Join The Department for Business & Trade (DBT) on a trade mission to Japan, exhibiting at LIFESTYLE Week Tokyo trade fair.

DBT invites UK brands to expand their global reach by joining our five day mission to Japan from Monday 30th June to Friday 4th July to explore the retail and ecommerce business opportunities available in Japan.

This mission will enhance your knowledge of and connections within the Japanese market, and ultimately help you build a successful brand in Japan, culminating in showcasing your products over three days with our dedicated stand at LIFESTYLE Week Tokyo.

LIFESTYLE Week Tokyo

The LIFESTYLE Week Tokyo trade fair, which takes place from Wednesday 2nd - Friday 4th July, is Japan's leading trade show for lifestyle products across a diverse range of categories, including Homeware & interiors, Gift, Health & Beauty, Toys, Stationery, Design and Baby & Kids.

DBT will host a dedicated UK stand for participating brands, and we will be located in the exclusive Design Tokyo area of the fair - an invitation only zone, where international and Japanese buyers meet to discover high quality, international brands.

Programme

In addition to exhibiting at the trade show, brands will participate in an exciting programme of activity including a retail tour of Tokyo to get to know the market and key players. As well as an education and networking session at the British Embassy Tokyo, during which you will meet market experts and start to build your network of future strategic and commercial partners.

To wrap up the mission, we will have an optional visit to the UK Pavilion celebrating the UK’s openness, inclusivity and partnership across the world at Expo 2025 Osaka on Saturday 5th July.

Why Japan?

With a population of 120 million people, Japan is the fourth biggest economy in the world, enjoys a high GDP per capita, and represents a huge opportunity for the UK, which currently exports £11.9bn to Japan annually.

In recognition, the UK is now a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The benefits are reduced tariffs and simplified customs procedures, helping to make UK products more competitive and attractive to Japanese buyers.

Retail in Japan

Japan's retail sector is characterised by innovation, high consumer spending, and a strong desire for high-quality products. Japanese consumers are openly receptive to purchasing international brands, with a strong focus on quality products and service.

Popular shopping channels include both online platforms and traditional retail stores, indicating a balanced approach to shopping, with ecommerce currently representing 9% of retail.

Japanese consumers conduct deep research before making a purchase and have a higher trust in search and social media platforms compared to western consumers. Google, Yahoo!, Instagram, TikTok, and LINE are all popular channels which Japanese consumers use.
 

Why attend?
 

• Meet agents, distributors and buyers at the LIFESTYLE Week Tokyo trade show and build relationships that can drive forward your business in Japan.
• Showcase your products in the UK branded stand over three days within the exclusive Tokyo Design area of the show. 
• Meet with Japanese retail and ecommerce experts and gain invaluable insights into the market, consumer behaviour and latest trends.
• Dedicated support with a DBT International Trade Adviser, and Ecommerce specialist throughout the mission, as well as Japanese translators at the trade show.
• A visit to the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka (optional)
   

Whats included?

The programme for successful applicants will include:
 

• An individual pod in the UK Pavillion at LIFESTYLE Week Tokyo
• Pre-departure educational programme on doing business Japan with subject matter experts covering marketing, regional consumer insights and go-to-market strategy.
• Inclusion in our mission brochure which will be shared with buyers and available at the Pavilion.
• A retail tour of Tokyo, including key physical and digital partners, including Rakuten Japan’s leading online marketplace.
• Pre mission support from DBT and throughout the mission.

Who is this mission for?

This opportunity is by invitation only.

We welcome applications from experienced UK businesses looking to enter and expand into the Japanese market, from the following categories:
 

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

Ideally brands will have a strong international sales record and have the resources to enter new markets.

To be considered, brands should have a minimum turnover of £500K.

Cost

To confirm your place, a participation fee of £1,000 will be required, payable on acceptance.

Participants must cover their own travel/accommodation/insurance and other expenses (such as shipping samples).

How to register

To register your interest, please complete the online form by using the 'Register Here' button below by 28th February 2025 11.45pm.

Note

• Applications submitted are 'Expressions of Interest' at this stage and do not guarantee an offer of a place on the mission.
• Planned activity may be subject to some change.
• One delegate per company. Additional delegates or others may attract additional fees.
   

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