This is such a long-term investment. Standing at the meat case in Costco, Ota picks up a .77-kilogram package of U.S. pork back ribs, which sell for 916 yen. It's a very good price in Japan. The value of the yen has fluctuated from about 115-120 yen to the U.S. dollar since early March. It's a very good price.
Members say it's delicious.
The warehouse, the second Costco store in Japan, is between Tokyo and Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture, about 600 yards from Tokyo Bay by the Pacific Ocean. About 90 percent of Costco's members come by car and SUV, parking in a 500-space ramp. A few come by bus or train. They arrive here near an exhibition hall where Foodex, a giant food trade show is held each year in mid-March. Foodex draws trade exhibits from about 70 countries and 700,000 people, says Dennis Kitch, U.S. Grains Council Japan director.