DBEDT strengthens partnership with leading Japanese retailer to expand opportunities for Hawai’i businesses

The Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism reaffirmed its partnership with Japan’s Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores, Inc. to expand opportunities for Hawaiʻi businesses to promote their products to Japanese consumers and grow their international sales.

DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka and Hiraku Yamashita, general manager of event planning and marketing at Hankyu Umeda Main Store in Osaka, signed a reaffirmation of the original cooperation agreement, which was first executed in 2024.  The agreement outlines the commitment by both DBEDT and Hankyu to promote authentic Hawaiʻi-made products and strengthen business ties between Hawaiʻi and the Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores, Inc.

The partnership has helped local businesses reach Japanese consumers through the 12-year history of the annual Hankyu Hawaiʻi Fair, Japan’s largest Hawaiʻi-themed retail event. The 2026 fair featured more than 80 Hawaiʻi companies and generated more than $3.8 million in gross sales during its 12-day run in Osaka.

“This partnership creates valuable opportunities for Hawaiʻi businesses to reach new customers, grow their brand in Japan and showcase the culture, quality and spirit of Hawaiʻi,” said Tokioka. “The success of the Hankyu Hawaiʻi Fair demonstrates strong demand for authentic Hawaiʻi-made products. With more than 300,000 people passing Hankyu’s window displays each day, the fair offers visibility for local businesses and Hawaiʻi as a destination. By strengthening our relationship with Hankyu, we’re expanding market access and supporting long-term growth for Hawaiʻi companies.”

Following the signing ceremony, DBEDT hosted a seminar and trade show connecting Hawaiʻi entrepreneurs with Hankyu buyers and event planners in preparation for the July 2027 Hankyu Hawaiʻi Fair.

During the seminar, Hankyu representatives shared insights into Japanese consumer preferences, retail trends and the selection process for participating in the annual fair. The afternoon trade show featured 22 Hawaiʻi businesses, artists and brands showcasing locally made food products, artwork, fashion and other merchandise for consideration the 2027 event.

“We continue to see strong interest among Japanese consumers in products that reflect Hawaiʻi’s culture, creativity and lifestyle that respects tradition,” said Yamashita. “Our partnership with DBEDT helps us discover new brands and connect with the people behind these products. We look forward to introducing more Hawaiʻi businesses to our customers and building on the success of the Hawaiʻi Fair.”

Beyond direct sales, DBEDT’s collaboration with Hankyu helps Hawaiʻi businesses build relationships with Japanese buyers, gain insight into consumer preferences and identify opportunities to develop products for the Japanese market. The initiative supports DBEDT’s broader efforts to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s manufacturing and value-added product sectors.

Through its Food and Product Innovation Network and other business development programs, DBEDT provides entrepreneurs with resources to develop and refine their products, prepare for market entry and pursue new sales opportunities. These efforts include supporting businesses participating in the ʻĀina to Mākeke incubator, Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center and Maui Food Innovation Center.

Each year, the Hankyu Hawaiʻi Fair attracts more than 300,000 shoppers during its 12-day event at the Hankyu Umeda Main Store in Osaka. The fair introduces Japanese consumers to Hawaiʻi-made products, culture and experiences while offering local companies opportunities to establish and expand their presence in Japan.