantage of the first sale, starting January 3, to discover the fun and surprises of Japan’s “fukubukuro” culture.

Fukubukuro are mysterious lucky bags sold only during the New Year period in Japan. They typically contain items at exceptional prices, ranging from fashion apparel and home appliances to cosmetics, food, and limited-edition brand goods. They are full of surprises, highly collectible, and memorable. For travelers seeking to fully experience the local festive atmosphere, participating in the first sale is not only about grabbing great deals but also about embarking on a cultural journey.

Media Contacts:
Kanto Smart Living Cooperative

PR Agency:
MERXWIRE INC.
Ada Huang
pr@merxwire.com

SOURCE: Kanto Smart Living Cooperative