I think they don't understand that a good western mall tries to mimic a real community in such a way as to create a kind of personality. Yes, it is artificial but in a good mall, it still works. For example, by including some smaller, but unusual, stores that are not part of a chain. That way people come to the mall because it has something not found elsewhere. Or by being outdoors but sheltered if the local climate permits.

Finally, I do think that Aeon honestly doesn't understand the importance of the proper anchor tenant. It really can't be a "Sports Authority" store, no matter how large that store is -- like at the Aeon mall one sees from the Narita Express just outside the airport. The mall owner should work harder to get, say, a store like Takashimaya (if the mall is upscale) or even a branch of Tokyu Hands.