The Pump Market in Japan
Japan’s Aerosol Industry Newspaper Co., Ltd. recently
reported that about 729 million pump dispensers,
including trigger sprayers, were marketed in Japan last
year. This is an approximate 7–8% increase from the 2017’s
volume.
This figure is the highest recorded ever in the Japanese
pump market, owing to so-called “inbound demand,” mostly
from the “explosive buying” of Chinese tourists and those
of neighboring East Asian countries. There has been a huge
amount of foreign visitors to Japan and their demand for
“Made in Japan” products, especially cosmetics, toiletries
and pharmaceuticals (certainly for electronics) has been
increasing since 2016.
In addition, some part of this inbound demand has also shifted
to exports or cross-border e-commerce (EC)—what we would call
“outbound demand”—to Asian countries. Those demands have
boosted the market size for products such as “Made-in-Japan”
shampoos, conditioners and skin care cosmetics.
Of course, these inbound/outbound demands have also influenced
the aerosol market. In 2017 and 2018, the Japanese aerosol
market was estimated to grow slightly from the previous year—a
3.3% and 1.1% increase, respectively. This consecutive growth is
due to overseas demand. In comparison, the Japanese people’s demand
for aerosols, pumps and even cosmetics and most consumer
goods, has not increased steadily for the last two years because of a
weak Japanese economy.
Regardless, the inbound consumer demand from foreign visitors
to Japan and outbound demand, especially from China and other
East Asian countries, has grown considerably. As a result, a general
increase of orders for bottles and pumps makes for tight supply
and demand.
In 2018, about 227 million 1–3cc dispenser pumps were sold.
Other sales are estimated to be:
• About 162 million trigger-pumps
• About 115 million finger-pumps
• 105 million one-drop lotion pumps
• 15 million HVD/airless pumps
• 65 million foam pumps
• 38 million “other” types pumps
The 3cc dispenser pumps are mainly used for hygiene products,
such as shampoo, hair conditioner and body soap. Silicone-free
shampoos have sold well because of “smash hit” launches by new
marketers, especially Botanist shampoo from I-ne Co. Additionally,
consumers and marketers have become keen on phrases such
as “organic,” “natural ingredients only” or “eco-friendly.” Also,
because many consumers have begun to use their own personal
products, rather than family-use products, the shampoo and body
wash markets have become revitalized.
Furthermore, 1cc dispenser pumps for face-cleansing products
have maintained steady sales, mainly because of inbound and
outbound demand.
Sales of 1–3cc
dispensers have seen
an approximate 5%
increase over the
previous year. The
market was led by
Yoshino Kogyosyo
(holding 57% of
market share), followed
by Mitani
Valve (35%). They
have multinational
production sites, not
only in Japan but also
in Thailand. They
also import low-cost
dispensers (mainly
3ccs) from Thailand.
September 2019 Spray 19
Production nears 729 million units in 2018
Editorial staff, Aerosol Industry Newspaper Co., Ltd.
Chinese tourists shop in Tokyo’s Ginza district.
Photo from The Japan Times.
Silicone-free shampoos in 3cc dispenser pumps,
such as Botanist, are extremely popular in Japan. Continued on page 20