Tokyo, Nov. 12 (Jiji Press)–Major Japanese department stores will sell “fukubukuro” lucky bags for their New Year’s sale next year, with many featuring frozen foods and gourmet ingredients. The focus on food reflects department store operators’ aim to generate interest in their products as a proposed cut in the consumption tax rate on food next April is expected to boost demand for dining at home. Stores are also offering sheep-themed food and experiences because 2027 is the Year of the Sheep in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. Takashimaya Co. has prepared a 20,270-yen bag containing 30 servings of frozen foods, including its store-brand sweet-and-sour pork and hamburg steaks, along with a 121-liter freezer. The company will also offer a 2,027-yen set consisting of lamb meat and a grill for “jingisukan,” a mutton barbecue dish. Both offerings will be available to five customers each through a lottery. Matsuya Co. will sell 200 lucky bags containing items worth up to 27,000 yen at its Ginza store in Tokyo for 5,000 yen each. The items will include crab and puffer fish, as well as meal vouchers. At its Asakusa store, Matsuya will offer 10 lucky bags for 5,500 yen each, containing 3,000 yen worth of vouchers redeemable at its basement food hall and two vouchers for lunch at nearby restaurants. Tobu Department Store Co. will sell 10 lucky bags for 10,000 yen each at its Ikebukuro main store in Tokyo and its Funabashi store in Chiba Prefecture, adjacent to the Japanese capital. Purchasers will have the opportunity to experience shearing sheep and other activities of animal keepers at Tobu Zoo in Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo. The Funabashi store will also offer a lucky bag that allows customers to experience herding sheep at Mother Farm in Chiba. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
