Local News

A new drugstore chain chock-full of products from Kyushu, is proving popular in Dalian, China. The Liaoning Kangxinmei Commercial Chain, a joint venture formed by Yokohama-based drugstore operator Cocokara Fine, Osaka-based trading house Itochu and two Chinese partners, currently operates one drugstore in Dalian, a port city in Liaoning Province known for its affinity to Japan, and has plans to expand to 50 throughout China over the next five years. Products in the shop include Fukuoka’s Marutai ramen and natural spring water from Miyazaki. Most of the store’s patrons are women in their 20s~40s who are willing to spend more money for Japanese products they know are safe. Kangxinmei has also caught the eye of officials in Kitakyushu City’s Dalian Office, who hope to someday get a Kitakyushu Corner installed in one of the shops. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 8/31