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Tag: Japan

  • Croquant Chou Zakuzaku opens in Singapore

    Croquant Chou Zakuzaku opens in Singapore

    Japanese bakery brand Croquant Chou Zakuzaku will open its first store in Singapore next month.

    The Croquant Chou Zakuzaku Singapore flagship store will take over its sister brand’s outlet Bake Cheese Tart at Ion Orchard.

    The new Japanese store will offer its first Croquant Chou, a crunchy stick-shaped cream puff filled with fresh cream, and its soft-serve ice cream made with Hokkaido milk and coated with croquant chunks, Zakuzaku Soft.

    “We are honoured to be able to open a flagship store in Singapore. We have been eyeing to open the store for a long time in a trendy location, and have finally been able to do so in Ion Orchard,” said Hajime Kikuchi, director at Croquant Chou Zakuzaku. “We hope that Croquant Chou Zakuzaku can become a brand that is loved by Singaporeans who are interested in high quality sweets and dessert items.”

    Since opening its doors in Lumine Est Shinjuku in 2014 , Croquant Chou Zakuzaku has expanded to more than 30 outlets in five countries, with its tagline “All the good stuff in one hand”.

     

  • Apple Japan opens its largest store today

    Apple Japan opens its largest store today

    Apple Japan has opened its largest flagship store this month in Marunouchi, Tokyo.

    The new stores was designed by Foster + Partners, one of several architecture practices commissioned to build the tech giant’s retail stores around the world. Foster + Partners also recently completed the revamp of the Fifth Avenue ‘cube store’ in New York City.

    A Foster + Partners spokesperson said the company wanted the Apple Japan store to embody “an honesty of materiality”.

    Located adjacent to the busy Tokyo Station, Apple’s fifth store in Tokyo features a facade featuring two-storey glass display windows framed with aluminium and with 3-dimensional, rounded corners.

    Inside, locally sourced bamboo was planted to create a vibrant greenery atmosphere.

    “The opening of Apple Marunouchi marks a significant moment in Apple’s long relationship with Japan,” said Deirdre O’Brien, senior VP of retail and people at Apple.

    “We wanted to create a restrained presence amid the bustle of Tokyo,” said Stefan Behling, head of studio at Foster + Partners. “The beautifully crafted aluminium vitrines (display windows) define the boundary of the store and Apple’s presence, offering everyone walking by a glimpse into the store. The structural grid gives the entire volume a certain rhythm, while the calm interior is enhanced by the bamboo that lines the perimeter.”

    Later this month Apple Japan will also relocate its Apple Fukuoka to a new and expanded location and complete the remodelling of Apple Omotesando.

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  • Afternoon Tea Tearoom opens first Hong Kong store

    Afternoon Tea Tearoom opens first Hong Kong store

    Japanese tearoom chain Afternoon Tea Tearoom will open its first branch in Hong Kong this Saturday to offer a Japanese-style casual afternoon tea experience in a tourist hotspot.

    The tearoom is located in K11 Musea in Tsim Sha Tsui and offers sweets and a variety of foods such as sandwiches and pasta, plus selected teas and drinks.

    The firm is offering a training program in Japan for the Hong Kong staff of its partner Tearoom (HK) Limited to learn the company’s concept, menu and way to serve customers.

    “Hong Kong is a culturally diverse society and people here are familiar with afternoon tea culture,” said Ivy Company, Sazaby League company president Ryuhei Tsukada.

    “We are grateful to have an opportunity to offer our quality sweets and foods in the city. Our Hong Kong team and Japan team will work together closely to provide the best services to customers, providing them with a rich but casual and relaxing afternoon tea experience.”

    “We are happy to see a popular Japanese brand join our dynamic food and beverage market,” said Investment Promotion associate director-general Dr Jimmy Chiang. “Hong Kong people love Japanese food culture, and I am confident Afternoon Tea Tearoom will draw a good following among food lovers who look for nothing but the best.”

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  • Eslite Bookstore to open outlet in Tokyo

    Eslite Bookstore to open outlet in Tokyo

    Taiwan’s Eslite bookstore chain is set to launch its first outlet in Tokyo this week.

