That performance continued a strong five-year trend in favor of value.

The third is at the capital Male', and shows a strong upward trend from the early 1990s until 2009.

"A strong trend coming in is men's wear for women," he said.

Figures beginning with 1970 show a strong downward trend from 1979 to a low point in 1986, the last year for which data are available.

He said that if data through 1998 were included in the study, "I'm sure they would find even stronger trends."

Most recently, there has been a strong trend toward a perception of Japan as "not quite like us."

Another strong trend is the continued concern for the environment.

"The strong upward trend in the economy will not be damaged by today's decision," he said.

"I think it's going to be a strong trend," he said.

"There is a strong trend toward consolidation in the industry," he said.