Hah! I should have remembered that since you gave me advice for my trip to Shikoku including Dogo onsen.

Japan's various points discounts & moving appliance discount schemes are kind of beyond my ken but maybe worth researching before you take a look at the current releases in person. Costco JP also sells Apple goods https://www.costco.co.jp/brand-Apple but a Shikoku resident probably doesn't have a membership since there isn't a warehouse? US Costco often provides a small discount on Apple MSRP and may bundle an AppleCare warranty into the same price for small goods. Still might be worth checking the JP website for deals if you want a higher spec machine. I saw a few on "last chance" there.

Over the past year, US best Macbook deals were often around when they were about to release new models and wanted to clear old inventory. This year's trend might be a bit different. I just saw the base March 2025 release M3 iPad Air 11" go for $100/16% off and Airpods Pro at Costco for $179 which usually happens only a few times per year like Black Friday & around US Amazon Prime Day. I'm also tech refreshing some Intel era Macs