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Tag: Japan

  • Uniqlo denies video role

    Uniqlo denies video role

    Beijing police have arrested five people they say played a role in the filming of a video of a couple having sex in a Uniqlo fitting room in China’s capital.

    The sheer number of people involved in the video, which has gone viral on social media networks around the world, has raised speculation the apparel retailer was somehow involved behind the scenes in engineering the video as a publicity stunt.

    But the company has strenuously denied it had anything to do with the one minute long production, or endorses it. And such a viral campaign certainly does not fit with the company’s ethical positioning or its record of community involvement and sponsorships.

    Some Chinese media say the police “suspect that the case may possibly be a publicity stunt by Uniqlo”, one going so far as to quote a Beijing lawyer saying the company could face a fine of between 200,000 and 1 million RMB (US$32,000 and $165,000) and have its trading licence revoked if it was found to be involved.

    In a statement (not issued through Uniqlo’s normal media media channels) Uniqlo reportedly condemned the filming.

    Since the video was uploaded, attracting attention from news organisations worldwide, the Sanlitun flagship in which it was filmed has become something of a tourist attraction, with people posing for photographs outside.

    The young couple who had reportedly “only just met” were quickly identified via social media and have become celebrities on Chinese social media networks, albeit they have now reportedly been arrested and charged with indecency.

    From censored stills posted online by news media outlets, the video appears to have been filmed entirely by mobile phone. So the involvement of an additional three people is puzzling unless they were responsible for its spread or reposting, rather than production as reported in China.

    Meanwhile, Chinese authorities have summoned representatives of Tencent and Weibo to discuss how the video was so widely shared and viewable on its networks. Chinese law prohibits pornography.

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  • Kappa China sales soar

    Kappa China sales soar

    Kappa China sportswear brand sales are soaring in the Mainland.

    China Dongxiang, the Kappa sportswear and accessories brand’s Chinese rights owner, has reported a 21.5 per cent year-on-year same-store sales growth in China for the second quarter of 2015.

    There were 1231 Kappa retail stores trading at the end of the quarter, a net increase of 21 stores over six months.

    And Kappa’s trade orders also posted double digit growth.

    Chen Yihong, chairman, CEO and executive director of China Dongxiang, described the retail trading result as “spectacular” saying they were the result of efforts to streamline the company’s brands and business, sales and supply-chain models. China Dongxiang, listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, designs, develops, markets and wholesales of branded sportswear in China.

    Currently, China Dongxiang owns all rights to the internationally renowned Kappa brand in China, Macau and Japan.

    The company believes the Kappa brand’s success in China is due to the products conveying “a vibrant, fashionable and youthful image hugely popular with China’s fast-growing base of consumers with potentially high spending powers”.

    China Dongxiang also owns Phenix, the most popular ski brand in Japan.

  • Cath Kidston buys Japanese franchise

    Cath Kidston buys Japanese franchise

    UK-headquartered Cath Kidston says it will buy out its Japanese franchise business.

    Store leases and stock will transfer to a wholly owned subsidiary Cath Kidston Japan on September 1.

    The move brings to an end a four year partnership started in 2011 with Sanei International, a subsidiary of TSI Holdings.

    Japan accounts for 20 per cent of Cath Kidston’s global sales with four consecutive years of sales growth driven largely by the home, childrenswear and bags categories.

    Cath Kidston CEO Kenny Wilson said Japan is the brand’s biggest international market outside the UK and a key part of its business strategy to globalise the brand.

    “During 2016 we will celebrate our tenth anniversary since opening the first store in Tokyo and we see real opportunities to grow the brand even further across Asia.

    “This is a unique opportunity to take full control of the Japanese business. Sanei International has been a trusted franchise partner and we have worked successfully together, helping to grow the portfolio to over 30 stores. Our desire to buy, and Sanei’s decision to sell back the business, fitted perfectly with each other’s strategy,” said Wilson.

    “We are grateful to the Sanei management team in developing the business over the past four years. We have been delighted by the response of the Japanese staff to our decision to take full ownership of the stores.”

