As the nation's population ages, retailers have been forced to evolve to serve the needs of Japan's changing consumer base.
Retail giant Aeon Co. has renovated 13 outlets across the country to cater to seniors, offering earlier opening hours and services that encourage asatomo (morning friends) get-togethers.
At a mall in the Kasai area in eastern Tokyo, a bookstore, gym, bakery and cafe all open at 7 a.m., and a sports goods retailer even offers early bird discounts.