DBT seeks companies to join Trade Mission to LIFESTYLE Week Tokyo

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BHETA
February 3, 2025
3 min read
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DBT seeks companies to join Trade Mission to LIFESTYLE Week Tokyo

The Department for Business & Trade (DBT) is inviting UK brands to join an exclusive five-day trade mission to Japan from Monday 30th June to Friday 4th July. This mission offers a unique opportunity to explore the retail and e-commerce business potential in Japan, culminating in exhibiting at the prestigious LIFESTYLE Week Tokyo trade fair.Taking place from Wednesday 2nd - Friday 4th July, LIFESTYLE Week Tokyo is Japan’s leading trade show for lifestyle products across a broad range of categories, including Homeware & Interiors. Participating UK brands will exhibit at a dedicated UK stand in the exclusive Design Tokyo area, a specially curated zone where international and Japanese buyers converge to discover top-tier global brands.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is by invitation only. The mission is ideal for UK businesses with a proven track record in international sales and the capacity to enter new markets. DBT is specifically inviting brands from the following sectors:

  • Homeware & Interiors
  • Giftware
  • Health & Beauty
  • Toys
  • Stationery
  • Baby & Kids

To be considered, businesses must have a minimum turnover of £500K.

Cost

A participation fee of £1,000 is required upon acceptance. Participants will cover their own travel, accommodation, insurance, and other expenses, such as shipping samples.

What’s Included?

Successful applicants will receive:

  • An individual pod in the UK Pavilion at LIFESTYLE Week Tokyo.
  • Pre-departure training on doing business in Japan, including marketing, consumer insights, and market strategies.
  • Inclusion in the mission brochure, distributed to buyers at the Pavilion.
  • A retail tour of Tokyo, covering physical and digital retail partners, including Rakuten.
  • Ongoing support from DBT before and during the mission.

Mission Highlights

In addition to exhibiting at the trade fair, the mission includes:

  • A retail tour of Tokyo, exploring the market and key players.
  • An educational networking session at the British Embassy Tokyo, offering invaluable insights into the Japanese market and connecting with potential strategic partners.
  • An optional visit to the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, showcasing the UK’s global partnerships.

Why Japan?

Japan, with a population of 120 million and a strong economy, is a key market for UK exports, currently valued at £11.9bn annually. The country is a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which facilitates reduced tariffs and simplified customs procedures, making UK products more competitive in Japan.Japan is renowned for its innovative retail sector, characterized by high consumer spending and a strong demand for quality international products. Consumers value thorough research before purchasing, and digital platforms such as Google, Yahoo!, Instagram, and LINE play an essential role in shaping consumer decisions. E-commerce, representing 9% of retail sales, is a growing channel alongside traditional retail stores.

Why Attend?

  • Network with agents, distributors, and buyers at LIFESTYLE Week Tokyo.
  • Exhibit your products at the UK-branded stand in the exclusive Design Tokyo area.
  • Gain insights from Japanese retail and e-commerce experts, understanding consumer behavior and emerging trends.
  • Receive dedicated support from DBT’s International Trade Adviser and Ecommerce specialist, with Japanese translators at the trade show.

How to Register

To express your interest, visit the DBT website by clicking the button below and complete the online registration form by 28th February 2025, 11:45 PM. Please note that applications are expressions of interest and do not guarantee a place on the mission.

Register Here

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