    Cath Kidston now has stores in 16 countries including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Spain and France.

    In April this year, Cath Kidston opened its 200th overseas store in Beijing, China.

  • Smoothie King eyes Asia

    Smoothie King eyes Asia

    Fresh from sealing a deal to enter the UAE, US chain Smoothie King is now seeking partners to enter seven Asian markets, along with Australia.

    With more than 700 locations worldwide and plans to top 1000 locations globally by the end of 2017, Smoothie King has signed up Al Ghurair Retail to open across the emirates, starting with multiple locations in Dubai.

    Smoothie King is currently located in Korea, Grand Cayman and Singapore, and according to Dan Hannah, VP of international business development, the company is now eyeing development in Japan, China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Australia and Brazil.

    Smoothie King is providing guests around the world with nutritional solutions that live up to the brand’s founding vision to create “Smoothies With a Purpose.”

    Smoothie King differentiates itself in the crowded juice and smoothie category as an “originator and innovator”, evolving to meet customer’s health needs since 1973. The mission since the company’s inception carries through to today: to inspire people to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

    New Orleans-based Smoothie King offers a wide variety of smoothies made with the highest quality ingredients, created to meet all nutritional goals including weight loss, weight gain and increased energy.

    “By working with dedicated and passionate partners like AG Retail, we are able to continue to build our brand and expand our presence worldwide, while preserving brand integrity,” said Smoothie King CEO Wan Kim.

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  • Bridgestone to establish auto parts JV in Indonesia

    Bridgestone to establish auto parts JV in Indonesia

    Bridgestone Corp. plans to establish a joint venture company to produce anti-vibration rubber products for automotive vehicles in Indonesia.

    The agreement was concluded on July 2 with PT Astra Otoparts Tbk, which manufactures and sells automotive parts in Indonesia.

    The JV is to build a manufacturing plant of anti-vibration rubber products, which is set to start operations in January 2016, according to a Bridgestone statement. The total amount of the investment by Bridgestone and Astra Otoparts will be $13 million.

    Bridgestone has seven facilities in five countries to manufacture automotive anti-vibration components. To achieve further global expansion, the firm said it needed a manufacturing base in Indonesia, a major car making state in the ASEAN region.

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  • Uniqlo ‘modest wear range’ targets Muslims

    Uniqlo ‘modest wear range’ targets Muslims

    A new Uniqlo modest wear range designed in partnership with UK designer and blogger Hana Tajima has gone on sale in Malaysia and Singapore.

    The Uniqlo X Hana Tajima Collection is launched today, July 3, at Uniqlo’s 313@Somerset store on Singapore’s Orchard Rd, and online at www.uniqlo.com/sg.

    A promotional campaign is fronted by Malaysian singer Yuna and the range is expected to be launched in Asian markets with large Muslim populations, such as Malaysia and Indonesia.

    Uniqlo says in line with its ‘LifeWear concept’, the collection is designed to meet the needs of women who value comfortable and relaxed wear. This inaugural collection takes inspiration from an international approach in appreciation of diverse culture and style.

    “Although Uniqlo X Hana Tajima caters to ladies who embrace modest fashion, this collection has been carefully designed to suit contemporary tastes and is versatile to complement a fashionista’s wardrobe easily,” the company said in a statement.

    The collection features pants (SG$49.90), skirts ($49.90), rayon blouses ($49.90) and long dresses ($49.90-$59.90) with a comfortable, relaxed fit which Uniqlo says makes them appropriate for an office and perfect as casual outfits.

    “Our conservative customers will certainly delight at the variety of stylish hijab headscarves ($24.90-$29.90), as well as inner AIRism hijab headscarves ($4.90) and headbands ($14.90). AIRism is a Uniqlo patented material that is thin, light and absorbs moisture for extraordinary comfort especially in tropical climates.

    Taku Morikawa, CEO of Uniqlo Singapore, said the Hana Tajima collection illustrates Uniqlo’s ambition of making fashionable, high quality products for all to wear, while enhancing their lifestyle at the same time.

