Group 1 - Major Japanese cosmetics companies are facing significant challenges, with varying performance across different brands and markets [2][7][30] - Kao Corporation reported a remarkable increase in operating profit by nearly 108%, while other companies like Kose and I-ne experienced declines of 17.7% and 17.0% respectively [2][7] - Several brands under major Japanese cosmetics companies are struggling, with notable declines such as a 57% drop for the brand "Zui Xiang" and decreases for brands like Anessa, Shiseido, Decorte, and POLA [2][10] Group 2 - The Japanese cosmetics market is facing challenges, with a 3.4% decline in the overall market and specific brands like Kose's Sekkisei down by 0.5% [2][30] - The performance in the Chinese market is dragging down overall sales, with many companies planning to withdraw, liquidate, or close stores by 2025 [2][28] - Kao is the only company among the five major Japanese cosmetics groups to show growth across all markets, with increases of 2.4% in the Americas, 3.0% in Europe, and 2.3% overseas [2][30] Group 3 - Shiseido's operating profit turned positive, but net sales showed only a slight increase of 0.82%, indicating ongoing challenges [9][30] - Kose's net sales increased by 0.9%, but its operating profit fell by 17.7%, highlighting the difficulties faced by the company [9][30] - POLA ORBIS reported a decline in net sales by 1.4%, primarily due to reduced sales from its core POLA brand [21][23] Group 4 - I-ne's skincare segment saw a significant increase of 432%, while its hair care segment declined by 10.8% [27][28] - Kao's beauty-related sales for the first half of 2025 reached 211.5 billion yen (approximately 10.32 billion RMB) and 118.5 billion yen (approximately 5.78 billion RMB) for cosmetics, with both segments showing profit growth [13][15] - Kose's high-end brand sales showed mixed results, with Sekkisei growing by 11.4% while other core brands like Decorte faced declines [16][18] Group 5 - The overall performance of Japanese cosmetics companies indicates a need for strategic adjustments, especially in light of economic downturns and increased competition in the Chinese market [37][40] - Companies are exploring growth opportunities in Southeast Asia, but face challenges from numerous competitors in these emerging markets [47][28] - The Japanese domestic market also presents challenges, with brands like Zui Xiang ceasing operations and Kose's Sekkisei facing a slight decline [42][45]

Core Viewpoint - POLA ORBIS HOLDINGS has announced the dissolution and liquidation of its subsidiary, Orbis Beijing, indicating challenges in the Chinese market but not a complete exit from China [1][3][5]. Company Overview - POLA ORBIS was established in 1929, focusing on beauty care, real estate, and other sectors, with beauty care accounting for 97% of its total revenue in 2024 [6]. - The Orbis brand, launched in 1984, targets the mid-range market with products priced between 2,000 and 5,000 yen (approximately 101 to 252 RMB) [8]. Financial Performance - Orbis Beijing's revenue for 2024 was 783 million yen (approximately 39 million RMB), the lowest in three years, with continuous losses in operating profit and net profit [8][9]. - The financial data shows a decline in net assets and total assets over the past three years, with net sales dropping significantly [9]. Strategic Decisions - The decision to dissolve Orbis Beijing aligns with POLA's "VISION 2029" strategy, which aims to expand globally and optimize brand portfolios [10]. - The company cited the slowing Chinese economy and intensified e-commerce competition as reasons for the inability to achieve short-term profitability [10][11]. Market Challenges - POLA faces significant competition in the Japanese cosmetics market, ranking last among the top four Japanese cosmetic groups [11]. - The overall performance of POLA's brands has been declining, with the main brand POLA and Jurlique experiencing revenue drops, while Orbis showed some growth [15][20]. Industry Context - The Chinese beauty market is becoming increasingly competitive, with local brands like Proya and Han Shu achieving significant revenue growth, contrasting with the struggles of international brands [21]. - The challenges faced by POLA are not unique, as other Japanese cosmetic companies are also experiencing difficulties in the Chinese market [20][21].