Best Time to Buy Appliances in Japan 2026: Month-by-Month Calendar for Fridges, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners and TVs
Prices, point rates and sale details in this article were checked by the mottoku editorial team against each service's official site and API (as of the last update). Always check the official sites for current prices, stock and campaign terms.
The 3 "clocks" that move appliance prices
Appliance prices don't go up and down at random. Behind them, three clocks are ticking at different speeds: fiscal-year-end sales, model changes and big sales events. The cheapest month is wherever their hands line up. Here's the key takeaway up front: the first step is figuring out which of the three clocks the appliance you want reacts to most.
Even "white goods" don't all behave the same way. For fridges and washing machines, new model announcement → clearance of old stock is what really moves prices. For air conditioners and heaters, seasonal dips in demand matter most. Digital products like TVs, laptops and earphones have short generation cycles, so previous models drop a lot. The table below shows which clock matters for each type.
| Appliance type | Clock that matters most | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal (air conditioners, heaters, dehumidifiers) | Low-demand season | Buy in the season you don't use it |
| Digital (TVs, PCs, earphones, cameras) | Model changes | Go for the old model right after the new one comes out |
| Household (fridges, washing machines, vacuums) | Fiscal year-end + new models | Large previous models hit their lowest at fiscal year-end |
| Cooking and kitchen | Big sales | They're affordable, so stock up during sales |
If your replacement isn't urgent, simply waiting for the month when these clocks line up can easily get you the exact same model for 20–40% less, which can mean tens of thousands of yen. If you wait until something breaks and then rush to buy, you'll often get stuck paying peak-demand prices for the pricey latest model. Below, we read the three clocks month by month, then by category, then by manufacturer.
2026 month-by-month price drop calendar
Over the year, there are two big peaks: the year-end shopping season (Nov–Dec) and the pre-fiscal-year-end clearance (Jan–Feb). On top of these come Prime Day in July, the spring new-life sales in March, and the low-demand seasons for seasonal appliances. Here's what moves each month.
| When | What tends to get cheaper | What's happening |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | Fridges, washing machines and TVs, plus heater clearance | Final markdowns and clearance before the fiscal year-end. One of the cheapest periods of the year |
| Mar | Small fridges, washing machines and microwaves for people living alone | New-life sales (新生活セール). Small and mid-size models hit their lowest, but large models are actually pricier because of high demand |
| Apr–May | Air conditioners + installation | The quiet period before cooling season. Installation slots are open, so unit prices and installation fees both tend to fall |
| Jun | Appliances in general (summer bonus sales) | Previous-model stock starts moving as stores prepare for the next new models |
| Jul | A wide range of appliances in Prime Day deals | The big mid-year sale. Some specific models drop sharply |
| Aug–Sep | Fridges, washing machines, older air conditioners | Mid-year results and new-model announcements coincide. The first wave of markdowns on older models |
| Oct | Air conditioners, previous-model household appliances | Low demand for both cooling and heating. Out-of-season appliances are cheap |
| Nov | Appliances in general (Black Friday) | One of the biggest sales of the year. Especially good for PCs, AV gear and cooking appliances |
| Dec | Appliances in general (year-end sales + winter bonuses) | Peak markdown season. Large previous models approach their lowest prices |
The biggest savings come when fiscal year-end and previous-model clearance overlap. A new model pushes the old one into clearance, and the pre-fiscal-year-end clearance (Jan–Feb) adds a second layer of discounts. For seasonal appliances, add low demand on top, and something like air conditioners in May gives you a triple layer of savings.
Exact sale dates shift a little from year to year. Check our Black Friday comparison of the 3 big online stores, what to target on Prime Day and how Amazon time sales work so you don't miss out.
Why buying previous models is the smartest move for appliances: model-change timing by category
The biggest price drops for appliances don't actually come from fiscal year-end or sales. They come from model changes. When a new model is announced, last year's model becomes a "previous model" (型落ち) and goes on clearance. Its selling price can drop 20–40% even though performance is almost identical. Appliances aren't fully redesigned every year like cars. From one generation to the next, the changes are often just a small energy-efficiency gain or a few extra features.
The trick is to know roughly when each category gets its new models. The few months between a new model's release and the old one disappearing from stores are when previous models get cheaper. Large fridges, for example, get their new lineups from autumn to year-end, and older models then hit their lowest prices through the year-end sales and fiscal year-end. New air conditioner series come out between New Year and spring, so if you want last year's model, buy from spring onward.
The only time a previous model won't do is when you really want a feature that only the latest generation has. Unless you care a lot about top-tier energy-saving tech, AI features or the newest picture engine, the older model right after a new announcement is the best value. The more a category makes you think "the old model is fine," the more waiting pays off.
