【2025 Edition】 When Is the Best Time to Buy Home Appliances? A Complete Guide to "Sale Types" at Appliance Stores

The prices of home appliances can fluctuate depending on the time of purchase. If you're planning to buy relatively expensive appliances, you'll want to know the best time to get a good deal. This article will introduce the periods when you can purchase appliances at a lower price and provide tips on when to replace your current ones. Additionally, we’ve compiled a list of sale types offered by appliance stores.

When Is the Best Time to Buy Appliances at Lower Prices?

1. During Fiscal Period-End Sales

In Japan, most major manufacturers and appliance stores conduct mid-year fiscal settlements in September and annual fiscal settlements in March. To boost sales during these periods and improve performance figures, appliance stores often reduce their prices. Discounts tend to be applied to products that have been on the market for some time or to older models that have been replaced by newer ones.

2. Around Model Changeovers

When new products are about to be released, older models are often discounted to clear out inventory. Price reductions usually begin around one to two months before the release of new models. The timing of model changeovers varies depending on the manufacturer and product category. Check press releases and official websites from manufacturers to find out when new products are expected to launch. Keep in mind that older models may have limited stock during this period. If you’re keen on a specific older model, be sure to ask about availability at the store.

3. Bonus Seasons

Many companies in Japan provide bonuses once or twice a year, typically in summer (June to July) and winter (December). During these times, people tend to have more disposable income, which increases their willingness to purchase high-priced appliances. As a result, stores often offer discounts that coincide with these bonus payout periods.

4. New Life Support Sales

From March to April, there is a high demand for large appliances like washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and refrigerators due to people moving or starting new academic or work-related lives. This period often overlaps with fiscal period-end sales, and many stores hold large-scale promotions during this time.

5. Black Friday Sales

In the U.S., Black Friday refers to the major sales event held on the Friday following Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday in November). Japanese appliance stores have also started holding Black Friday sales, usually from mid to late November.

6. Year-End Sales

Year-end sales typically take place from mid to late December. As this overlaps with Christmas and New Year holidays, many appliance stores hold large-scale sales events.

7. New Year Sales

New Year sales celebrate the arrival of the new year and often feature specially curated "lucky bags" with themes like premium digital camera sets or the latest home appliance bundles. These lucky bags often attract long lines of eager shoppers.

👉 Check out discounts and coupons available at Bic Camera!

👉 Check out discounts and coupons available at Edion!

Replacement Timing and Reasons for Different Appliances

Rice Cooker

Power doesn’t turn on

Possible causes include a disconnected power cord or internal component failure. If reconnecting the plug doesn’t fix the issue, it may be time to replace your rice cooker.

Rice doesn’t cook properly

If the amount of rice and water is correct and the cooking mode is properly set, but the rice still comes out undercooked or hard, the cooker might be malfunctioning.

Durability

Manufacturers are required to stock repair parts for a certain period after a product is discontinued. For rice cookers, this period is 6 years. While repairs are possible within this timeframe, replacement is recommended beyond that. Use 6–8 years as a general guide for replacement.

* Reference: Tiger "When to Replace Your Rice Cooker: Signs of Malfunction and End of Lifespan"

Microwave Oven

Food doesn’t heat properly

This may be due to the deterioration of the magnetron, a vacuum tube device that generates microwaves.

Unusual smells or noises

These could be signs of component deterioration or damage. To avoid potential hazards, stop using the microwave and consider replacing it.

Durability

The repair part supply period is 8 years after production ends. The average lifespan of a microwave is approximately 8–10 years.

* Reference: Iris Ohyama "Microwave Oven Lifespan: Replacement Signs and Recommended Models"

Electric Kettle

Water doesn’t dispense

The rubber gasket may have deteriorated, creating a gap between the pot and lid, causing leaks. This is a sign it’s time for a repair or replacement.