    The store opening marks Eslite Spectrum Corp’s 30th anniversary as well as the first time for the firm to start-up business in a territory where Chinese is not spoken. The 50th Eslite location, it will trade in books and other merchandise sourced from Taiwan and Japan.

    The late Robert C.Y. Wu, who founded the bookstore, is on record as hoping the store would become a “warm venue for people to meet and connect”.

    Eslite has stores in Hong Kong.

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  • Goldwin opens first overseas store in San Francisco

    Goldwin opens first overseas store in San Francisco

    Japanese outdoor apparel brand Goldwin plans to launch its first international outlet in San Francisco, California this November.

    “American outdoor enthusiasts expect the highest quality technical apparel and we are confident that Goldwin will deliver a head-to-toe range that will raise the bar for skiers, hikers, climbers and other athletes who test themselves in the outdoors,” said Gen Arai, GM at Godwin.

    “Most American outdoor enthusiasts are just learning about Goldwin so with the new store location we are looking to provide a unique retail experience that connects urban city life with nature and adventure.”

    The Japanese brand will also launch the latest Fall 2019 collection with signature garments on its website and through selected retail channels in North America next month.

    Founded in 1951 as a manufacturer of knit fabric, Goldwin now specialises in lifestyle products and premium sportswear, including ski apparel.

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  • Starbucks Japan lets customers pay with a pen

    Starbucks Japan lets customers pay with a pen

    Starbucks Japan has launched a new pen-shaped digital wallet called “Starbucks Touch The Pen” allowing customers to buy their coffee without taking out their wallets.

    The pen’s design resembles a drip coffee machine and comes in three colours – black, silver, and white. The new cashless-payment device is run by NFC (near-field communications) technology through FeliCa chip and contains “coffee brown” gel ink, meaning it works as a digital wallet and has the same function as a normal pen.

    Starbucks’ Touch The Pen will cost ¥4000 (US$37) including ¥1000 preloaded credit when it is available to purchase online next week.

    Before The Pen, the cafe chain had three other digital payment models including The Drip (a key fob), The Cup (a phone case) and The Hug (a keyring handbag).

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  • Osaka’s Micasadeco & Cafe opens outlet outside Japan

    Osaka’s Micasadeco & Cafe opens outlet outside Japan

    Japanese fluffy-pancake franchise Micasadeco & Cafe is launching its first flagship outside of Japan at Langham Place in Mong Kok.

    Opening on September 20 in an airy basement, Micasadeco & Cafe will be serving diners breakfast till dinner Monday through Sunday. Limited-edition tote bags will be presented to early diners in celebration of the Hong Kong opening.

    The new venture presents the brand’s signature Ricotta Cheese Pancake, which received the highest ranking of three stars at the Sarah Japan Menu Award last year, alongside an extensive menu mixing sweet and savoury items.

    For the sake of authenticity, four chefs stationed in Hong Kong were invited to to Micasadeco & Cafe’s original branch in Osaka to learn how to make perfect pancake towers and other delicacies.

  • Toyota Invests $391 Million In Its Texas Truck Assembly Plant

    Toyota Invests $391 Million In Its Texas Truck Assembly Plant

    Toyota Motor Corp said on Tuesday it was investing $391 million in its pickup truck assembly plant in San Antonio, Texas, as part of the Japanese automaker’s plan to invest $13 billion in its U.S. operations over five years through 2021. The company said the investment will be used to introduce advanced manufacturing technologies at the plant and also to help with the development and education of the local workforce. Christopher Reynolds, Toyota Motor North America’s chief administrative officer, told Reuters the investment could allow the company to eventually boost the plant’s capacity but no decision has been made. Reynolds added that the company was “bullish” on the future of its U.S truck sales, which are up 4% this year. Toyota’s San Antonio truck plant assembles full-size Tundra and mid-size Tacoma pickup trucks and employs more than 7,200 workers.