One thing to watch: judge whether a price is near its lowest by the current selling price, not the discount rate. "XX% OFF" labels based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price or an old high price are often far from the actual selling price, which has already dropped. Always go by the real prices on the online stores right now.
Cheapest months by category: when are fridges and vacuums cheapest?
We've listed each category's cheapest months and why prices drop then, answering questions like "When are fridges cheapest?" and "When should I buy a vacuum?" Each link goes to a detailed guide covering capacity, models and target prices. As you read, keep in mind that the clock that matters depends on whether an appliance is seasonal, digital or household.
| Appliance | Cheapest time (guideline) | Clock that matters and how to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Fridges | Aug–Sep (first drop) → Nov–Dec / Jan–Feb (lowest) | Older models start moving around new-model announcements and bottom out during year-end sales and before the fiscal year-end. If you're not in a hurry, buy later. If your fridge is failing now, the first drop is good enough |
| Washing machines | Sep / Jan–Feb | Aim for the clearances around the mid-year and fiscal year-end. In March, small models for people living alone are cheap, but large ones tend to be pricier because of new-life demand. For drum-type washers, go for the older model after a new one is announced |
| Air conditioners | May / Oct | Low-demand season. Units are cheap, installation slots are open, and you can negotiate the installation fee |
| TVs | Nov–Dec / fiscal year-end | Model changes. To go bigger, look at large previous models |
| Vacuums and robot vacuums | Big sales | Previous models after new announcements, overlapping with Prime Day and Black Friday |
| Beauty appliances (hair dryers, etc.) | Mother's Day / year-end | Special prices in gift seasons. Previous models are good enough for most |
| Dishwashers and microwaves | Fiscal year-end | Countertop dishwashers that need no installation work are cheap during sales |
| Laptops | Fiscal year-end / big sales | Sales on specific models are the cheapest. Before the new school and work year, high demand tends to push prices up |
| Earphones and headphones | Big sales | Generations change quickly, and older models drop a lot after new ones are announced |
| Cameras and lenses | After new announcements / fiscal year-end | Combine previous-model bodies with manufacturer cashback offers |
Large household appliances involve delivery, installation and picking up your old one, so the listed price doesn't tell the whole story. Aim for the cheapest month, but compare by "true total cost," explained below. Affordable cooking appliances are the opposite: buying several at once during a sale is the efficient way.
When not to buy: three situations where waiting costs you
Just as there are cheap months, there are times when the same appliance is a worse deal. You lose out less through higher price tags and more through stingy discounts and limited choices. Knowing what to avoid alongside the calendar above helps you decide how long to wait.
- Just before peak demandFor large fridges and washing machines, that's February–March, before the new school and work year starts. For air conditioners, it's the start of the summer heat. When everyone is buying at once, discounts shrink. With air conditioners, installation slots fill up too, so you can end up buying a unit that can't be installed for weeks.
- Right after a new model is releasedOlder models start to drop, but the popular sizes and colors sell out first. If you only watch the price and keep waiting, you end up with a cheap price but nothing to choose from, and finally settle for whatever grade is left. Previous models can disappear before they hit their lowest price.
- Right after a big sale endsStock runs low after a sale, and prices can bounce back until it's restocked. Instead of thinking "I missed the sale, I'll buy next week," it's faster to decide again: wait for the next dip (fiscal year-end, new models, low season) or buy from what's in stock now.
All we can say is that these periods tend to be worse deals. Waiting doesn't always bring a lower price. Prices shift from year to year, and while you wait, stock can sell out so your options shrink before the price does. If an appliance you use now is failing, the first round of markdowns is easily good enough. You'll often spend less overall if you don't think "anything above the lowest price is a loss."
Each manufacturer's strengths, and how their previous models drop
Even within one category, manufacturers release new models at different times and offer their own unique features, so their previous models drop in different ways. Choose based not just on price but on whether a brand's unique feature actually suits you, and you'll be happier with what you waited for. Here are the main signature features.
Fridges: choose by the special compartment that keeps food fresh
Each brand's food-storage technology is easy to tell apart. Toshiba (VEGETA) is known for its moist vegetable drawer (うるおい野菜室) placed in the middle of the fridge. Hitachi (Vacuum Chilled / 真空チルド) has a chilled compartment that keeps food fresh with a slight vacuum. Mitsubishi (氷点下ストッカー) specializes in sub-zero storage that keeps food longer without freezing it. Once you decide which compartment matters most to you, just wait for the large older model to hit its lowest price at fiscal year-end after the new one is announced. For choosing a size, see our fridge buying guide.
