Thailand-based ★ "Tokyo Runway" Opens First Store in Siam

Tokyo Runway, a Japanese brand clothing and accessories select shop named after a famous Japanese fashion show, will open its first store on June 5th at Siam Square One, a commercial facility in central Bangkok. The store area is approximately 100 square meters, making it the largest Japanese brand select shop in Thailand. This was reported by NNA, which distributes Asian economic information.

The store is operated by Tokyo Runway Marketing, established earlier this year. Tao Ke Noi Food and Marketing, a major seaweed snack producer, holds a 70% stake in the company, while Vertex Asia, which plans and operates fashion-related events, holds 15%. Tao Ke Noi's Mr. Itipat serves as CEO.

Following the store opening press conference, a fashion show featuring Japanese singers and models, including musician Daishi Dance, energized the venue.

The store carries eight brands including Liz Lisa, Majestic Legong, and Olive de Olive. The annual sales target is set at 50 million yen. Future plans include renovating the "Fashion Port at Tokyo" space within Bangkok Isetan in the city center to open a second store, followed by opening four more stores primarily in department stores across the Greater Bangkok area.

Takahito Katsuta, Manager of the fashion media planning company iGrits (which plans and operates the fashion show "Tokyo Runway" in Japan) and Co-CEO of Vertex Asia, pointed out, "While Japanese culture is widespread in Thailand, popularity actually centers on Japanese food and children's anime; fashion and music are still not very well known." Initially, the company will target those with a strong interest in Japanese fashion. However, it also plans to hold events like fashion shows every three to six months at restaurants frequented by the younger generation in their 20s and 30s. The company aims to promote Japanese culture, including music, to increase its overall recognition.

For now, the focus is on solidifying the business foundation in Thailand. Looking ahead, the company is also considering opening stores in countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, where Tao Ke Noi operates.