Tesco's aspiration to achieve multinational status proved successful. Almost every country they chose to do business in ultimately made them the third largest retailer in the world. However, their niche was in emerging economies and they had entered every emerging economy in the world that they deemed important. There has been some interest in Japan for many years as it is known for being the second largest retail market in the world. When the two existing supermarket chains were put up for sale, Tesco decided it was time to enter the Japanese retail market. Eight years later, Tesco would learn lessons from the uniqueness of Japanese culture. Tesco's motivation for Japan was market share, economies of scale resulting from Japan's changing shopping and consumption habits and changing demographics. Tesco saw a market unsatisfied with a higher level of convenience store with a fresh twist in and around Tokyo city. The eating habits of the Japanese are changing as the population ages. Tesco spent three years investigating food purchasing habits in Japan. As the Guardian reports, Mr Trenchard, a Tesco spokesperson, said: "We are very supportive of the model where people [in Japan] shop two or three times a week and tend to go to supermarkets in quiet neighborhoods” (McCurry, 2004). , by. 11). Justin McCurry, a Guardian journalist in Tokyo, attested that Mr Trenchard might indeed be right about the purchasing habits of the Japanese population due to aging. It states: “By 2020, 34 million of its 127 million people will be aged 65 or older…” (McCurry, 2004, para. 15). Tesco is taking the necessary steps to enter the Japanese market. Tesco's entry consisted of two mergers and acquisitions...... middle of paper ......Clarke, P. (August 11, 2011). Tesco to sell its operations in Japan (press release). Retrieved from http://www.tescoplc.com/news/news-releases/2011/tesco-to-sell-japan-business/: Tescoplc.comMcCurry, J. (2004). Tesco Pedals is following a cautious path in Japan. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2004/jun/01/japan.supermarketsRowley, I. (2007). Tesco takes a new look at Japan. Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/may2007/gb20070523_237538.htmSeiyu. (nd). Sustainability. Retrieved October 27, 2012 from http://www.seiyu.co.jp/company/sustainability/Tesco announces withdrawal from Japan. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.japansumption.com/?p=2673The Co-op Strikes Back. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/node/18010719 Uranaka, T. (2003). Tesco buys from the Japanese market. Retrieved from http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nb20030611a2.html