    The announcement comes a day after U.S President Donald Trump said Washington had struck trade agreements with Tokyo that could be implemented without congressional approval, but stopped short of assuring Japan that new tariffs would not be slapped on vital auto exports. Trump’s announcement left unclear whether he has agreed not to impose threatened national security tariffs on Japanese vehicles and auto parts.

    Avoiding the “Section 232” tariffs of up to 25% was a major motivating factor for Tokyo in negotiating with Washington on trade.Over much of the past year, the scope of talks has narrowed to exclude the automotive sector, the source of most of the $67 billion U.S trade deficit with Japan. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in August announced an agreement in principle on a deal that covered reductions in tariffs on agricultural and industrial goods, but not autos.

    Abe has repeatedly emphasized the significant U.S investments of Japanese automakers and parts manufacturers to Trump

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  • Kyoto Ichinoden has opened a high-end Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong

    Kyoto Ichinoden has opened a high-end Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong

    The new venue, Tominokoji Yamagishi, is part of the 90-year-old firm’s expansion plan in the local dining industry. Located in the prime Ocean Centre in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, it provides 15 seats for booking and serves fine Kyoto cuisine.

    “Kyoto Ichinoden was founded in 1927,” noted Kyoto Ichinoden HK president Jumpei Tanaka. “Our first Kyoto Ichinoden restaurant in Hong Kong was opened in May this year and we have been successful. To sustain the growth momentum, we wanted to open an even more high-end Japanese restaurant in the city to promote high-quality Kyoto cuisine in Hong Kong. As we have a very close relationship with the founder and chef of Tominokoji Yamagishi, who actually was our head chef for more than 10 years, we decided to bring his brand to the city.

    “Hong Kong people have a strong passion for Japanese food and always look for high-quality food and dining experiences,” he added. “It gives us a good reason to bring a Michelin-starred restaurant brand here. The city is also very strong in terms of logistics and transportation, ensuring efficient supplies of high-quality ingredients for our restaurants.”

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  • Hattendo bakery to franchise stores in Hong Kong

    Hattendo bakery to franchise stores in Hong Kong

    Japanese baker Hattendo is planning to ramp up its store rollout in Asia, with particular focus on Greater China and Southeast Asia.

    The company – known for its cream-filled buns – already has stores in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. Its next stop is Malaysia where it will launch next month after finding a local partner to produce its buns, selling through convenience stores.

    Hattendo is currently finalizing a joint venture with a Thai company to manufacture its products to supply stores locally. The plan there is to supply supermarkets and a network of its own-branded kiosk stores in shopping malls and other locations.

    In Hong Kong and Mainland China, Hattendo will expand its network by appointing franchisees, part of a plan to boost its network six-fold to 30 by the end of 2021.

    “In China’s Shenzhen and Hong Kong, there is strong interest from potential franchisees and we receive a lot of inquiries,” Daisuke Ishioka, the company’s representative director, told Nikkei.

    Last year, Hattendo’s group sales reached US$19.6 million. The company is planning to issue new shares by the end of this year to raise about $900,000 to fund the expansion.

    The company – known for its cream-filled buns – already has stores in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. Its next stop is Malaysia where it will launch next month after finding a local partner to produce its buns, selling through convenience stores.

    Hattendo is currently finalizing a joint venture with a Thai company to manufacture its products to supply stores locally. The plan there is to supply supermarkets and a network of its own-branded kiosk stores in shopping malls and other locations.

    In Hong Kong and Mainland China, Hattendo will expand its network by appointing franchisees, part of a plan to boost its network six-fold to 30 by the end of 2021.

    “In China’s Shenzhen and Hong Kong, there is strong interest from potential franchisees and we receive a lot of inquiries,” Daisuke Ishioka, the company’s representative director, told Nikkei.

    Last year, Hattendo’s group sales reached US$19.6 million. The company is planning to issue new shares by the end of this year to raise about $900,000 to fund the expansion.

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  • Yahoo Japan my be bought by Zozotown

    Yahoo Japan my be bought by Zozotown

    Yahoo Japan reportedly has plans to buy the owner of Zozotown, the country’s largest online fashion retailer, before expanding the business to take on e-commerce heavyweights Rakuten and Amazon.

