Group 1 - The core idea is that despite a perceived economic downturn, certain industries are thriving and generating significant profits, particularly in Japan and China [2][3][29] - The concept of a "low-desire society" does not equate to a lack of opportunities; instead, it presents unique business prospects [3][29] - Consumption patterns are shifting, with a focus on second-hand markets and affordable luxury items, indicating a migration of demand [4][5][6][7][8] Group 2 - The second-hand economy is booming, with platforms like Xianyu and Zhuanzhuan seeing substantial growth in user activity and transaction volume [8][9] - The pet economy is flourishing, with brands like Inaba in Japan and Guobao in China experiencing strong sales, reflecting a shift in spending priorities towards pet care [10][11][12] - The adult care market is expanding, particularly in China, with products like adult diapers showing significant growth potential [13][14][15] Group 3 - Health food and beverage sectors are rising due to changing demographics and increased health awareness, with brands like Dongfang Shuye and Jianchun gaining traction [17][18][19] - The beauty and personal care market is thriving, with products like Ulike hair removal devices achieving substantial sales [20] - Outdoor and leisure products are seeing increased demand, with brands like Kailas and Camel experiencing rapid sales growth [21] Group 4 - The emotional economy is gaining traction, with brands like Labubu and Rio catering to consumers seeking comfort and enjoyment [22][23] - The convenience economy is on the rise, with frozen food brands and smart home appliances addressing the needs of younger generations who prioritize time-saving solutions [25][26][27][28] - The overall trend indicates that in a low-desire market, time-saving innovations may hold more commercial value than cost-saving measures [28][29]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes that despite the prevailing narrative of economic hardship, certain industries are thriving and generating substantial profits, particularly in the context of Japan's "lost 30 years" and its implications for China [3][4]. Group 1: Emerging Opportunities - The concept of a "low-desire society" does not equate to a lack of opportunities; instead, it presents new avenues for business growth [4]. - Consumer behavior is shifting towards second-hand markets, with significant growth in platforms like Xianyu and Zhuanzhuan, indicating a rising demand for second-hand goods [6][9]. - The pet economy is booming, with brands like Guobao and Zhongchong seeing strong sales as consumers prioritize spending on pets over traditional family structures [11][12][15]. - The adult care market is expanding, particularly in China, where products like adult diapers are expected to see significant growth due to an aging population [16][18]. - The beauty and wellness sectors are thriving, with products like collagen supplements and at-home beauty devices gaining popularity, reflecting a continued consumer focus on aesthetics [23]. - Outdoor and leisure activities are on the rise, with brands in camping and outdoor gear experiencing increased sales as consumers seek experiences over material possessions [24][30]. - The emotional economy is gaining traction, with products that provide comfort and joy, such as low-alcohol beverages, becoming increasingly popular [25][26]. - The "lazy economy" is emerging, driven by younger generations who prefer convenience, leading to growth in frozen food and smart home appliances [29][31]. Group 2: Market Trends and Strategies - The article suggests that the current economic climate, often viewed as a "winter," actually presents opportunities for those willing to invest in counter-cyclical sectors [33]. - The upcoming event, "Black Horse Consumption Rise," aims to provide insights into how Japanese and Chinese companies can thrive in a stock market era through product innovation and brand expansion [34][39]. - The importance of understanding consumer needs and market segmentation is highlighted, with successful companies focusing on niche markets and innovative product offerings [42]. - The article discusses the significance of global branding and the need for Chinese companies to build trust in international markets through effective storytelling and cultural adaptation [43][49].

Core Insights - The global economy is facing multiple challenges, with growth expected to slow down to approximately 3.0% by 2025 according to the IMF [2] - Eight industries are identified as resilient during economic downturns, drawing lessons from Japan's "lost 30 years" experience [2] Industry Analysis - **Japanese Economic Characteristics**: Japan's economy has been in decline since 1992, with growth rates fluctuating between 0-3%, and significant drops in stock and real estate prices [4] - **Consumer Behavior Changes**: Post-1992, Japanese household consumption exhibited a trend towards frugality, with no consecutive annual increases exceeding 1% until 2022 [4][6] - **Counter-Cyclical Industry Performance**: Beauty and caffeine-related products saw significant growth during Japan's economic downturn, with beauty products increasing by 45.9% and caffeine beverages by 127% from 1992 to 2022 [7][16] Demand Shifts - **Consumer Segmentation**: Different consumer groups exhibit varied spending behaviors based on income, age, and occupation, leading to new consumption demands [10] - **Demand Migration**: Consumers shifted from luxury to value-driven purchases during economic downturns, emphasizing practicality and price [11] - **Demand Triangle Model**: This model illustrates the core consumer needs during spending, highlighting the psychological aspects of consumer behavior [12] Resilient Industries - **Second-Hand Economy**: The second-hand luxury market in Japan has thrived, with significant growth potential in China, where the market is expected to reach over 1 trillion yuan by 2026 [17][20] - **Pet Economy**: The pet industry in Japan showed resilience during economic downturns, with China's market projected to exceed 1.15 trillion yuan by 2028 [21][24] - **Adult Care Industry**: Driven by an aging population, this sector is expected to see rapid growth, with China's market projected to surpass 100 billion yuan by 2030 [25][28] - **Health Food and Beverage**: The market for health-oriented products is growing, with a focus on low-sugar options and functional beverages [29][31] - **Beauty Economy**: The medical beauty market is expanding rapidly, with projections indicating a market size of 700 billion yuan by 2031 [34][37] - **Outdoor Recreation**: The outdoor market is expected to reach 300 billion yuan by 2025, driven by increasing consumer interest in outdoor activities [41] - **Emotional Economy**: This sector is projected to exceed 2 trillion yuan by 2025, reflecting a growing consumer focus on emotional well-being [46] - **Lazy Economy**: The market for convenience products is expected to surpass 5 trillion yuan by 2030, driven by the demand for time-saving solutions [51] Comparative Market Insights - **Market Size Comparison**: The second-hand economy in China is approximately 150 billion yuan, significantly lower than Japan's 20-30% market penetration [54] - **Growth Potential**: The pet economy in China is robust, with a projected market size of 300 billion yuan, comparable to Japan's market [54] - **Future Trends**: Understanding these industries' growth logic and future trends will help identify new business opportunities in a seemingly sluggish economic environment [55]