Top 10 Drugstore Chains in Japan (2024): Matsukiyo, Welcia, Tsuruha & More | Store Count Ranking with Japanese Names

Discover the top 10 drugstore chains in Japan in 2024, ranked by store count. Includes Matsukiyo, Welcia, Tsuruha & more with English-Japanese names and brand insights.

Japan's drugstore industry is a dynamic and competitive sector, with several key players dominating the market. As of 2023, the leading drugstore chains in Japan, based on the number of stores, are as follows:​

Each of these companies has carved out a significant presence in the Japanese market through strategic expansions, mergers, and a focus on customer-centric services. Below is an overview of these top drugstore chains, highlighting their growth trajectories and current standings.​

 

1. MatsukiyoCocokara & Co.

(マツキヨココカラ&カンパニー)
Formed through the merger of Matsumoto Kiyoshi Holdings and Cocokara Fine Inc., MatsukiyoCocokara & Co. stands as a formidable entity in Japan's drugstore sector. The merger combined the strengths of both companies, resulting in a robust network of stores nationwide. The company continues to focus on expanding its product offerings and enhancing customer experience. ​
Official Website

2. Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd.

(ウエルシアホールディングス株式会社)
Welcia Holdings has experienced significant growth over the years. As of February 2023, the company operated 2,763 stores in Japan. Welcia's strategy includes opening new stores and enhancing customer convenience through services like the introduction of the WAON POINT system. ​
Official Website

3. Tsuruha Holdings Inc.

(ツルハホールディングス株式会社)
Tsuruha Holdings has steadily increased its store count, operating 2,655 domestic consolidated stores as of 2023. The company focuses on providing a wide range of pharmaceutical and daily necessity products, catering to the diverse needs of its customers. ​
Official Website

4. Sugi Holdings Co., Ltd.

(スギホールディングス株式会社)
Sugi Holdings has shown consistent growth in its store network. By the end of fiscal year 2023, the company operated 1,718 stores, marking an increase from previous years. Sugi Holdings emphasizes community-based services and has been expanding its presence across various regions in Japan. ​
Official Website

5. Cosmos Pharmaceutical Corporation

(株式会社コスモス薬品)
Cosmos Pharmaceutical, known for its "Drugstore Cosmos" brand, has been expanding its footprint, particularly in urban areas. The company operates several stores in key locations such as Tokyo's Kabukicho and Hiroo, offering a wide range of products from medicines to daily necessities. ​
cosmospc.co.jp
Official Website

6. Fuji Yakuhin Co., Ltd.

(株式会社富士薬品)
Fuji Yakuhin operates under the "SEIMS" brand, with a network of drugstores across Japan. The company focuses on providing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and daily necessities, aiming to be a trusted community-based drugstore. ​
Official Website

7. Sundrug Co., Ltd.

(株式会社サンドラッグ)
Sundrug has been on a growth trajectory, opening a record-high 98 stores in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, bringing the total to 1,380 stores. The company operates both drugstores and discount stores, offering a variety of products to meet customer needs. ​
Official Website

8. Kusuri No Aoki Holdings Co., Ltd.

(株式会社クスリのアオキホールディングス)
Kusuri No Aoki has expanded its operations significantly, operating over 1,000 stores across Japan as of March 2023. The company focuses on neighborhood-type retail, offering pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and daily necessities. ​
Official Website

9. Create SD Holdings Co., Ltd.

(クリエイトSDホールディングス株式会社)
Create SD Holdings operates a network of drugstores primarily in the Kanagawa Prefecture and surrounding areas. As of May 31, 2023, the company operated 717 drugstores, focusing on providing healthcare and daily necessity products. ​
Official Website

10. Natural Holdings Co., Ltd.

(株式会社ナチュラルホールディングス)
Natural Holdings operates under brands like Drugstore Mori and ZAGZAG, with a combined total of 594 stores. The company focuses on community-based drugstores, offering a range of products from pharmaceuticals to daily necessities.​
Official Website

 

Japan's drugstore market continues to evolve, with these key players expanding their reach and enhancing services to cater to the diverse needs of consumers. The competition among these chains drives innovation and improved