Supermarket Preferences in Japan: Top Chain Rankings Revealed by LINE Research

In a recent survey conducted by LINE Yahoo Corporation, which utilizes the country's largest active research panel of over 7 million participants, insights into shopper preferences revealed significant trends in supermarket chains across Japan. The research, aiming to determine the favorite supermarket chains among individuals aged 15 to 69, indicates that supermarket shopping is an integral part of daily life for most people.

Highlights of the Findings

The findings show that Aeon / MaxValu / Marunaka stands out as the favorite supermarket chain in Japan, with over 20% of respondents indicating it as their top choice. This is a testament to the brand's solid market presence and consumer loyalty. Moreover, it was apparent that a mere 3.9% of participants claimed they do not shop at chain supermarkets, underscoring their essential role in the consumer routine.

Top Supermarket Rankings

The detailed rankings revealed:
1. Aeon / MaxValu / Marunaka
2. Gourmet Supermarket
3. Ropia

These results were consistent across regions, with Aeon / MaxValu / Marunaka dominating all areas, particularly securing over 30% of preferences in Hokkaido and Central Japan. The survey also showcased other regional favorites, such as Trial, which ranked second in Hokkaido, and Co-op in third place.

In the Kanto region, Oki narrowly overtook Aeon / MaxValu / Marunaka to claim the top spot. Yaoko took third place, reflecting a trend where local supermarkets are highly favored within communities.

Favorite Supermarkets and Their Appeal

The respondents who chose their favorite supermarket were asked to elaborate on their preferences. For the overall favorite, Aeon / MaxValu / Marunaka, the top reasons included:

- Convenient location (nearer to stations or homes)
- Ample parking space (easy to find parking)
- Strong private brand offerings (variety and affordability)

In the second position, Gourmet Supermarket is favored mainly due to its affordability, with approximately 70% of respondents highlighting the low prices as a significant draw. Following closely, its value for money rated at around 40%, along with a good selection of frozen and processed foods.

Ropia, coming in third, also benefits from its competitive pricing and an impressive assortment of fresh produce, including vegetables, fish, and meats. Other notable mentions in the survey reflect region-specific favorites; Trial in Hokkaido and Kyushu is known for its pricing and extended hours, making it a convenient choice for shoppers. Meanwhile, York Foods / York Benimaru stands out in the Tohoku region for its impressive promotional offerings and sales.

Research Methodology

The survey was conducted via a smartphone web-based interface targeting LINE users across Japan between October 1 and October 3, 2025. The sample size consisted of 3,148 respondents, weighted for gender and age to align with the national demographic.

LINE Research is dedicated to maximizing business development and marketing activities, providing insights through a platform designed for the smartphone era. Its unique ability to access varied participant groups enables effective collection of general opinions, ultimately benefiting businesses seeking to understand consumer behavior.