Hiroshi Fujita was shocked two years ago to learn that a large electronics chain store would open across the street from his small shop in Tokyo's Meguro Ward.

Changes were coming to the trendy Jiyugaoka neighborhood where 25 years earlier Fujita's father-in-law opened up for business, and Fujita's little store would have to grow up, too.

For Fujita, who had been running the shop for the previous 15 years, that meant no more Wednesday holidays and staying open until 8 every night instead of 7.