Labor shortage is becoming serious in Japan. Now the government is taking the initiative to automate the retail sector with the RFID technology, starting with convenience stores nationwide. The new microwaveable RFID tags WaveSafe is expected to help the transition.
Japan is one of the countries that are facing a serious shrinkage of population. There were 125 million people as of 2000, and the number is expect to go down to 88 million in 2065, due to a declining birth rate.
Japan is also a unique country that relies heavily on convenience stores, which are called “konbini”. There are 55,743 convenience stores as of December 2018, according to the Japan Franchise Association and the number has been solidly increasing since 1970s.
Convenience stores in Japan have plenty to offer: they are open around the clock, and sell a variety of food for breakfast, lunch, bento boxes and snacks as well as beverages including local beer and sake. Many outlets offer seasonal and limited-time items to attract customers. They also sell stationary, health and household products, books and magazines. You can even pay your electricity bill, and pick up delivered items as well. And all these services require at least 2-4 people per store, including the night shifts.
Source: Japan Aims To Automate All Convenience Stores By 2025 With A New RFID Technology