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Tag: Japan

  • 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.

  • Accenture and Quick Retailing be a part of forces to develop digitally enabled shopper providers

    Accenture and Quick Retailing be a part of forces to develop digitally enabled shopper providers

    Quick Retailing, the dad or mum firm of Japanese trend chain retailer Uniqlo, is forming a three way partnership with administration consulting agency Accenture to speed up the digital innovation of shopper providers for its clients globally.

    Increasing on a long-standing relationship, the 2 corporations will discover methods to increase their collaboration to ship personalised buyer experiences throughout all of Quick Retailing’s retail channels.

    Quick Retailing – which has operations throughout Asia, Europe and the USA – owns seven main manufacturers: Uniqlo, GU, Principle, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Helmut Lang, Princesse tam.tam and J Model. To enhance the personalised multi-channel expertise for Quick Retailing’s clients, Accenture will assist the retailer develop new digital enterprise fashions that embed buyer innovation, knowledge analytics and digitised operations in product improvement, merchandising, manufacturing, logistics, advertising, gross sales and customer support. This could allow shoppers to pick, attempt, buy and obtain services anytime and anyplace, which is a key goal of Quick Retailing’s working mannequin.

    As a part of the initiative, Accenture will assist Quick Retailing construct a cloud-based know-how platform, together with provide chain and buyer relationship administration techniques, to gather actionable buyer insights that may allow the personalisation of the client expertise. The know-how, together with provide chain and buyer relationship administration methods, will probably be absolutely reworked as a cloud based mostly infrastructure. Accenture Digital will present the digital commerce, mobility and analytics capabilities wanted to rework the client expertise.

    Underneath the joint initiative, Accenture may even assist Quick Retailing practice and recruit the expertise mandatory to construct an enhanced buyer expertise staff, looking for candidates with expertise in digital applied sciences together with mobility, analytics and cloud. As well as, the 2 corporations will set up an advisory panel that features main teachers, opinion leaders and start-up corporations to assist form Quick Retailing’s future digital providers for its clients.

    “We’re pursuing a coherent technique to determine an revolutionary enterprise scheme that seamlessly combines actual and digital markets and to take the lead within the altering retail business,” stated Tadashi Yanai, Chairman, President and CEO, Quick Retailing.

    “By way of this collaborative framework with Accenture, Quick Retailing will globally current and introduce the potential of an revolutionary enterprise mannequin past the retail business and speed up creating the world’s main direct enterprise mannequin. Quick Retailing, partnering with Accenture, will improve retailer technique, create a state-of-the-art provide chain community and develop progressive expertise to satisfy the buyer calls for within the period of digitalisation.”

    “Immediately’s retail clients are a formidable pressure with shifting expectations, demanding a seamless expertise – whether or not in shops or on-line – that’s on their phrases. Main retailers know that digital is the important thing to creating the seamless expertise clients need, and we’ll work with Quick Retailing to make sure they’re making sensible funding decisions to create new worth whereas making certain environment friendly and efficient operations throughout their complete organisation,” stated Gianfranco Casati, group chief government, Progress Markets at Accenture.

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  • Newest progress technique to incorporate hiring older staff, constructing extra duty-free outlets

    Newest progress technique to incorporate hiring older staff, constructing extra duty-free outlets

    The federal government plans to triple the variety of duty-free outlets in native vacationer spots across the nation to 20,000 by 2020 to attempt to lure extra overseas vacationers. It’s going to additionally transfer up its 2020 aim of increasing farm and fishery exports to ¥1 trillion, authorities sources stated Wednesday.

    In a draft of the federal government’s progress technique to be formulated by the top of this month, the federal government additionally plans to assist organize visits for round 200 Japanese corporations to Silicon Valley in California over 5 years from subsequent April, to assist them procure funds and discover enterprise companions, the sources stated.

    Different plans embrace subsidies for corporations hiring skilled middle-aged staff as a strategy to increase private revenue and company productiveness and to make use of obtainable expertise, the sources stated.

    Measures may even be drafted by March 31, 2016, to show nonregular staff into common staff as a part of efforts to help feminine profession improvement.

    Stimulating progress is significant to the federal government purpose of pursuing nominal financial progress of greater than three %, wanted to realize its fiscal reform aim of turning its main stability right into a surplus by fiscal 2020.