Durability

The parts supply period after production ends is 5 years, shorter compared to TVs or refrigerators. The expected lifespan is about 5–7 years.

* Reference: Yamada Denki "Electric Kettle Lifespan: How Long Do They Last and Tips for Longevity"

Air Purifier

Unusual noises

Noise from the unit could indicate internal issues, such as a deteriorated fan motor. Consider replacing it.

Doesn’t work even when powered on

This could be due to damage to internal electronic components or circuit boards from wear and tear, signaling the need for a replacement.

Durability

While repair parts are typically available for 6 years after production ends, proper maintenance can extend the lifespan to over 10 years, especially if filters are replaced regularly.

* Reference: Daikin "Air Purifier Lifespan and Maintenance Tips"

Vacuum Cleaner

Power doesn’t turn on

If the power plug is securely connected but the unit still won’t turn on, it may be a sign of a malfunction.

Reduced suction power

If cleaning the brush head, removing debris from the hose, or unclogging the nozzle doesn’t improve suction, the vacuum may have reached the end of its life.

Durability

According to the Consumer Confidence Survey by the Cabinet Office (March 2024 edition), the average usage period is about 7.5 years. Repair parts are generally available for 6 years after production ends.

* Reference: Iris Ohyama "Vacuum Cleaner Lifespan: Signs to Replace and Tips for Longevity"

Television

Power won’t turn on

If pressing the power button doesn’t turn on the TV, the power supply board may be malfunctioning. A TV that turns on briefly but quickly shuts off may also indicate a defect.

Screen darkens or flickers

A sudden darkening or distortion of the screen may signal aging and the end of its functional lifespan.

Hot or burnt-smelling power cord

Long-term use can cause cracks in the power cord or internal disconnections. Continuing to use such a cord can be dangerous—repair or replace the TV immediately.

Durability

According to consumer surveys, the average usage period is 10.7 years. Spare parts are available for 8 years after production ends.

* Reference: Nojima "When is the Right Time to Replace Your TV? Signs and Recommendations"

Refrigerator

Interior doesn’t stay cool

If the power is on but the fridge isn’t cooling, internal parts may have failed. Additionally, degraded door gaskets can cause cold air to escape.

Water leakage inside

Clogged drainage hoses can lead to leaks. Remove dirt or debris from the hose. If leaks persist, consider repair or replacement.

Durability

Consumer surveys show an average usage period of 14 years. Spare parts are stocked for 9 years after production ends.

* Reference: Nojima "How Long Do Refrigerators Last? Signs to Replace and Disposal Methods"

Washing Machine (Top/Front Load)

Water leakage

Leaks around the faucet or water supply hose could indicate loose connections or deteriorated gaskets. If parts cannot be replaced, consider buying a new washing machine.

Power plug or cord becomes hot

This might be due to cable disconnections or poor contact with the outlet. Stop using it and consider repair or replacement.

Durability

Consumer surveys report an average usage period of 10.9 years. Spare parts are stocked for 6 years after production ends.

* Reference: Bic Camera "Washing Machine Lifespan: When to Repair or Replace"

Air Conditioner

Strange noises

Loud or unusual sounds may indicate issues with the indoor fan or outdoor compressor.

No cool or warm air

Insufficient refrigerant gas, leaks, or deteriorated piping connections could be to blame. Repair or replacement may be necessary.

Durability

Consumer surveys show an average usage period of 14.1 years. Spare parts are available for 9 years after production ends.

* Reference: Panasonic "Air Conditioner Troubleshooting: Causes and Solutions for Leaks and Gas Issues"

When Do Electronics Stores Have Clearance Sales?

Many electronics retailers have their fiscal year-end in March and their mid-term closing in September. Sales may be held around these times, even if they are not explicitly called "clearance sales." The fiscal year-end in particular often features larger sales compared to the mid-term closing, as it coincides with the start of the new fiscal year. Below is an overview of the fiscal periods for major electronics retailers.