Japan’s shareholder benefits program (株主優待制度, kabunushi yūtai seido) is one of the most beloved features for domestic investors. Companies reward shareholders with perks such as gift vouchers, discount coupons, products, or even exclusive experiences. These incentives not only provide tangible value but also deepen engagement with the brand.
To enjoy these benefits, you need to be recorded in the company’s shareholder registry on the record date (権利確定日). Because stock settlement in Japan takes two business days, you must purchase shares by the “ex-dividend last trading date” (権利付き最終日)—which falls two business days before the record date—and hold through that day’s close to qualify. Selling early may cost you the bonus!
Below, I break down exact dates for August 2025, share tips for savvy participation, and offer some unique insights. Let’s go!
August 2025 Key Dates
For most companies whose record date is at the end of August, these are the critical milestones:
- Ex-dividend last trading date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
You must own the shares by the close of trading on this day to qualify. - Ex-dividend date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
You may sell on this day and still receive the benefits. - Record date: Friday, August 29, 2025
This is when the company finalizes the list of qualified shareholders.
Important note: these dates apply when the record date is at month-end. Some companies may have different schedules (e.g., mid-month record dates), so always check each company’s investor information.
7630 – Ichibanya (壱番屋, Curry House CoCo Ichibanya)
Business Overview
Ichibanya operates CoCo Ichibanya, Japan’s largest curry chain restaurant, famous for customizable toppings and a vast curry menu.
Shareholder Benefits
- 100 shares: ¥1,000 in meal vouchers (2 × ¥500), twice a year = ¥2,000 annually
- 1,000 shares: ¥2,000 per time, ¥4,000 annually
- 5,000 shares: ¥6,000 per time, ¥12,000 annually
- 10,000 shares: ¥12,000 per time, ¥24,000 annually
👉 Vouchers can be used for dining in, take-out, delivery, or exchanged for packaged curry/gift sets.
8267 – Aeon (イオン)
Business Overview
Aeon is one of Japan’s largest retail groups, running supermarkets, shopping malls, and financial services.
Shareholder Benefits
- 100 shares: 3% cashback (annual purchase limit ¥1,000,000)
- 500 shares: 4% cashback
- 1,000 shares: 5% cashback
- 3,000 shares: 7% cashback
👉 Comes with the famous Aeon Owners Card, usable at group stores, plus access to Aeon Lounge.
7453 – Ryohin Keikaku (良品計画, MUJI)
Business Overview
Ryohin Keikaku is the operator of MUJI, a lifestyle brand known for minimalist home goods, clothing, and food.
Shareholder Benefits
- 100 shares or more: 7% discount card for MUJI shopping.
👉 The card is sent together with dividend-related documents.
9861 – Yoshinoya Holdings (吉野家ホールディングス)
Business Overview
Yoshinoya runs the iconic beef bowl (gyūdon) chain, along with Hanamaru Udon and other food businesses.
Shareholder Benefits
- 100 shares: 4 vouchers per term (8 per year), each worth ¥500
- 200 shares: 10 vouchers per term (20 annually) or exchange for product set A
- 1,000 shares: 12 vouchers per term (24 annually) or exchange for product set B
- 2,000 shares: 24 vouchers per term (48 annually) or two product set Bs
👉 Usable at Yoshinoya, Hanamaru Udon, and other group restaurants.
8200 – Ringer Hut (リンガーハット)
Business Overview
Ringer Hut operates the Nagasaki Champon noodle chain, popular for vegetable-rich ramen-style dishes.
Shareholder Benefits (points system, 1pt = ¥1)
- 100 shares: 1,650 points per term (3,300 annually)
- 300 shares: 3,850 points
- 500 shares: 6,600 points
- 1,000 shares: 13,750 points
- 2,000 shares: 27,500 points
👉 Points can be used at Ringer Hut, Hamakatsu, or for online frozen products.
9602 – Toho (東宝)
Business Overview
Toho is Japan’s leading film production and distribution company, also managing theaters. Famous for Godzilla and anime films.
Shareholder Benefits (Movie Tickets)
- 100 shares: 1 invitation ticket per term (2 annually)
- 500 shares: 3 tickets per term (6 annually)
- 1,000 shares: 5 tickets per term (10 annually)
- 2,000 shares: 10 tickets per term (20 annually)
- 3,000 shares: 15 tickets per term (30 annually)
- 5,000 shares: 18 tickets per term (36 annually)
- 10,000 shares: 20 tickets per term (40 annually)
👉 Tickets are valid for half-year periods at Toho theaters nationwide.
3048 – Bic Camera (ビックカメラ)
Business Overview
Bic Camera is a major electronics retailer, selling everything from appliances to cosmetics and liquor.
Shareholder Benefits (Shopping Vouchers)
- 100 shares:
- <1 year: ¥1,000
- 1+ years: ¥2,000
- 2+ years: ¥3,000
- 500 shares: ¥2,000–¥4,000 depending on years held
- 1,000 shares: ¥5,000–¥7,000
- 10,000 shares: ¥25,000–¥27,000
👉 Loyalty boosts the benefit the longer you hold the stock.
8233 – Takashimaya (高島屋)
Business Overview
Takashimaya is a prestigious department store chain, known for fashion, luxury goods, and gourmet foods.
Shareholder Benefits (Discount Card)
- 100 shares: 10% discount, usage limit ¥150,000
- 200 shares: 10% discount, usage limit ¥300,000
- 1,000 shares or more: 10% discount with no usage limit
👉 Discount applies to most store purchases and seasonal gift orders.
My Tips & Strategic Perspective
1. Plan ahead—and set reminders
Mark August 27, 2025 in your calendar with a clear note: Buy by market close to secure benefits. Don’t rely on memory.
2. Double-check per company
Some firms, especially those with mid-month record dates, have different deadlines. Always scan the official announcements.
3. Consider the holding period
Some companies require continued long-term ownership—e.g., one year or more—for upgraded benefits. Telecoms and other firms often ramp up perks for long holders.
4. Beware of stock-lending (貸株)
If your shares are lent out, your name may not appear on the shareholder registry—even if you technically own them. If you’re aiming for a benefit, ensure you’ve delisted them from lending before the cutoff.
5. Use tax-efficient accounts wisely
NISA versus regular accounts may affect shareholder numbering and eligibility. Check before transferring. Some transfers could even reset your holding history.
Planning Your August Shareholdings: Quick Checklist
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the companies whose benefits you want this August. |
| 2 | Confirm each company’s record date and ex-dividend last trading date (e.g., August 27). |
| 3 | Purchase shares by end of trading on August 27, 2025. |
| 4 | Optionally sell from August 28 if you don’t wish to hold long-term. |
| 5 | If applicable, ensure long-term holding or delisting from lending to qualify for enhanced benefits. |
Final Thoughts
August 2025 brings ripe opportunities for savvy investors in Japan to reap shareholder benefits. By securing ownership by August 27 and incorporating long-term strategies, you can maximize rewards—from retail discounts to premier perks. Even if typically overlooked, the cumulative value from these benefits can significantly boost your total investment returns—without extra outlay.
Why not make this a habit? Every quarter, a glance at upcoming record dates, paired with timely purchases, can turn dividend hunting into a rewarding side-quest. Happy sharing—both shares and perks!
