March hardware surge in Japan attributed to sales tax increase, other factors

Hardware sales in Japan surged during the period of March 17 -30, and while it's common for this to occur during holidays such as Golden Week, there weren't any holidays in Japan during the period. Instead, Media Create has offered various reasons for the increase in sale.

Speaking with Siliconera, Media Create analyst Sho Sato stated once of the main reasons for the hardware surge, was due to a consumption tax which was scheduled for April 1. Known as sales tax in the US and VAT in Europe, the tax would increase the price of various goods from 5% to 8%.

A secondary reason, was due to schools, from elementary through college, going on spring break during the period. A new school year also begins in April, so many hardware sales could be attributed to gifts.

A third cause was due to payday: the 25th of each month is a typical payday at many Japanese companies. The days which follow usually see an increase in videogame sales and hardware - particularity PlayStation systems.