In Japan, there are two major shopping events during the year that have housewives and young girls everywhere scrambling into malls and shopping arcades and any store with a 20% off sticker in the window, almost on command.

Simply put these are the "Bargain" seasons: huge sales where merchandise is anywhere from 20% to even 70 and 80% off. Summer, being a bit bigger of a deal than winter.

Especially with the economic stimulus plan (12,000 yen in my bank account for free baby!) this year, coupled with the usual receiving of bonuses by most Japanese workers, let's just say that the entire month of July is A BITCH.

Not only are there crowds EVERYWHERE, but also, in Tenjin, the Yamagasa festival is happening, so there are literally SWARMS of people. Madness ensues.

But if you're looking for cheap prices, especially on many of the overpriced clothing items in Japan, this is the time to buy. They say that everything good is gone by the very beginning of bargain, within the first weekend or so, but I disagree. If you wait a little longer (and it depends on your store and area) many shops will double their bargains and give you an even better deal within the last week or two.

Personally, I think Comme ca is a perfect example of this. Near my office, there is a shopping mecca called Canal City and a four story Comme ca store there. They show you the schedule for when "Bargain", "Golden Bargain" and "Final Bargain" will be coming to a Comme ca near you. And it is really worth it. Especially because Comme ca is so overpriced in the first place.

But the beauty is, that even your smaller stores and boutiques are getting in on the action.

So don't feel bad dropping a few yen this month, trust me, prices will return back to their normal, overinflated selves soon enough.


Happy Bargaining!