    “We worked with Hana to determine what would be internationally appealing while keeping to the concept of modest wear. We are thrilled with the results of this unique collaboration which produced a desirable collection that does not sacrifice style for utmost comfort.”

    Hana Tajima, who oversaw the design of every piece in this collection, said: “We want to create a collection that not only appeals to modern ladies who prefer to dress modestly, but also an international audience who desire clothes that fit comfortably and look contemporary. My collection is specially designed to allow effortless mix and match for the today’s women to express their own style.”

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  • Sanrio Partners with Universal Parks & Resorts for New Hello Kitty® Retail Store Concept

    Sanrio Partners with Universal Parks & Resorts for New Hello Kitty® Retail Store Concept

    Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for beloved pop icon Hello Kitty, and Universal Parks & Resorts have announced their partnership to develop Hello Kitty interactive retail experiences
    scheduled to open later this year at Universal Orlando Resort and in the future at Universal Studios Hollywood.

    This will mark Hello Kitty‘s official retail debut at theme parks in North America and offer specialty merchandise including stationery, home goods, apparel, accessories and collectibles. The majority of merchandise will be devoted to Hello Kitty; Sanrio properties Chococat®, My Melody®, Badtz-Maru®, Purin™ and Keroppi® will also have a presence. Hello Kitty confectionery and specialty co-branded Hello Kitty Universal park-exclusive products will also be available.

    The Hello Kitty stores at Universal Studios will also offer enhanced interactive retail experiences. Customers can shop for custom designed merchandise, enjoy photo opportunities with Sanrio properties, create souvenir versions of Hello Kitty‘s signature bow, and even meet Hello Kitty herself.

    “Our partnership with Universal brings Sanrio’s experiential entertainment presence to a new level,” said Janet Hsu, President and COO of Sanrio, Inc. “We look forward to this introduction into Universal theme parks to offer new connection points to Sanrio fans of all ages.”

    Sanrio’s partnership with Universal Parks & Resorts highlights the brand’s continued expansion into lifestyle entertainment. Recent projects include the successfully unprecedented ‘Hello Kitty Con’ fan convention and ‘Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty’, a record-breaking museum exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. Hello Kitty’s Supercute Friendship Festival, a live entertainment show and interactive fan festival that has reinvented the concept of a live character show, is currently touring select cities in the U.S. and Canada. Sanrio’s unique approach to lifestyle entertainment has proven to be a highly effective way of connecting with their legions of fans of all ages across the country.

    About Sanrio
     Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty, who recently celebrated her 40th Anniversary.  Home to many endearing characters including Chococat, My Melody, Badtz-Maru and Keroppi, Sanrio was founded on the ‘small gift, big smile’ philosophy – that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration for the broad spectrum of unique products and experiences.  Today, more than 50,000 Sanrio-branded items are available in over 130 countries and upwards of 15,000 U.S. retail locations including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 80 Sanrio boutiques. For more information please visit www.sanrio.com and www.facebook.com/hellokitty.

    About Universal Parks & Resorts
     Universal Parks & Resorts, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, offers guests around the globe today’s most relevant and popular entertainment experiences. With three-time Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, its theme parks are known for immersive experiences that feature some of the world’s most thrilling and technologically advanced film- and television-based attractions. Comcast NBCUniversal is a global media and technology company that owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news, sports and entertainment networks; Universal Pictures, a premier motion picture company; significant television production operations; a leading television stations group; and world-renowned theme parks.

    Comcast NBCUniversal wholly owns Universal Studios Hollywood, which includes Universal CityWalk Hollywood. It also owns Universal Orlando Resort, a world-class destination resort featuring two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure), four resort hotels, and Universal CityWalk Orlando.  Comcast NBCUniversal also has license agreements with Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Japan and Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore.  In addition, Comcast NBCUniversal has recently announced plans for a theme park in Beijing and an indoor theme park to be developed as part of the Galactica Park project in Moscow.

  • Japan’s households begin opening their wallets

    Japan’s households begin opening their wallets

    Japan’s households opened their wallets a bit wider than anticipated in Might, with family expenditures leaping for the primary time in additional than a yr.