Air conditioners: different price ranges and features
Air conditioners split clearly by price range: Daikin for reliable dehumidifying and heating, Mitsubishi Electric (Kirigamine) for Move Eye sensors that adjust to how warm or cool you feel, Sharp for Plasmacluster, Fujitsu General for value, and Corona for strong heating. Last year's models from all of them drop from spring onward, so the classic move is to combine the low-demand months (May and October) with a previous model.
Rice cookers and cooking appliances: how they cook and bake
For rice cookers, the two big names are Zojirushi (Enbu / 炎舞炊き), which uses multiple IH coils to create strong convection, and Tiger with its clay-pot (donabe) style models. For oven microwaves, Panasonic (Bistro) and Sharp (Healsio) compete with superheated steam. Among toasters, BALMUDA's steam toaster stands out. For coffee, it comes down to De'Longhi's fully automatic machines or Nespresso's capsules. If you just want affordable basics, IRIS OHYAMA is the go-to.
Where to buy the same model: what works best on each online mall
Once you know the cheapest month, the last question is where to buy. Each online mall has its own strengths, and for appliances, point rewards and warranties make more difference to the real cost than the price itself. Here's how to use each one when buying appliances.
| Mall | Strengths for appliances | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Big discounts on specific models during Prime Day (July) and Black Friday (November) | For large appliances, installation and old-unit pickup vary by product. Check before buying |
| Rakuten Ichiba | Stack rewards with Rakuten Super SALE, Shopping Marathon (お買い物マラソン) and "0 and 5" days (0と5のつく日) | The pricier the appliance, the more points you earn, but the easier it is to hit the cap |
| Yahoo! Shopping | Easy to get extra PayPay rewards on "5" days (5のつく日) | Expensive appliances often max out the reward cap |
With appliances, the appeal of Rakuten's and Yahoo!'s high reward rates is that the more expensive the item, the more points you earn. The catch, which is especially common with appliances, is that you hit the reward cap more easily. Anything over the cap is simply lost, so check the cap first. Reward rates and annual fees change, so check each official page for the latest terms. To find out which store is cheapest for the same product, see our Amazon vs Rakuten vs Yahoo! comparison.
Points are something you can use next time, not a discount at checkout. When comparing appliances, don't go by the listed price. The golden rule is to compare the "true total cost": unit price + delivery and installation + recycling and pickup of your old appliance + extended warranty + (if any) how you'll use limited-time points.
Checklist so waiting for a large appliance doesn't backfire
With large appliances like fridges, washing machines, air conditioners and TVs, a great price means nothing if it doesn't fit or can't get through your door. Before you wait for the cheapest month, nail down a choice that won't go wrong. Here are concrete steps specific to appliances, not generic advice.
- Decide capacity and size based on your household firstFor fridges, think number of people plus how much you cook ahead. For washing machines, how much laundry you do per day. For air conditioners, room size in tatami mats (畳) and which way it faces. Decide the specs before looking at prices.
- Measure the delivery routeCheck the width of your entrance, hallways, corners and elevator. Large fridges and drum-type washers often fit in the spot but get stuck on the way in.
- Add clearance for heat release and door swing to the spaceFor fridges, leave clearance on the sides and top, and check which way the doors open. For air conditioners, check where the outdoor unit goes and even the shape of the power outlet.
- Narrow it down to 1–2 models and compare current pricesIf you don't need the newest model, a previous model is your best bet. Judge whether the price is near its lowest by today's selling price, not "% OFF" based on the suggested retail price.
- Add up the costs beyond the unit itselfAdd delivery and installation, old-appliance pickup (recycling fee + transport), extended warranty and yearly electricity to get the "true total cost."
- Pay during a big sale and a reward day in the cheapest monthCheck the cheapest month on the calendar and go for the big sale that falls in it. Watch point caps and expiry dates so you don't lose any.
The key to this order is that price comes last. If you settle capacity, delivery and installation first, you can pay without hesitation when a sale hits in the cheapest month, and you won't end up with an unsuitable model just because it was cheap.
For kitchen and cooking appliances, buy several at once during sales
Kitchen and cooking appliances work differently from large appliances. Since each one is fairly cheap, it makes sense to buy several at once during big sales. Prices move a lot during Prime Day, Black Friday and the year-end sales, so make a list of what you want and grab it all in one sale to save on shipping and effort. New models don't affect these as much as large appliances, so prioritizing sale timing over picking model numbers is a safe bet in this category.
Popular picks include air fryers (ノンフライヤー), electric pressure cookers, sous vide cookers, blenders, fully automatic coffee makers and bread makers. For the basics, such as rice cookers, microwaves, electric kettles and dishwashers, aim for fiscal year-end and sales. Countertop dishwashers that need no installation work have no installation fee, so the full sale discount goes straight to you.
Detailed guides by category
Here are our detailed guides covering capacity, target prices and specific models. Going back and forth between this timing guide and the buying guides helps you get a good deal without making mistakes.
