Department stores in Japan

In Umeda, West Japan Railiway Isetan(ja) opened a new 50,000 m2 (538,196 sq ft) flagship-style store, triggering major expansion by its neighbors Hankyu (from 61,000 to 84,000 m2) and Daimaru (from 40,000 to 64,000 m2), while Hanshin remained at 54,000 m2.

In Minami, Takashimaya expanded from 56,000 to 78,000 m2, and in Abeno, Kintetsu grew from 48,000 to a whopping 100,000 m2,[2] making it the largest department store in Japan.

[3] The resulting market saturation led West JR–Isetan to close in 2015, less than 4 years after opening; two-thirds of the space was converted to midsize shops and rechristened "LUCUA 1100"(ja).

[4] Department stores in Japan generally offer a wide range of services and can include foreign exchange, travel reservations, ticket sales for local concerts and other events.

The basement level usually has a grocery and food court, and on the roof may be garden and aquatic supplies, pets, and a children's play area.