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Tag: Osaka

  • Louis Vuitton cafe and restaurant opens in Osaka

    Louis Vuitton cafe and restaurant opens in Osaka

    The world’s first Louis Vuitton cafe and restaurant have opened inside the stunning new Louis Vuitton Maison Osaka Midosuji in Japan.

    In cooperation with renowned chef Yosuke Suga, the first Louis Vuitton cafe, Le Cafe V is located on the top floor, featuring a Cocoon Room, with a terrace and a bar.

    A speakeasy-style door connects the Louis Vuitton cafe, dubbed Le Cafe V, with the brand’s restaurant Sugalabo V where an open kitchen is set up. Design details are similar to the original, connecting to the central theme of the building’s design, according to DesignBoom.

    The Louis Vuitton Maison Osaka Midosuji is the result of a close partnership between Jun Aoki and New York designer Peter Marino, reflecting Osaka’s heritage as Japan’s most important port.

    Inspired by sailing vessels, the store’s facade, designed by Aoki, resembles a floating ship with a light and airy white structure. To create a floating effect, Marino creates wooden floors, wood-clad pillars, and metal ceilings.

    The launch of a Louis Vuitton cafe and restaurant follows similar forays into f&b by other luxury brands, including Tiffany & Co’s Blue Box Cafe, Armani Cafes and Ralph Lauren eateries.

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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.

  • Bolloré Logistics’ Osaka Office Certified CEIV Pharma by IATA at Kansai Int’l Airport

    Bolloré Logistics’ Osaka Office Certified CEIV Pharma by IATA at Kansai Int’l Airport

    On March 31st, 2019, Bolloré Logistics Japan was successfully certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) at its platform located in the Kansai International Airport (KIX), in Osaka. The certification is a globally recognized and standardized certification for healthcare airfreight shipments. Bolloré Logistics Japan began the certification process according to the IATA CEIV Pharma standards in the second quarter of 2017. The CEIV Pharma certification will allow Bolloré Logistics Japan to have a strategic advantage in the healthcare logistics market with a stronger, more competitive and enhanced air cargo service.

    “Earning the CEIV Pharma certification demonstrates our ability to successfully build and deploy a team of experts who are fully capable to offer end-to-end logistics solution for the pharmaceutical related temperature sensitive products through the Kansai International Airport (KIX). In the near future, we are also keen to acquire the same certification in Haneda Airport (Tokyo) in order for us to expand the expertise nationwide,” said Goro UMEZAWA, Sales Manager at Bolloré Logistics Japan.

    This new success shows our commitment to achieve the highest international quality standard in the global pharmaceutical supply chain for its customers, by continually improving our processes and infrastructures to be compliant with IATA CEIV Pharma standards. With Australia, Singapore, South Korea, China and now Japan certified, the aim of Bolloré Logistics is to deploy this action throughout its global network with on-going certifications on other sites in the Asia-Pacific region
    such as China Hong Kong.

    In Europe, Bolloré Logistics has already received the IATA CEIV Pharma certification for its Paris Roissy CDG platform (France) as well as its sites in Brussels (Belgium), Frankfurt (Germany) and Lisbon (Portugal). The International Air Transport Association (IATA) created Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) in 2014. It aims to set the industrial standard for air cargo supply chain in pharmaceutical handling excellence. It addresses industry’s need for more safety, security, compliance and efficiency, by the creation of a globally consistent and recognized pharmaceutical product handling certification. CEIV Pharma encompasses, or even supersedes, many of the existing pharmaceutical standards and guidelines, such as IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR), European Union Good Distribution Practices (EU GDP), World Health Organization Annex 5, United States Pharmacopeia Standards.

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  • AirAsia to fly Manila-Osaka route starting July 2019

    AirAsia to fly Manila-Osaka route starting July 2019

    Budget airline AirAsia announced it will operate flights between Manila and Osaka, Japan for the first time in July 2019.

    In a statement, AirAsia said its daily services for the Manila-Osaka route will begin on July 1.

    AirAsia Philippines president and CEO Dexter Comendador called the launch of the new route a “milestone occasion.”

    “Being able to travel directly and affordably to Osaka is fantastic news for Filipinos and we’re confident this new route will serve as a gateway for guests to connect to other popular destinations in Japan such as Kyoto and Nara,” said Comendador.

    “We are also excited to welcome guests from Osaka and its neighboring regions to the Philippines. This international route will contribute to the government’s target of 8.2 million visitors this year.”