    At Wednesday’s assembly of the Council on Financial and Fiscal Coverage, the federal government proposed decreasing the ratio of the first stability deficit to GDP to 1 % by fiscal 2018. The projection for the present yr is three.three %.

    “It is very important deal with financial and monetary reform speedily with out lacking an opportunity presently once we are making progress towards financial revival,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe advised the assembly.

    GDP progress for the January-to-March quarter was just lately revised upward to an annualized actual three.9 %, from an initially estimated 2.four %, reflecting robust company spending.

    Beneath the coverage tips to be mirrored in compiling the fiscal 2016 price range, the federal government additionally proposed drawing up an financial and monetary revival plan for fiscal 2016 to 2020.

    To realize the aim of turning the first stability — the distinction between tax income and authorities spending on all the things besides curiosity on debt — right into a surplus, the federal government goals to extend income by way of financial progress, whereas curbing social safety spending.

    At Wednesday’s assembly, Abe instructed Well being, Labor and Welfare Minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki to hurry up efforts to evaluation social safety bills in such areas as medical service charges and pharmaceutical costs.

    Beneath the essential coverage of “no fiscal soundness with out financial revitalization,” the federal government stated it is going to reply swiftly if vital to make sure an appropriate setting for finishing the doubling of the consumption tax fee to 10 % in fiscal 2017.

    Japan’s fiscal well being is the worst amongst main developed economies, with public debt exceeding 200 % of nominal GDP, due primarily to swelling social safety prices for the getting older inhabitants.

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  • Japan shopper confidence fell in Might for second straight month

    Japan shopper confidence fell in Might for second straight month

    Shopper confidence worsened in Might for the second straight month amid rising costs of products comparable to meals, knowledge confirmed Tuesday, prompting the federal government to downgrade its evaluation.

    The seasonally adjusted index of sentiment amongst households made up of two or extra individuals fell zero.1 factors from April to 41.four, the Cupboard Workplace stated.

    The federal government downgraded its primary evaluation of the index, saying the tempo of a pickup in shopper confidence is “turning into average.” Final month, the federal government stated shopper confidence was “choosing up.”

    The survey polls shoppers on the financial outlook for the approaching six months. A studying under 50 suggests pessimists outnumber optimists.

    Of the 4 elements, these for employment circumstances and the timing of latest sturdy items purchases declined 1.four factors to 47.2 and zero.1 factors to 39.6, respectively.

    In the meantime, shoppers’ view of their livelihoods improved zero.four factors to 38.eight, whereas their evaluation of revenue progress rose zero.5 factors to 39.eight, based on the Cupboard Workplace.

    Within the reporting month, 87.four % of households stated they anticipate shopper costs to rise within the yr forward, down from 89.2 % within the earlier month, the survey confirmed.

    The newest survey was carried out as native media reported a rise in costs of on a regular basis gadgets corresponding to chocolate and liquor, in line with a authorities official. Common gasoline costs additionally rose in Might from the earlier month, the official stated.

    The Cupboard Workplace survey, carried out on Might 15, coated 5,712 households, with legitimate responses acquired from 5,498, or 65.5 %.

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  • Tremendous Supply to launch in English

    Tremendous Supply to launch in English

    Raccoon, which operates one among Japan’s largest BtoB e-marketplaces, will launch an English languageSuper Supply web site later this yr promoting Japanese developed merchandise into 134 nations.

    From August 25, shoppers will have the ability to select from a variety of greater than 450,000 Japanese merchandise, trend gadgets and common merchandise from greater than 1000 Japanese producers.

    Whereas Raccoon could also be little recognized outdoors Japan at current, that would properly change when the brand new Tremendous Supply web site launches in English language. At present, 43,398 Japanese retail shops use the service.

    With the variety of overseas retailers and corporations utilizing the service growing over the previous a number of years, Raccoon says it determined to formally launch Tremendous Supply in English to maximise worldwide gross sales alternatives.

    Tremendous Supply sells all kinds of merchandise, starting from conventional Japanese handicrafts comparable to tableware to high-quality clothes to every day requirements. It is among the world’s largest web sites to facilitate purchases of merchandise produced or developed in Japan. Consumers should buy merchandise from Japan at wholesale costs.

    Raccoon is now accepting advance purposes from suppliers to make use of the service previous to its launch. Candidates can discover out extra on the advance software web page.