Large and household appliances
- When to buy a fridge
- When to buy a washing machine
- When to buy an air conditioner
- When to buy a TV
- Vacuums and robot vacuums
- Beauty appliances (hair dryers, etc.)
- Dishwashers and microwaves
Guides by manufacturer
- Toshiba VEGETA fridges
- Hitachi Vacuum Chilled fridges
- Mitsubishi fridges
- Daikin air conditioners
- Mitsubishi Electric Kirigamine air conditioners
- Sharp air conditioners
- Fujitsu General air conditioners
- Corona air conditioners
- Zojirushi Enbu rice cookers
- Tiger rice cookers
- Panasonic Bistro
- Sharp Healsio
- BALMUDA toasters
- De'Longhi
- Nespresso
- IRIS OHYAMA appliances
Kitchen and cooking appliances
- Rice cookers
- Microwaves
- Dishwashers
- Electric kettles
- Air fryers
- Electric pressure cookers
- Sous vide cookers
- Blenders
- Hand blenders
- Fully automatic coffee makers
- Coffee makers
- Coffee grinders
- Bread makers
- Hot plates
- Soda makers
- Mini fridges
AV, PCs and accessories
FAQ
When should I avoid buying a fridge?
There are three times to avoid: (1) just before the new school and work year (February–March), (2) right after a new model comes out, and (3) right after a big sale ends. In (1), demand for large models peaks and discounts get stingy. In the same month, small fridges for people living alone are actually cheaper, so prices pull in opposite directions. In (2), older models start dropping, but the popular sizes and colors sell out first, so you often end up with "cheap but nothing to choose from." In (3), stock runs low after the sale and prices can bounce back until it's restocked. These are only tendencies, though, and waiting doesn't always bring a lower price. If your current fridge is acting up, it's safer to buy now than to wait for the lowest price.
Can I get a fridge cheaply in August?
August–September is the first wave of price drops. Mid-year financial results and new-model announcements come at the same time, so older models start to move. However, the lowest prices usually come between the year-end shopping season and the run-up to the fiscal year-end (November–December and January–February), so in August prices normally haven't bottomed out yet. It comes down to how urgent your purchase is. If your current fridge is failing or you have a move coming up, the first wave is cheap enough. If you can wait, later in the year usually works out better. Waiting has a cost too, though: the popular sizes and colors sell out first.
When are appliances cheapest during the year?
The two biggest peaks are the year-end shopping season in November–December and the pre-fiscal-year-end clearance in January–February. On top of that come Prime Day in July, Black Friday in November and the spring new-life sales in March. When "previous models right after a model change" overlap with these periods, prices fall sharply while performance stays almost the same, so that's your best chance.
When do electronics stores hold their fiscal-year-end sales?
Most electronics retailers close their fiscal year in March and their half year in September. The biggest discounts tend to come during the inventory clearance before the fiscal year-end. In January–February especially, large appliances that have become previous models drop to some of their lowest prices of the year. Once March arrives, new-school-year and new-job demand kicks in, so discounts on large models often get stingier instead.
How much cheaper do previous-model appliances get?
Once a new model is announced and the old one becomes a previous model, its selling price can drop 20–40% even though performance is almost the same. Unless you care a lot about features only the latest generation has, like top-tier energy-saving tech or AI functions, the older model right after a new announcement is the best-value way to buy.
Why are air conditioners cheaper in spring and autumn?
Demand for air conditioners peaks in summer for cooling and in winter for heating. In the quiet periods around May and October, unit prices tend to fall, installation slots open up, and you have room to negotiate the installation fee. Just before the hottest and coldest seasons, both units and installers are in high demand, and prices tend to be higher.
Can I compare fridges and washing machines by the listed price alone?
The listed price doesn't tell the whole story for large appliances. The golden rule is to compare the "true total cost": unit price + delivery and installation + recycling and pickup of your old appliance + extended warranty + electricity costs. Installation and pickup can make a difference of several thousand to tens of thousands of yen, so even in the cheapest month, the total can flip which deal is better.
How should I combine sales and point rewards for the best deal?
The basic approach is to stack three layers: the cheapest month → that month's big sale → Rakuten Shopping Marathon or the "0 and 5" days. Expensive appliances easily hit the point cap, though, and anything over it is lost. Check the cap, including expiry dates for limited-time points, before you pay.
Should I wait for previous models for kitchen appliances too?
Kitchen and cooking appliances are less affected by new models than large appliances, and each one is fairly cheap, so it's more efficient to buy several at once during a big sale. In this category, it's safer to time what you want to Prime Day, Black Friday or the year-end sales than to worry about model numbers.
* This article is for reference only. Sale dates, point rates and campaign terms can change, so check each store's official page for the latest details.