{
  "id": 10949616,
  "title": "Toys R Us is leaving Japan after 35 years in the country",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/toys-r-us-is-leaving-japan-after-35-years-in-the-country",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-30T13:00:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SoraNews24",
    "slug": "soranews24",
    "url": "https://soranews24.com/2026/09/30/toys-r-us-is-leaving-japan-after-35-years-in-the-country/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "U.S.-originated Toys R Us has operated in Japan for nearly 35 years, ending its 35-year stint in the country. Once thriving, the retailer now joins a list of U.S. brands that have outgrown their Japanese presence, such as Mister Donut and Lawson. Toys R Us Japan recently announced its departure, citing declining sales and the rise of online shopping as primary reasons. Despite a recent sales increase, Japan's falling birthrate and the growing popularity of online shopping mean fewer customers visit traditional brick-and-mortar stores like Toys R Us, which primarily targets younger children. Additionally, online retailers like Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera, with their broader product lines and central locations, pose a competitive threat to Toys R Us. With 150 stores and 6,000 employees, the decision marks a significant end to the brand's presence in Japan. However, the physical assets and staff will be acquired by Pan Pacific International Holdings, which owns discount retailer Don Quijote.",
  "summary": "U.S. born chain has soldiered on for nearly a decade after the closing of stores in America. Every now and then, U.S. companies that set up stores in Japan become so successful that they outlive their home-country selves. Mister Donut and convenience store Lawson, for example, both began in the States but have now been […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}