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Japan's apparel market – Key selling and sourcing trends 23 Oct 2019

Japan is not only one of the world's largest apparel markets, it is also one of the biggest clothing importers, providing new opportunities for fashion brands and retailers. Here, Julia Huott and Sheng Lu from the University of Delaware, take an in-depth look at selling and sourcing patterns in the country – and some of its unique characteristics.

Japanese clothing firms reducing reliance on China 3 Jul 2019

Japan-based clothing brands have protected themselves in advance against exposure to US-China trade turbulence by decreasing their reliance on China-based manufacturing facilities in recent years. 

FOCUS: Topshop suffers a setback in Japan 31 Mar 2015

Topshop's bid to be a global player has suffered a setback in Japan, where the retailer shuttered its five stores earlier this year. Here Magdalena Kondej, head of apparel and footwear research at Euromonitor International, looks at the possible reasons why, and asks what happens next?

Japan's Uniqlo in multi-pronged attack on US market 24 Mar 2014

Premium Supima cotton, musician Pharrell Williams and New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) are spearheading the drive by Japan's Fast Retailing Co to expand its Uniqlo chain in the US market.

The Flanarant: China's competitiveness buoyed by Asia challenges 13 Nov 2013

Despite a decision eight years ago by Japanese brands and retailers to cut the amount of clothing sourced from China, garment imports from the country are on the rise. Mike Flanagan believes the reasons should resonate with buyers in the US and EU too.

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Asics sets 2030 goal for 100% recycled polyester 29 May 2020

Japanese sportswear giant Asics Corp has outlined sustainability targets for 2030 that include switching all of the polyesters in its products to recycled ones.

Asics Ventures invests in synthetic spider silk startup 15 May 2020

Asics Ventures Corporation, an investment subsidiary of Japanese sporting goods giant Asics, has taken a stake in Israeli startup Seevix Material Sciences Ltd, which develops and manufactures synthetic spider silk.

Fast Retailing takes steps to safeguard suppliers 27 Apr 2020

The owner of the Uniqlo and Gu brands, Fast Retailing, says it is rolling out a series of measures to cut the risk of Covid-19 to its manufacturing partners and workers across its supply chain, including payment to its suppliers for complete orders and orders where production has started.

New YKK zipper closes using magnetic force 20 Feb 2020

Fastener manufacturer YKK has developed a new zipper that closes using magnetic force to facilitate quick clothing changes.

Denimsandjeans Japan shares rescheduled dates 13 Feb 2020

Trade show Denimsandjeans has announced revised dates for the first edition of its Japan event after postponing the show over concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus outbreak, and its impact on the safety and travel plans of global buyers, visitors, and exhibitors.

Asics invests in Japanese startup, develops first smart running shoe 4 Feb 2020

Japanese sportswear giant Asics Corp is investing in a Japanese startup for the development of a new smart running shoe.

New YKK zippers made from ocean-bound plastic 16 Jan 2020

Fastener manufacturer YKK has announced a new collection of zippers made from "ocean-bound" plastic collected within 50km of the coastline of Sri Lanka.

Uniqlo Japan uses recycled down in new line 15 Jan 2020

Fast Retailing clothing brand Uniqlo Japan has begun recycling down extracted from donated items for use in new products.

Fast Retailing sales and profits slump in Q3 13 Jan 2020

Japan's Fast Retailing Group, the owner of brands including Uniqlo and Gu has booked a drop in both revenues and earnings for its first-quarter, weighed down by weaker profits in its South Korea and Hong Kong operations.

Browzwear adds YKK fasteners to 3D design tools 11 Dec 2019

Browzwear, a specialist in 3D design and development software for the apparel industry, is to integrate YKK Corp fasteners into its digital platform.