Department Stores Ready To Take 'osechi' Orders
Major department stores in Japan are already set to start taking orders for New Year's delicacies known as osechi.
This year, amid the coronavirus pandemic, they are planning to offer food items in individual servings, rather than arranged for sharing. This will reduce the risk of infection.
Takashimaya, which has a flagship shop in Tokyo and outposts in several other major cities, has unveiled its osechi lineup for the coming New Year's season.
It has increased offerings designed to be enjoyed by a single diner by 50 percent from the previous year.
To appeal to customers unable to enjoy dining out as much as usual, the chain will also offer more dishes from famous Japanese restaurants to be enjoyed at home.
Yamashita Satoshi, a buyer for Takashimaya, says sales of osechi dishes have grown by 3 to 5 percent annually in recent years. He says the chain now aims to increase sales by 8 percent amid expectations that many will refrain from traveling during the New Year's holiday season.
The department store plans to begin accepting online orders for osechi delights beginning in mid-September.
