Japanese customers spent 12.835 trillion yen at supermarkets in Japan in 2009

"Nationwide supermarket sales fell below 13 trillion yen last year for the first time in 21 years, according to the Japan Chain Stores Association. Adjusted for changes in the number of stores, supermarket sales fell 4.3% to 12.835 trillion yen last year, the 13th straight year of decline. Nationwide supermarket floor space has almost doubled over the past 20 years, however."


Source: Aeon's Interest in Carrefour Stores Reflects Struggles in Japan
By HIROYUKI KACHI
WSJ
Sept 2, 2010
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704206804575467161661763770.html