    Family expenditures rose four.eight % on yr in Might, topping a Reuters ballot forecast for three.four % and marking the primary on-year improve because the nation elevated its consumption tax in April of 2014.

    Some took the leap as a transparent constructive.

    “Most individuals have been extraordinarily skeptical on the entire Japanese package deal. 90 % of out of doors observers stated there was no means a rustic in a state of decline for 20 years might flip itself round,” Mark Matthews, head of analysis for Asia at Julius Baer, stated in a telephone interview. “These good numbers present there’s some momentum within the financial system.”

    Japan’s policymakers have struggled to kick begin the financial system after many years of deflation, with the Financial institution of Japan launching an enormous easing program in 2013 as a part of “Abenomics,” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s plan to return the nation to progress.

    However after a consumption tax hike to eight % from 5 % in April of 2014, the financial system acquired clobbered when shoppers stopped spending, forcing the federal government to postpone a second gross sales tax initially due this October.

    Different knowledge launched concurrently the family expenditures have been extra muted. Japan’s core shopper worth index (CPI) rose zero.1 % on-year in Might, only a tad above a Reuters ballot forecast for a flat studying and down from a zero.three % rise in April. The unemployment fee was regular at three.three % in Might, as anticipated.

    A few of Japan’s financial knowledge has supported the restoration expectations, with gross home product (GDP) progress for the primary quarter revised greater to an annualized three.9 %, up from 1.5 % within the October-to-December quarter, amid better-than-expected capital spending.

    To make certain, not everyone seems to be shopping for into the restoration story.

    “The large image stays that there’s nonetheless substantial spare capability within the financial system which is dragging down costs,” Marcel Thieliant, a Japan economist at Capital Economics, stated in a word Friday. “There are scant indicators that the tighter labor market has resulted in stronger worth strain,” he added, noting that the determine was barely above expectations on account of an increase in risky recent meals costs. He expects costs will fall within the third quarter.

    Thieliant additionally does not see a lot to get enthusiastic about from the family spending knowledge.

    The rise adopted a pointy drop in April, he famous.

    “Even when spending continued to rise by one other 2 % month-on-month in June, personal consumption might subsequently have stagnated final quarter,” he stated.” The upshot is that GDP progress ought to have slowed sharply within the second quarter.”

    The Japanese yen held flat at round 123.59 towards the U.S. greenback after the info.

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  • Japan retail gross sales proceed to strengthen

    Japan retail gross sales proceed to strengthen

    Japan retail gross sales rose a wholesome three per cent in Might – marking the second consecutive month-to-month achieve after a yr of stagnancy or decline.

    Knowledge from the Ministry of Financial system, Commerce and Business, exhibits shoppers are enjoyable their purse strings with gross sales at giant retailers rising 5.three per cent yr on yr ona  similar shops foundation.

    Retail gross sales have been depressed following the implementation of a gross sales tax improve on April 1 final yr.

    Meals, clothes and residential electronics have been the main performers in Might.

    In March, retail gross sales fell 9 per cent, though that was largely as a result of an irregular March 2014 when shoppers introduced ahead spending previous to a gross sales tax improve on April 1.

    The Financial institution of Japan says the retail figures present shoppers are extra assured, easing the strain on the financial institution to extend a stimulus program.

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  • GigaMedia snaps up StrawberryNet.com

    GigaMedia snaps up StrawberryNet.com

    Taiwan’s GigaMedia, a web-based video games and computing providers supplier, is to purchase 70 per cent  of worldwide eCommerce cosmetics retailer Strawberry Cosmetics.

    Taipei-based, Singapore-listed GigaMedia can pay about US$93.1 million for the stake.

    Strawberry Cosmetics owns and operates the web site StrawberryNET.com and the associated cellular software. It has a complete gross sales and distribution community masking main nations worldwide, with growing enterprise in Asia, is translated into 38 languages and has a worldwide buyer base of greater than three million.

    Strawberry Cosmetics has additionally established a worldwide sourcing community of a complete vary of magnificence merchandise with greater than 700 manufacturers and 30,000 SKUs.

