Japanese beverage giant Kirin has announced an unexpected pause in the sales of a portion of its year-end merchandise, surprising avid customers and market participants. While the exact reason has not been publicized, the sudden decision is sure to impact the company's revenue and the overall retail trends in the coming holiday season. Further details about the affected products and any future plans are yet to be released.

Year-end gifts, known as "oseibo," are a traditional practice in Japan, representing gratitude for the year. High-profile companies like Kirin are usually expected to participate in offering special merchandise. This unexpected move could spark discussions about changes in business strategies.

Similar to the year-end holiday sales in the US or EU like Black Friday or Boxing Day sales, the sudden halt of a prominent product would cause a stir among consumers and significantly affect the market trend.