Ah, Black Friday. Heaven (of a sorts) for avid fans of consumerism; Hell for the poor employees who have to deal with the hordes of customers, some perhaps still tipsy from their Thanksgiving celebrations the night before. Either way, this American pseudo-holiday often makes waves across the US (perhaps literally if jetski stores are having sales).
So why are we talking about Black Friday in an article about Japan? Despite the proliferation of McDonalds, Taco Bell, and KFC, Japan is not an American state, and does not share holidays. But since Christmas has been adopted, after a fashion, has Black Friday? Line up outside and get ready to burst through to the answer.
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Does Japan Do Black Friday?
The answer is: yes! Kind of. While there is a relatively new phenomena that goes by the name, “Black Friday,” it has nothing to do with Thanksgiving, because… well, there is no Thanksgiving holiday in Japan (at least, not in the same sense as it is celebrated in the US and Canada). As such, it cannot take place the day after a holiday that does not exist.
However, following an initial trial by Japanese Toys “R” Us in 2014, there has been a trend for some stores to offer deals under a “Black Friday” branding. These are often accompanied by. — what else? — black tinted advertising, and sometimes even packaging.
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What Black Friday Feels Like in Japan
One of the first things to note that is different from those used to a “traditional” Black Friday in the US is that… it doesn’t start on Black Friday, and it lasts for longer — sometimes even weeks at a time!
During that time, you’ll be reminded of the sales by big banners, whether they be at participating stores or the headers of online outlets. While it’s not as intrusive as in the States, you will be aware of your favorite store’s participation in Black Friday, if indeed it does participate.
Where You Will Find the Biggest Black Friday Deals in Japan
Despite the participation of some stores in Black Friday, some are more active than others. Here are a couple of the most noted.
Aeon
One of the largest supermarket brands in Japan, in 2025 it is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Black Friday sales. With its mascot of a black bear with golden eyes, anyone entering an Aeon will be greeted by onyx banners advertising the sales, as well as black bags containing discounted goods to take home.
One thing to note, though, is that this is the epitome of a longer out-of-season Black Friday sale. In 2025, it lasts from November 1 to November 20 — ending the very day Black Friday in the US begins!
Amazon
Conversely, Amazon Japan has a Black Friday sale that launches after the US’ Thanksgiving holiday… but a few days too late for tradition. Amazon Japan’s Black Friday will last from November 24 to December 1 this year.
In addition to discounted items, spending over ¥10,000 will generate extra points for buyers, and a “stamp rally” to get extra points for those who complete certain purchases or tasks, such as subscribing to a manga series or registering with Prime. There’s also a points lottery!
7-Eleven
If you’re just looking for a little off the top of your regular konbini snacks, then 7-Eleven has you covered. From November 27 until November 30, it will be putting a few of its delicious fried goods at half price.
On November 27, Hokkaido potato and beef croquettes will be half-off. On the 28th, it will be the turn of spring rolls. The 29th sees karaage fried chicken cut in half in price, but not in quantity. Finally, spring rolls take a victory lap to be 50% off on November 30.
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Other Stores
Because Black Friday is still a relatively new phenomenon in Japan, the number of stores that participate, and in what fashion, can differ wildly. Local Japanese stores are highly unlikely to observe — or even be aware of — the American festival of capitalist excess, but some larger chains may do so.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Black Friday in Japan in 2025
Make sure to check with stores whose products you have interest in to see if they are offering Black Friday sales. Online stores and platforms are often more receptive than brick and mortar Japanese stores, so you would do well to check those first.
Make sure you keep track of the dates of the sales. Japan is very strict about sticking to dates, so that item that was on sale until the 20th will not be on sale on the 21st, no matter how convincing your tears.
So for those looking to get bang for your buck or more yum for your yen, enjoy Black Friday! Even if it is technically a week, or a fortnight, or a weekend. At least you won’t get trampled!