  • Uniqlo, other Japanese firms eye expansion in PH

    Uniqlo, other Japanese firms eye expansion in PH

    Prominent Japanese companies already operating in the Philippines conveyed Tuesday their expansion plans to visiting Philippine President Benigno Aquino, his communications minister said.

    According to Secretary Herminio Coloma, Senji Miyake, chairman of Kirin Holdings Co. “expressed great interest in expanding their investments in the Philippines” during his meeting with Aquino immediately after the latter’s arrival here for his four-day state visit.

    Kirin has shares in the Philippines’ San Miguel Corp.

    Marubeni Corp., which has a 105-year history in the Philippines, is also “upbeat about current investments in power and energy development, mass transportation and water,” Coloma said.

    Teruo Asada, chairman of Marubeni, also expressed “great interest in exploring new fields of business development, such as commercial vehicles” in his separate meeting with Aquino, added Coloma.

    For his part, Tadashi Yanai, chairman of Fast Retailing Co., maker of Uniqlo apparels, “expressed appreciation for the auspicious results of their initial foray into the Philippine retail market.”

    Uniqlo has already set up 23 shops in the Philippines since its launch in 2012, employing around 1,200 people.

    In his meeting with Aquino, Yanai “spoke highly of the quality of Filipino employees in terms of talent and interpersonal skills,” Coloma said.

    Speaking to the Filipino community later in the evening, Aquino said Fast Retailing appears to be on the way of achieving its initial target of establishing 200 shops in the Philippines, “and even intends to accelerate it.”

    Capping Aquino’s business meetings on his first day in Tokyo was the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the Japan External Trade Organization “to further accelerate two-way trade.”

    Coloma said JETRO praised the Philippine Economic Zone Authority for transforming “red tape to red carpet” for foreign investors.

    Aquino will meet with other business groups in Japan such as the Japanese Business Federation, also known as Keidanren, and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry to lure more Japanese investments in the Philippines.

    The Philippine leader, who will also meet with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, will end his visit on Friday.

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  • Hiya Kitty shops destined for US

    Hiya Kitty shops destined for US

    The Good day Kitty experiential retail expertise is heading for America.

    Sanrio, the Japanese international way of life model which owns the favored, mouthless pop icon Whats up Kitty, has partnered with  Common Parks & Resorts to develop Hey Kitty interactive retail shops at Common Orlando Resort and at Common Studios Hollywood.

    The outlets will mark Whats up Kitty’s official retail debut at theme parks in North America and supply specialty merchandise together with stationery, residence items, attire, equipment and collectibles.

    The Orlando retailer will open later this yr, whereas the Hollywood retailer opening date has but to be confirmed.

    Nearly all of merchandise shall be dedicated to Hiya Kitty; Sanrio properties Chococat, My Melody, Badtz-Maru, Purin and Keroppi will even have a presence. Good day Kitty confectionery and specialty co-branded Hiya Kitty Common park-exclusive merchandise may even be obtainable.

    Sanrio has confirmed the Howdy Kitty shops at Common Studios will supply enhanced interactive retail experiences. Clients can store for customized merchandise, take pleasure in photograph alternatives with Sanrio properties, create memento variations of Good day Kitty’s signature bow, and even meet Hey Kitty herself.

    “Our partnership with Common brings Sanrio’s experiential leisure presence to a brand new degree,” stated Janet Hsu, president and COO of Sanrio, Inc.

    “We look ahead to this introduction into Common theme parks to supply new connection factors to Sanrio followers of all ages.”

    Sanrio’s partnership with Common Parks & Resorts highlights the model’s continued enlargement into way of life leisure. Current tasks embrace the efficiently unprecedented ‘Hey Kitty Con’ fan conference and ‘Howdy! Exploring the Supercute World of Hey Kitty’, a record-breaking museum exhibition on the Japanese American Nationwide Museum in Los Angeles.

    Hey Kitty’s Supercute Friendship Pageant, a reside leisure present and interactive fan pageant that has reinvented the idea of a reside character present, is at present touring choose cities within the US and Canada. Sanrio’s distinctive strategy to way of life leisure has confirmed an efficient means of connecting with their legions of followers of all ages throughout the nation.

    Hiya Kitty lately celebrated her 40th anniversary. Her picture adorns greater than 50,000 merchandise in additional than 130 nations – and upwards of 15,000 US retail places alone, together with 80 Sanrio boutiques.

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