Shareholder Benefits in Japan
In Japan, there is a system called “Kabunushi Yūtai” (株主優待), or shareholder benefits.
It allows shareholders who hold a certain number of shares in a company to receive various types of rewards, such as products, gift certificates, discount coupons, or meal vouchers. Through this system, companies aim to encourage long-term shareholders and enhance their corporate image, while investors enjoy tangible rewards beyond dividends in their everyday lives.
However, not all companies offer shareholder benefits, and the conditions for eligibility—such as the minimum number of shares or the required holding period—vary by company.
Personally, I usually invest based on a company’s growth potential and reliability, but if a company offers attractive shareholder benefits and has a trustworthy reputation, I sometimes buy its shares for the benefits themselves.
Meiji Co., Ltd.
Meiji Co., Ltd. is one of Japan’s leading comprehensive food manufacturers, engaged in the production and sale of milk and dairy products, confectionery, frozen foods, and health-related products. Its well-known products include milk products such as “Meiji Oishii Gyunyu” and “Bulgaria Yogurt,” confectionery like “Meiji Chocolate,” ice cream such as “Super Cup,” and retort foods like “Ginza Curry.” If you have ever visited a supermarket or convenience store in Japan, you have most likely seen at least one of these products.
Founded in 1917, Meiji has a history of over 100 years and has grown with a core focus on health and nutrition through food. As of 2025, the company has a capital of approximately 33.6 billion yen, consolidated sales exceeding 1 trillion yen, and more than 10,000 employees. Its headquarters is located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo.
Meiji’s business structure goes beyond simple food manufacturing, covering the entire value chain from raw material procurement to production, logistics, sales, and services. The group operates not only in Japan but also across Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe, with business bases in countries such as China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, the United States, and the Netherlands, steadily expanding its global presence.
In addition, Meiji actively engages in brand-building activities, including sponsorships of various sports organizations and serving as an official sponsor of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Through these efforts, Meiji has built a strong track record of stable performance and long-term brand trust.
Meiji Co., Ltd. Shareholder Benefit Conditions
●Record Date: March
●Benefit Details: A selection of Meiji Group products (such as confectionery)
●Eligibility: 100 shares or more
・Products worth 1,500 yen: 100 shares
・Products worth 2,500 yen: 200 shares
・Products worth 5,500 yen: 1,000 shares
Meiji Co., Ltd. grants shareholder benefit eligibility starting from a minimum holding of 100 shares. Depending on the number of shares held, the variety and value of Meiji products received as shareholder benefits increase, with the maximum benefit amounting to products worth up to 5,500 yen.
Although the record date for shareholder benefits is March each year, the actual distribution of the benefits usually takes place around late October, resulting in a waiting period of approximately seven months. Shareholders also have the option to donate their shareholder benefits to welfare organizations.
※Information as of the date of this post.
Meiji Co., Ltd. Shareholder Benefit
This is the shareholder benefit box from Meiji Co., Ltd. that I received on October 25 this year. I expected the contents to be visible immediately after opening the shipping box, but was surprised to find an additional inner box featuring Meiji chocolate packaging design. Seeing this double-layer packaging further increased my sense of trust in the Meiji brand, and as a shareholder, I felt that such thoughtful details contribute to building a company’s brand image.
As I held 100 shares, the contents were valued at 1,500 yen, and the box was not very large and felt quite light.
When I opened the Meiji chocolate box, the first items I saw were an information leaflet for shareholders, a dairy product exchange voucher, and a box of “Kinoko no Yama” snacks. The items were neatly arranged so that the contents were visible at a glance, giving an impression of care and attention even in the packaging.
Although I already knew what products would be included in the shareholder benefit set, receiving it in person made me curious about how everything would be arranged inside. As soon as I opened the box, the well-organized presentation naturally made me wonder what other items might be included.
This is the shareholder guide from Meiji Co., Ltd. The cover of the guide features photos of Meiji Co., Ltd.’s key products, such as Meiji Chocolate, R-1 Yogurt, and Oishii Gyunyu, along with confectionery illustrations. Elements emphasizing ECO and recycling are also incorporated, making it easy to grasp the company’s overall values and business at a glance.
In addition, the iconic red color used in the Meiji logo is applied as an accent on the cover, creating a cute yet distinctive design that clearly conveys Meiji’s philosophy and brand identity.
The shareholder guide included a greeting message from the CEO of Meiji Co., Ltd., along with pamphlets introducing products currently sold by the Meiji Group and information on ongoing events. Among them was an announcement for a shareholder-exclusive event that allows certain products to be purchased at discounted prices. As the application period is limited, those who are interested may want to check the deadline in advance.
Next, let me introduce the confectionery items. “Kinoko no Yama” is originally a chocolate snack, but this time a vanilla-flavored version made with Madagascar vanilla seeds was included to commemorate its 50th anniversary. I am not sure whether this product is currently available for regular sale in Japan, but it felt especially special as part of a shareholder benefit.
In addition, the set included Karl Ojisan snacks, Meiji Milk Chocolate, Hello Panda, and grape jelly. In particular, both Kinoko no Yama and Meiji Milk Chocolate are products I regularly enjoy, which made receiving them as shareholder benefits even more pleasing.
This is a Meiji Co., Ltd. probiotic yogurt gift voucher. Along with a list of eligible products, a voucher that can be exchanged for actual items at participating stores was included.
Rather than being limited to a specific product, shareholders can choose their preferred item from Meiji’s range of probiotic yogurt products, which made this benefit feel particularly practical from a shareholder’s perspective.
With this gift voucher, you can exchange a total of four 112 g products from the eligible items listed below.
●Meiji Probio Yogurt R-1
R-1 lactic acid bacteria produce EPS (exopolysaccharides), which are reported to help support daily vitality.
●Meiji Probio Yogurt LG21
LG21 lactic acid bacteria are reported to help alleviate temporary stomach discomfort.
●Meiji Probio Yogurt PA-3
PA-3 lactic acid bacteria are reported to suppress the absorption of purines, thereby helping to reduce post-meal increases in uric acid levels.
●Meiji Fat Care Yogurt
MI-2 lactic acid bacteria are reported to help reduce abdominal fat in individuals with a tendency toward obesity.
●Meiji W Skin Care Yogurt
Containing SC-2 lactic acid bacteria, collagen peptides, and sphingomyelin, this product is reported to help protect the skin from UV and external stimuli, maintain skin moisture, and alleviate skin dryness.
※Please note that Meiji Probio Yogurt R-1 The GOLD (112 g) or any products whose total weight exceeds 112 g are not eligible for exchange.
The gift voucher can be used at supermarkets and other stores nationwide that sell yogurt. It cannot be exchanged for cash or other products, and since consumption tax is included, there is no need to pay additional tax at the time of use.
The holder is responsible for any loss or theft of the gift voucher, and please note that it may not be accepted at some stores.
Although no expiration date is indicated, it is recommended to use the voucher as soon as possible.
Using Meiji Co., Ltd.’s shareholder benefit gift voucher, I exchanged it for one probiotic yogurt of each type.
Meiji’s yogurts are especially appealing because they offer a wide range of options depending on specific needs such as boosting vitality, supporting stomach health, or improving skin condition. In addition, there are both drinkable and spoonable types, allowing you to choose according to your personal preference.
In addition to Meiji Co., Ltd.’s signature confectionery products, a wide variety of yogurt items can also be selected, making this a shareholder benefit that offers enjoyment both in choosing and in eating.
■Meiji Co., Ltd.
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