    During the last 4 years the web site has achieved annual gross sales exceeding $200 million, largely in Oceania, the US and Europe.

    GigaMedia believes Strawberrynet.com has vital progress potential in Asia.

    “As Strawberry Cosmetics is a longtime and confirmed eCommerce platform with an present buyer base, the corporate is of the view that the transaction would assist diversify the corporate’s general enterprise dangers and broaden the corporate’s enterprise portfolio within the web and know-how sector and permit the corporate to faucet into the quick rising magnificence and cosmetics eCommerce market,” GigaMedia stated in a press release.

    It sees potential vital synergies from leveraging its IT, on-line and offline advertising, in addition to its native connections in numerous Asian nations together with China, Japan and South Korea.

    GigaMedia’s on-line video games enterprise is an progressive chief in Asia with rising recreation improvement, distribution and operation capabilities, in addition to platform providers for video games; focus is on cellular video games and social on line casino video games. The Firm’s cloud computing enterprise is concentrated on offering enterprises in Higher China with essential communications providers and IT options that improve flexibility, effectivity and competitiveness.

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  • Honda BR-V bookings to open at Indonesia Motor Show

    Honda BR-V bookings to open at Indonesia Motor Show

    Honda, the Japanese automaker, yesterday released the design sketches of the much-awaited compact SUV. Based on the Brio platform, the prototype of the crossover will be premiered at the 2015 Indonesian International Auto Show in August. If reports are to be believed, Indonesia will be the first market to see the launch of this much-awaited BR-V crossover.

    Honda BR-V (Brio SUV) bookings to open at Indonesia Motor Show
    Bookings for the crossover will open at the 2015 Indonesia Motor Show itself. For the Indian market, the Brio SUV is expected to make its debut at the 2016 Delhi Motor Show while the launch could take place by the mid-2016. The BR-V crossover is developed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. (HRAP) in Thailand, and it will target Asian markets.

    The Honda BR-V crossover will be a seven-seater car, and is expected to get better quality interiors. The vehicle features a rugged design with high ground clearance, single slat chrome grille, LED daytime running headlamps and large alloy wheels.

    Under the hood is a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that is good for 117bhp of power. This engine will be paired to a five-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. India-spec model will also get a diesel engine option, 1.5-litre i-DTEC motor paired to a six-speed manual gearbox.

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  • Ministop Korea fined for squeezing suppliers

    Ministop Korea fined for squeezing suppliers

    South Korea’s antitrust watchdog has slapped a 114 million gained (US$103,100) wonderful on comfort retailer chain Ministop Korea for unfair commerce practices and ordered the corporate to take corrective motion.

    The penalty towards the native affiliate of Japan’s Aeon group, one of many largest retailers in Asia, comes after Ministop Korea abused its superior place to arbitrarily change contracts with its worth added community (VAN) corporations, the Truthful Commerce Fee (FTC) stated.

    A VAN firm facilitates digital knowledge interchange (EDI), akin to bank card approval and settlement.

    “Ministop unilaterally halted dealings with two native VAN corporations in February 2011 after they did not match a proposal made by one other agency that provided appreciable financial incentives to vary its community associate,” the FTC stated.

    Through the course of, the comfort retailer chain acquired financial advantages from the prevailing VANs that originally needed to take care of their contracts however later baulked when the demand turned extreme, it stated.

    The watchdog stated the 2 VANs had accepted the change to their contracts in September 2010, which required them to pay three.5 billion gained over seven years, however when Ministop Korea requested for the signing of a revised association simply 5 months later, they rejected the decision and had their contracts terminated.

    The FTC stated it has additionally requested state prosecutors to launch a legal investigation into the case.

    The watchdog stated the newest motion towards Ministop Korea will ship a warning to giant retail chains which were cited prior to now for exploiting VAN corporations.

    “The transfer ought to assist right unfair commerce practices within the EDI sector,” it stated.