    Along with the launch of this new route, AirAsia also announced an all-in, one-way promo fare starting at P1,990 for its BIG loyaty program members. The airline said bookings for this promo should be made from March 29 to April 7, for travels from July 1 to October 26.

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  • D&G opens boutique in Osaka Japan

    D&G opens boutique in Osaka Japan

    Luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana has opened a new D&G Osaka store. The two-level, 905sqm #DGLovesOsaka boutique at Midosuji is designed to reflect the unique local features of Osaka while still representing the brand’s heritage, with red marble and pink onyx finishings touched off by pink rugs and wallpaper. A large baroque-styled mirror is a centrepiece of the decor.

    The #DGLovesOsaka boutique stocks ready-to-wear collections and accessories for men, women, and children.

  • Flights from Da Nang to Osaka for Vietnam Airlines

    Flights from Da Nang to Osaka for Vietnam Airlines

    The first non-stop flights from Da Nang to Japan will begin on 28 October, the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has confirmed. The airline will use an Airbus A321 with services meeting 4-star standards to cover the 2,114 miles (3,403 kilometers) from Da Nang to Japan’s Osaka City, with flights taking around four and a half-hour.

    The airline will operate 7 return flights each week. The non-stop flights will depart from Da Nang at 00:20 am, and from Osaka at 09:30 am local time. This will be the 11th air route to Japan operated by the Vietnam Airlines after those from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang to Japanese cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.

    Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh – Executive Vice Chairman of Danang Hotel Association, Deputy General Director of Furama Resort Danang, opined: “The Japan market recently makes up 10% of Danang tourism industry and continue to increase strongly. Thanks to this new direct air-route that we will have more opportunity to attract this potential market, as well as introduces the “fantastic-city” of Danang to Japan. We need to take advantage of this chance by providing more Japan-friendly services, promoting our venue as not only Leisure but also an ideal MICE destination. Danang tourism colleges and Hotels in Danang should provide more Japanese language training to their tour guides and staff to welcome more and more tourists from Japan to the City.”

    As reported, from 2011 – 2017, the number of visitors from Japan had increased 18 times, especially, 2016 – 2017 period eyes a rise of 23,000 tourists. Not only Japan market, overview the snapshot of Danang tourism, air travelers to Da Nang increased 40% over the same period last year. The number of international visitors to Da Nang is concentrated mainly in North East Asia (Korea, China, Japan) through direct flights to Da Nang. The number of international flights this year at Da Nang International Airport is 183, an increase of 76 flights over the same period of 2017.

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  • Ikea eyes new stores in Tokyo, Osaka

    Ikea eyes new stores in Tokyo, Osaka

    Ikea Japan says it plans to expand its store network into city centres after the success of its  large-format stores in outskirt locations.

    Ikea Japan K.K. president Helene von Reis said in an interview that the company will open “many shops in Tokyo” given the city’s size.

    “Then we will move into Osaka. We have to start first and understand how this works in Tokyo.”

    She had earlier said during a press briefing that Ikea Japan was working hard to find the right sites in Tokyo. “Hopefully I will be able to give you some good news before this year is over.”

    Ikea Japan’s strategy to head downtown is a contrast to its European experience where it has decided to close smaller city stores after an unsuccessful trial.

    Von Reis said the company recognised customer preferences are changing.

    “Consumers are demanding accessibility and the value of time. It is also a fact that young people don’t have cars. That’s also a global [phenomenon].”

    She said the company believes there is a lot of growth potential for the home furnishings market in Japan.

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  • Massive Muji fresh store opens in Osaka

    Massive Muji fresh store opens in Osaka

    Japanese anti-brand retailer Muji has opened a massive 4300sqm store in Osaka featuring its first dedicated fresh department.

    While the company has offered dried foods, snacks and other foods since it was founded in 1980, and even shelf-stable vegetables in some stores, this is the first time it has ventured into chilled, fresh meat and produce.

    The Muji fresh store is the brand’s largest globally and five times the typical Japanese footprint. About 50 per cent of it is dedicated to food and it also features a Cafe & Meal Muji eating place.

    Kei Suzuki, director and executive officer of Muji parent Ryohin Keikaku, told Inside Retail Asia that once refined the company will look to roll out the concept in other markets.

    “At first we have to see what is going to happen in Japan, but I believe the Muji customer … is keen to have a good fresh product,” said Suzuki, who was one of the leading speakers at yesterday’s MarketingPulse conference, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

    Suzuki said Muji customers are in tune with freshness, sustainability, supporting local farmers and suppliers – and they want quality. He is confident the Osaka concept store will win over customers.

    “Once we see that we are successful then … I also want to try it here in the future. But it has not been decided yet.”

