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][21]. Group 1: Examples of Involution - Many famous shopping streets in China look almost identical, offering the same local snacks and souvenirs, which detracts from the authentic local experience [2]. - Renowned shopping centers in China feature similar luxury brands and products, making shopping a monotonous experience [3][4]. Group 2: Causes of Involution - Involution occurs because businesses engage in the same practices, leading to a homogenized market [5][15]. - The article references the insights of Japanese social psychologist Minoru Miura, who emphasizes the importance of uniqueness in consumer offerings [5][15]. Group 3: Case Study of Shimokitazawa - Shimokitazawa, a vibrant Tokyo community, initially saw a decline in popularity due to the influx of chain stores that diluted its unique character [9][10]. - To combat this, the community began to reject chain stores and welcomed unique local shops, which helped restore its vibrancy [11][12][14]. 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 distinctive [15]. - The flagship store of Tommy in Tokyo exemplifies this approach by offering exclusive products that cannot be found in other locations, highlighting the value of uniqueness [16][17]. Group 5: Future Opportunities - The article outlines a learning trip to Japan aimed at understanding how Japanese brands thrive despite economic challenges, providing insights for Chinese businesses [19][21]. - It emphasizes the need for Chinese brands to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and market dynamics, learning from Japan's experience [21][22]. Group 6: Key Strategies for Success - The article identifies three core strategies for successful Japanese brands: supply chain-driven private label products, continuous iteration of key products, and creating lifestyle definitions that resonate emotionally with consumers [22][24]. - Examples include Kobe Bussan's efficient supply chain model and Nitori's innovative furniture supply chain management [22][26].

Core Viewpoint - Entrepreneurs in the "Di Pai" sector should actively seek investment to enhance business growth, as competitors will pursue funding, and appropriate capital can significantly accelerate development [1]. Group 1: Japanese Market Insights - The Japanese consumer market serves as a "future laboratory" for Chinese brands, providing predictive insights into the evolution of consumption over the next decade [6]. - Understanding the product survival wisdom derived from Japan's "lost thirty years" is crucial for Chinese brands to win over consumers [6]. - Key strategies from successful Japanese brands include supply chain-driven private label (PB) products, continuous iteration of major products, and defining lifestyles that resonate emotionally with consumers [7][8]. Group 2: Successful Japanese Brands - Kobe Bussan utilizes a supply chain-driven model with over 350 factories globally, achieving a sales scale of 200 billion RMB through its PB products [7][13]. - 7-11 leverages data from its extensive network of stores to develop PB products that meet latent consumer needs, enhancing store performance by 120% through single product development [7][11]. - Nitori, known as the "king of furniture" in Japan, applies automotive supply chain standards to achieve continuous revenue growth for 36 years [7][15]. - Kikkoman has expanded from soy sauce to over 2000 SKUs, demonstrating successful product diversification [7][16]. Group 3: Emotional Engagement and Lifestyle Definition - Brands like Bandai focus on developing products that tap into fundamental human desires, creating items that are both entertaining and addictive [9]. - Muji redefines user experience with its no-logo, affordable products, reflecting a shift in consumer lifestyle post-economic bubble [9]. - The concept of "loneliness economy" is explored, emphasizing the importance of emotional resonance in product development [9]. Group 4: Learning and Networking Opportunities - The event features prominent figures from the consumer sector, providing insights into retail strategies and product development [10][11]. - Participants will engage in hands-on learning experiences, including visits to successful Japanese retail stores and discussions on innovative supply chain practices [10][12]. Group 5: Event Details - The study tour is scheduled from September 21 to 26, 2025, in Tokyo, with a focus on understanding the evolution of Japanese consumer brands [20]. - The program is limited to 35 participants, specifically targeting company founders, with a fee of ¥ 59,800 per person [20].