Daiso Industries Co., Ltd., commonly known as Daiso Japan, is a Japanese retail company widely recognised for pioneering the modern 100-yen shop concept. It operates one of the largest value store chains globally, offering an extensive range of affordable everyday items such as household goods, kitchenware, stationery, cosmetics, toys, gardening supplies, food, and seasonal merchandise. While many products are sold at a low fixed price, Daiso Japan also carries premium items at higher price points depending on the product category and market.

The origins of Daiso Japan date back to 1972, when founder Hirotake Yano established Yano Shoten, a mobile street-vending business selling household goods in Hiroshima, Japan. The business was incorporated as Daiso Industries Co., Ltd. in 1977. In the late 1980s, the company introduced its signature “100-yen shop” format, which transformed discount retailing in Japan by providing a wide assortment of quality products at a single low price.

International expansion began in 2001 with the opening of the first overseas stores in Taiwan. Since then, Daiso Japan has grown across Asia, North America, the Middle East, Europe, and Oceania, establishing itself as one of Japan’s most recognisable retail brands.

• Founded: 1972 (as Yano Shoten)
• Incorporated: December 1977
• Founder: Hirotake Yano
• Headquarters: Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
• Industry: Retail
• Business Type: Discount variety stores
• Parent Company: Daiso Industries Co., Ltd.
• President: Yasuharu Yano

Daiso Japan offers a comprehensive product lineup that covers nearly every aspect of daily life. Categories include:

• Home organisation and storage
• Kitchen utensils and cookware
• Cleaning supplies
• Bathroom accessories
• Stationery and office products
• Arts and crafts materials
• Beauty and personal care
• Health products
• Gardening tools
• Pet supplies
• Toys and children’s products
• Food and beverages
• Electronics and accessories
• Travel essentials
• Seasonal and holiday decorations

The company develops approximately 1,200 new products every month, ensuring that inventory remains fresh and constantly changing.

The success of Daiso Japan is built on several key operational principles:

• Affordable pricing
• High-volume purchasing
• Efficient global sourcing
• Frequent product innovation
• Large product assortment
• Efficient logistics and inventory management

Unlike many discount retailers, Daiso Japan places significant emphasis on product design, functionality, and quality while maintaining competitive prices.

Daiso Japan has grown into one of the world’s largest discount retail chains. As of February 2026, the company operates:

• 5,891 stores worldwide
• 4,784 stores in Japan
• 1,107 stores overseas
• Operations across 26 countries and regions

Major international markets include South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

In addition to its flagship Daiso Japan stores, the company operates two other retail concepts:

• THREEPPY – Lifestyle products focusing on fashion and home décor, positioned at slightly higher price points.
• Standard Products – Minimalist, higher-quality everyday goods that emphasise sustainable design.

The mission of Daiso Japan centres on enriching everyday life by making practical, innovative products accessible to everyone. Key areas of focus include customer satisfaction, continuous product development, value for money, accessibility, and everyday convenience.

Although Daiso Japan is a Japanese company, its products are manufactured in multiple countries, including Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, and other Asian manufacturing hubs. All products are designed or selected according to the company’s quality standards before being distributed globally.

Daiso Japan is widely regarded as the pioneer of Japan’s modern 100-yen store industry and one of the world’s largest value-store retailers. It is a popular destination for affordable household essentials, stationery, crafts, and Japanese lifestyle goods, and is known for introducing thousands of new products each year.

• The name “DAISO” is derived from the Japanese characters 大創, which roughly translate to “great creation.”
• Many customers visit specifically because new products are introduced on a regular basis.
• While store layouts often vary by country, core product categories remain consistent worldwide.

According to the company’s latest published figures as of February 2026:

• Founded: 1972
• Headquarters: Higashihiroshima, Japan
• Worldwide stores: 5,891
• Employees: Over 26,000 staff (including store staff, 8-hour equivalent)
• Annual consolidated sales: ¥771 billion (fiscal year ending February 2026)