    Photos released by Muji show fresh meats, fish, vegetables and perishable goods on display in a bright, airy retail space. Minimalist design and displays made from natural materials are in keeping with the company’s market positioning.

    Meanwhile, in Japan, Ryohin Keikaku chairman Masaaki Kanai told local media Muji was committed to expanding its selection of local food products.

    “We want to become a part of the community.”

    One of the reported rationales behind Muji fresh is to entice customers to visit more often. Food is a more frequent purchase than stationery or household items, for example.

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  • Molteni&C opens Osaka store

    Molteni&C opens Osaka store

    Molteni&C has officially opened its new Japan flagship store in Osaka.

    Covering 400 square metres, the space is located in the fashionable Shinshaibashi shopping district. The high-end store comes inspired by western interior design, with an open feel, which features a broad terrace and chic lighting.

    Describing the store fit out, the Italian brand said the new boutiques boasts “sophisticated and natural materials, such as glass, oxidized wood and resin, Grès stone, the chiaroscuri of the sands and the warm greys alternate with luminous touches of colour.”

    Key elements on display are the latest Molteni&C collection and Dada’s VVD kitchen, which dominates the large terrace overlooking the main street.

    The Osaka store is the second in Japan after the first opened in Tokyo in 2016.

    The luxury Italian furniture designer continues its ten-year partnership with Arflex Japan, a well-established distribution company in the Asian nation.

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  • Porter Stand opens pop-up store in Osaka

    Porter Stand opens pop-up store in Osaka

    Japan’s Porter Stand has opened up a temporary store in Osaka. The new Porter Stand pop-up will open for a limited-time at the Hankyu Umeda head office in Osaka. It is the first time the brand will open a store in the western Japan area. 

    Inside the new pop-up shop, customers will find Porter Stand’s classic series, including original items and collaborative pieces including the Orgabits × Porter Tote Bag, co-designed with organic cotton brand Orgabits. 

    The shop also stocks limited-edition items in the form of bags, wallets and pouches. Inside the store, the colourway is minimal and woody. Trunk type fixtures are placed around counters, matching the retailer’s concept of being a porter stand or “a baggage check room where many bags gather,” as per the brand’s website.

    Porter Stand is also located in Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station, one of the busiest transportation hubs in Tokyo.

    Earlier in the year, the retailer took its concept to Paris in January, opening its ‘Trunk Store’ pop-up inside the Bows & Arrows store in the Marais area of the French capital.

    Owned by Yoshida & Co., a Japanese manufacturer of bags and accessories since 1935, Porter Stand sells the firm’s Made In Japan accessories line Porter and Porter Girl, as well as the Luggage Label line.

    The Porter Stand Osaka store will run from June 14 to 20.

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  • Infinera to interconnect Yahoo Japan’s Osaka DCs

    Infinera to interconnect Yahoo Japan’s Osaka DCs

    Yahoo Japan has selected Infinera Cloud Xpress to interconnect its data centers in Osaka. The Cloud Xpress enables Yahoo Japan to interconnect data centers with hyper-scale density, operational simplicity and low power consumption.

    Working closely with Infinera partner Itochu Techno-Solutions, Yahoo Japan deployed the Infinera Cloud Xpress to address the need for more capacity. Itochu Techno-Solutions provides Yahoo Japan with IT and data center maintenance services. Yahoo Japan has now deployed the Cloud Xpress and Infinera XTM Series in its metro networks.

    With the Cloud Xpress, Yahoo Japan benefits from Infinera’s photonic integrated circuit technology which delivers a 500 Gbps super-channel over 150 kilometers without additional multiplexers and amplifiers.

    The Cloud Xpress incorporates Infinera’s Instant Bandwidth technology to allow customers to software-activate line-side bandwidth in 100 Gbps increments as and when needed.

    In addition, the Cloud Xpress is designed for plug-and-play installation with simplified provisioning and support for data center automation using open SDN APIs.

    “The compact design, ease of use and scalability of Cloud Xpress and the XTM Series stand out in metro data center interconnect applications where data center operators need to grow capacity rapidly while minimizing the cost of space and power,” Infinera VP of regional sales for APAC Andrew Bond-Webster said.

    The Infinera Cloud Xpress Family is designed to deliver cloud-optimized wavelength division multiplexing solutions to cloud service providers, internet content providers, Internet Exchange service providers, enterprises and other large-scale data center operators.

    The Cloud Xpress Family offers customers the choice of 10 GbE, 40 GbE and 100 GbE client interfaces to meet their specific requirements. Infinera recently introduced the Cloud Xpress 2 based on the Infinite Capacity Engine, scheduled to be available in the first quarter of 2017.

