去过日本才明白：内卷的尽头，不是拼低价，而是……

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the concept of "involution" in consumer markets, highlighting how businesses often replicate each other, leading to a lack of uniqueness and consumer engagement [4][20]. Group 1: Examples of Involution - Many famous shopping streets in China have become homogenized, offering the same local snacks and souvenirs, which detracts from the original local experience [2]. - Renowned shopping centers in China exhibit similar patterns, with luxury brands and products being nearly identical across different locations, making shopping a monotonous experience [3][4]. Group 2: Causes of Involution - Involution occurs because businesses tend to follow the same strategies and offerings, leading to a lack of differentiation in the market [5][16]. - The article references the insights of Japanese social psychologist Minoru Miura, who emphasizes the importance of uniqueness in consumer offerings [5][16]. Group 3: Case Study of Shimokitazawa - Shimokitazawa, a vibrant community in Tokyo, initially saw a decline in popularity due to the influx of chain stores that diluted its unique character [10][11]. - To combat this, the community began to reject chain stores and welcomed unique local shops, which helped restore its vibrancy and appeal [12][15]. Group 4: Lessons from Japan - The article suggests that instead of competing to be the best in a saturated market, businesses should focus on being unique and offering distinct products [16][20]. - The success of brands like Tommy in Tokyo, which offers exclusive items not available in other stores, illustrates the value of uniqueness in attracting consumers [17][18]. Group 5: Learning Opportunities - The article promotes a learning trip to Japan, focusing on how Japanese brands navigate low-growth periods and maintain consumer engagement through unique offerings and customer-centric strategies [21][26]. - The trip aims to explore how Japanese companies like 7-Eleven and Suntory adapt to market challenges by understanding consumer needs and innovating within their product lines [26][29].