    According to Nikkei, Yahoo Japan wants to buy a majority of the retailer’s shares and then convert it to a subsidiary operation but will retain its stock-exchange listing. Zozo has a market capitalization of US$6.28 billion.

    Zozo’s founder and CEO Yusaku Maezawa currently owns 30 percent of the company. Nikkei reports he is in favor of the deal and plans to step down from day to day management.

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  • JR East metro station outlets opening in Singapore

    JR East metro station outlets opening in Singapore

    East Japan Railway Co. is expanding its operations into Singapore with new JR East metro station stores launching in island’s metro stations.

    The firm is planning to set up store clusters at 27 out of the 32 stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line, which will be partially operational by the end of the year. It is the first Japanese railways firm to start-up commercial operations in another country.

    The firm’s contract to establish JR East metro station stores along the line was secured via its local unit along with SMRT Experience and store chain operator NTUC Fairprice Co-operative for S$24 million (US$17.3 million) last month. The three partners will trade as Stellar Singapore, in which JR East will hold a 35 percent shareholding.

    Under the terms of the agreement, Stellar Singapore will rent 5000sqm of total floor space at the stations under a 16-year lease. The largest single shopping center will cover 1570sqm at Woodlands Station.

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  • Uniqlo hitted by South Korean consumer boycott

    Uniqlo hitted by South Korean consumer boycott

    Fast-fashion chain Uniqlo is suffering from the South Korean consumer boycott of Japanese goods.

    “We can confirm that there has been an impact on the sales in Korea,” a spokeswoman for Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing told Reuters. She declined to release any figures, however.

    The two countries are involved in a diplomatic row relating to disagreements over the compensation for forced laborers during Japan’s occupation of Korea during the second world war. That dispute has spilled over into the populations with Japanese products in South Korea being boycotted by shoppers as a form of protest.

    Uniqlo has nearly 200 stores in South Korea, selling around US$1.3 billion worth of clothing annually, equal to about 6.6 percent of its total sales. The South Korean consumer boycott may lead to delays in new stores opening if it continues

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  • Japanese Automakers’ Sales Fall In South Korea Amid Consumer Boycott

    Japanese Automakers’ Sales Fall In South Korea Amid Consumer Boycott

    Japanese automakers posted sharper sales falls in South Korea in August, industry data showed on Wednesday, hit by a consumer boycott of Japanese vehicles amid a worsening diplomatic row between the countries.

    Toyota Motor Corp and other Japanese carmakers saw South Korean sales tumble 57% to 1,398 vehicles in August from a year earlier, steeper than the 17% fall in July.

    Japan’s decision in July to tighten controls on exports of materials that South Korea uses to make semiconductors and display screens has prompted a consumer backlash in Korea, with consumers boycotting Japanese products such as beer, clothes, vehicles and tours to the neighboring country.

    Relations between the two U.S. allies had already soured over South Korean demands for Japanese compensation for South Korean forced laborers during World War Two.

    Toyota’s South Korean sales fell 59% to 542 in August from a year earlier, while Honda Motor’s sales tumbled 81% to 138.

    Toyota’s Lexus was the top-selling Japanese brand in South Korea, with sales reaching 603 vehicles in August, up 7.7% from year earlier, but down 39% from July.

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  • Issey Miyake Osaka news store openening in Semba

    Issey Miyake Osaka news store openening in Semba

    Fashion and fragrances label Issey Miyake has opened a new store in Japan, its design influenced by water.

    The new Issey Miyake Osaka store is located in the Semba district that once prospered as an important waypoint for ships and boats.

    The outlet’s basement floor features a creative space where people, objects and ideas related to Osaka and various other regions can interact. It will serve as a venue to showcase an array of experimental projects, including exhibits and events.

    At an event to commemorate the store’s opening, the basement space will showcase artist Seitaro Kuroda’s open studio under its “fount of creativity” theme.

    Kuroda will be freely inspired by the venue, creating an impromptu space with installations and paintings.

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