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  • Saha group says Japan’s Lawson stores in Thailand to rise to 1000

    Saha group says Japan’s Lawson stores in Thailand to rise to 1000

    A joint venture of Thailand’s Saha Pathanapibul Pcl and Japan’s Lawson Inc aims to boost the number of ‘Lawson 108’ outlets in the Southeast Asian nation to 1,000 over the next three years from 40 now, a Saha executive said on Friday.

    Saha Pat, part of Saha Group, Thailand’s largest consumer products conglomerate, joined hands with Lawson, one of Japan’s top- three convenience store chains, to form joint venture Saha Lawson Co in 2012 to tap the Thai retail market.

    Saha Lawson will focus on fresh-cooked and ready to eat products, Saha Pat’s director Vathit Chokwatana told a conference. He did not reveal any investment numbers by the partners.

    Lawson is one of several Japanese retailers expanding business in Thailand, despite the Southeast Asian nation’s weak domestic consumption and slowing economy. Others include Tokyu Department Store and MaxValu supermarket, owned by AEON group.

    Lawson competes directly with CP All Pcl, Thailand’s largest convenience store chain with more than 8,000 7-Eleven outlets, and Family Mart, owned by Central Group, Thailand’s leading retailer.

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  • Chivas Regal Extra launches in Asia travel retail

    Chivas Regal Extra launches in Asia travel retail

    Chivas Regal Extra will be made available in in key Asian airports throughout May to July, supported by new campaign, titled Welcome to the Next Level.

    “We are delighted to be introducing the newest member in the Chivas Regal family – Chivas Regal Extra – to travel retail across Asia and to be supporting the launch with the Welcome to the Next Level campaign,” commented Kyung Min, manager at Pernod Ricard Asia Travel Retail.

    “Our goal is to engage with travellers and offer them a unique shopping experience and premium gifts through a set of dynamic in-store activities at the airport.”

    Seven airports will be supported by the Welcome to the Next Level Campaign, including Singapore Changi airport, Malaysia Kuala Lumpur International airport, Hong Kong International airport, Thailand Suvarnabhumi airport and Vietnam Tan Son Nhat International airport in May and June.

    Korea Incheon International airport will feature the campaign in June and Japan Haneda Tokyo International airport will run the campaign in July.

    Travellers will have the chance to experience in-store comparison tastings to distinguish the differences between Chivas Regal 12 and Chivas Regal Extra.

    Select airports will also be offering an interactive game challenging consumers to learn more about the product and entitling them to a gift, as well as a Sherry cask display and aroma kit sets.

    Chivas Regal Extra is bottled at 40% abc and has an RRP of US$56 in global travel retail.

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  • Muji heads to India

    Muji heads to India

    Japanese minimalist retailer Muji will open its first shops in India by the center of subsequent yr.

    Muji has sealed a cope with Reliance Industries to create an Indian operation, turning into Reliance’s 19th worldwide retail model.

    Muji’s information comes as fellow Japanese retailer Uniqlo is in discussions with potential companions to enter India.

    Famend for its unbranded, minimalist designs, Muji shops inventory items starting from attire and homewares to stationery, cosmetics and meals. About half its gross sales at the moment are furnishings and homewares.

    In some markets it operates cafes, however present laws prohibit in-store cafes in India.

    Reliance says the primary Muji shops will open in Delhi and Mumbai with footprints starting from 6000 sqft to 10,000 sqft.

    “Muji is simplicity – however simplicity achieved via a complexity of thought and design,” stated Reliance CEO and president Darshan Mehta in a press release.

    “Their merchandise are extraordinarily high-quality and have been designed to cater to the life-style of city dwellers. We’ve nice confidence that the Indian shopper will embrace the model.”

    “Worldwide enlargement is of utmost precedence for us and India is our subsequent massive Asian market with immense progress potential,” Satoru Matsuzaki, president and consultant director of Muji mum or dad Ryohin Keikaku, in an e mail interview with the Occasions of India.

    “We consider there’s a vital pool of cosmopolitan shoppers [in India] who’ve their very own sense of favor and who place product above model logos.”

    Reliance Manufacturers already companions with Diesel, Brooks Brothers, Steve Madden and Kenneth Cole, amongst others.