Rather than symbolising Japan's apparently insatiable desire for luxury goods, however, this may have marked the start of its decline.

ECONOMIST: Why sales of luxury goods are slowing

The explosion in luxury car sales and the uptick in pilgrimages may reflect the desire of newly-minted members of the elite to enjoy the fruits of their new status.

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The desire for the handmade and the handworked is the hallmark of luxury now.

FORBES: Editor's Note

He added that the boom in technology and fashion blogs is fueling a desire for trend-based dressing, rather than focusing on luxury brands and logos.

WSJ: Asia Gravitates to Cheap Chic

That's why many top-tier villas come with phalanxes of personnel and also offer private transport -- via luxury car, boat or helicopter -- to zip guests anyplace they desire.

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