  • AirAsia X offers Honolulu-Osaka introductory one-way fare of $99

    AirAsia X offers Honolulu-Osaka introductory one-way fare of $99

    Low-cost, long-haul Malaysian carrier AirAsia X is beginning its maiden U.S. service with introductory one-way fares starting at $99 from Honolulu to Osaka and $149 for continuing service to Kuala Lumpur.

    The return leg from Osaka to Honolulu is an introductory $162.36 while flying from Kuala Lumper to Honolulu, with a layover in Osaka, is $198.02 one way.

    Round trips would be as low as $261.36 and $347.02, respectively.

    The airline will operate its Kuala Lumpur-Osaka-Honolulu route four times a week beginning June 28.

    Hawaiian, Japan and Delta airlines also fly between Honolulu and Osaka. During the late June time period, their round-trip prices start in the low $600s to the mid-$800s. Prices are more expensive if booked one way.

    “This is the game-changing route we have all been waiting for,” Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, AirAsia X Group CEO, said today in a statement. “By connecting the U.S to North Asia and Asean with our world-class low fares offering, we will make it possible for those in the Pacific to explore Asia through our wide network.”

    This will be the first route linking Honolulu with Malaysia. Guests transiting in Osaka do not require a Japanese visa during the two-hour stopover, and can return to their seats on the flight after clearing security with any carry-on luggage or belongings.

    The introductory fares are available for travel from June 28 to Feb. 6. Flights depart Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

    The Malaysian carrier, which has been operating since 2007, will use 377-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft on the Malaysia-Osaka-Honolulu route.

    AirAsia X serves 22 cities in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and the Middle East with a fleet of 30 A330s.

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  • Balenciaga opens Osaka pop-up

    Balenciaga opens Osaka pop-up

    French fashion maison Balenciaga has opened a new pop-up store in Osaka, adding to the five standalone boutiques already retailing in the Japanese city.

    The Parisian label has its sights set on pushing its newest ‘it’ handbag – the Bazar Shopping Bag – onto the Japanese clientele.

    The new Osaka pop-up shop will house the original Bazar Shopping from the latest collection, as well as holiday and resort versions. Also for sale are pouch and wallet versions of the bag.

    The colourful tote bag, designed by Demna Gsvalia, featured in Balenciaga’s Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. The Bazar Shopping Bag — already a hit with fashionistas such as Pernille Teisbaek, the co-founder and creative director at Social Zoo Direct — is part of Gvsalia’s first accessory line since taking the helm of Balenciaga this year.

    Despite being compared to a heavy-duty laundrette carryall, the Balenciaga accessory retails for a whopping £975 per unit and has been hailed a best-seller on major fashion e-platforms Net-a-Porter and MatchesFashion.com.

    Balenciaga is known for ‘it’ bags, since the Arena handbag, designed by Nicholas Ghesquire over ten years ago.

    The pop-up shop is located within a portion of the Hankyu department store in Osaka. It is open from now until the end of December.

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  • Laox opens new Osaka store

    Laox opens new Osaka store

    Japanese duty-free retailer Laox has opened its eighth store in Dragon Gate Building, Osaka.

    Called “Laox Osaka Dotonbori Ebisubashi Store”, the exterior of the first floor and second floor is covered with glass, making this a street-level store with a characteristic design that attracts the attention of passersby.

    The store specialises in personal items such as cosmetics, hair and beauty products, and home electronics, as well as Japanese-made watches, highly popular outside Japan, and collectibles such as figurines.

    Aiming to appeal to a broad international customer base, the store is located on the popular ‘Dotonbori’ nightlife and retail precinct.

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  • Blancpain Osaka shop-in-shop opens

    Blancpain Osaka shop-in-shop opens

    As well as opening a Blancpain Osaka shop-in-shop, the Swiss watchmaker has a new flagship boutique on one of Hong Kong’s busiest streets.

    Blancpain-Hong-Kong

    Blancpain’s new Japanese concession is inside the Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store, on its seventh-floor luxury-watch outlet area, which has just been remodelled. Crafted by a Swiss cabinetmaker, the interior design of the Blancpain outlet features woodwork and mouldings along with streamlined furniture and displays.

     

    Blancpain Japan 1

    Visitors can see such Blancpain masterpieces as the Carrousel Volant Une Minute, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe and the Ladybird.
    Blancpain Japan 2

    Founded in 1735, Blancpain develops its components and tools in house, with a single watchmaker manually assembling each movement.

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