[Japanese Stocks] Abnormal weather has become a daily occurrence. Which stocks are offering merchandise and services adapted to the environment? | Kazuyuki Suzuki explores the next trending stocks! | Moneyクリ Monex Securities' investment information and media useful for money.

The Arrival of Early Midsummer

We will revisit the topic of abnormal weather.

There is hardly a day when we do not hear news about rough weather and abnormal climate. In fact, in mid-June this year, the Japanese archipelago was hit by summer-like high temperatures. On June 17th (Tuesday), 65 locations nationwide recorded temperatures exceeding 35 degrees, marking a "severe heat day." In Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, a temperature of 38.2 degrees was recorded, and even though the summer solstice has not yet passed, everyone felt that summer had arrived too soon.

Abnormal temperatures have become completely normal, and a life that regularly encounters extreme heat and heavy rain has become firmly established. Before I knew it, I found myself checking the weather forecast more frequently than before.

According to experts, the heat in June is attributed to the Pacific high-pressure system extending closer to the Japanese archipelago than usual. The pressure configuration is already resembling that of mid-summer, and one of the reasons pointed out is the high sea surface temperatures.

The scorching heat that also affects crop growth impacts the prices of coffee, wine, and fresh produce.

Last year (2024) and the year before last (2023) were consecutive years of record-breaking heat waves. This year is expected to be somewhat milder than the past two years, but summer temperatures are likely to be significantly higher than normal. According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation's forecast, the rainy season is expected to start and end early, and it will be a year with many typhoons.

Plants grow vigorously under the sun, but excessively high temperatures can adversely affect the growth of crops. The price of coffee beans, which are the raw material for coffee, has nearly doubled over the past year but has not yet decreased and remains high. As a result, it is expected that from late 2025 to 2026, there will be an impact on the price consumers pay for a cup of coffee at cafes.

The global wine production in 2024 has decreased by ▲4.8%. This marks a second consecutive year of decline, influenced by abnormal weather conditions. In Japan, from summer to autumn and winter in 2024, the prices of fruits and vegetables soared.

Four Stocks Performing Well in Response to Abnormal Weather

In modern society, where abnormal weather is becoming the norm, we will look for companies that are increasing their sales and adapting flexibly.

Weathernews (4825)

The world's largest private weather information provider. It started with weather information services for ships triggered by a maritime accident in 1970. In addition to providing weather information for shipping companies aiming to minimize time and fuel costs and ensure safety at sea, services for corporations in sectors such as roads, railways, and aviation have expanded. Paid services for individuals through apps and the internet are also growing. It is currently setting new records in profits.

[Chart 1] Weathernews (4825): Weekly Chart (Moving Average Line Green: 13 Weeks, Orange: 26 Weeks) Source: Monex Securities website (as of June 26, 2025)

Workman (7564)

Mainly expanding work clothing and related professional chains through FC. They offer "Workman" and "Workman plus +" for work and active casual, and "Workman Women" and "Workman Colors" for basic casual. The total number of stores exceeded 1,000 for the first time, reaching 1,051 stores at the end of the previous term. They are focusing on private brand products, with a private brand ratio reaching 68.5%, from which the "fan jacket" has emerged, becoming essential for work under high temperatures.

[Figure 2] Workman (7564): Weekly Chart (Moving Average Lines Green: 13 Weeks, Orange: 26 Weeks) Source: Monex Securities website (as of June 26, 2025)

Bic Camera (3048)

A major electronics retail chain. Founded in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, it has large stores in terminal stations in Tokyo, such as Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Yurakucho, and Shibuya, as well as in front of stations in local cities. It has also consolidated its roadside stores by acquiring Kojima. With the increase in dual-income households, the popularity of cooking appliances and large refrigerators and washing machines continues. Sales of computers and smartphones are also recovering significantly. To this, the sales of air conditioners and fans have increased due to three consecutive years of scorching heat. The monthly sales of "Bic Camera + Kojima" have continued to be positive compared to the previous year since July 2023.

[Chart 3] Bic Camera (3048): Weekly Chart (Moving Averages Green: 13 weeks, Orange: 26 weeks) Source: Monex Securities website (as of June 26, 2025)

Onward Holdings (8016)

A major apparel company. It has strong in-house brands such as "23区", "組曲", "ICB", "五大陸", and "J.PRESS". Previously, department stores were the main sales channel, but in recent years, online shopping, shopping centers, and station buildings have expanded. For shopping centers, specialized brands "any SiS" and "any FAM" have been developed, while for online shopping, exclusive brands "uncrave" and "UNFILO" have also been created. Starting in 2025, the seasons will be redefined according to temperature changes into two categories: "long hot summers" and "delayed cold winters", and items will be developed accordingly. There are also intentions to expand "seasonless" products that can be worn year-round.

[Figure 4] Onward Holdings (8016): Weekly Chart (Moving Averages Green: 13 Weeks, Orange: 26 Weeks) Source: Monex Securities website (as of June 26, 2025)