Is There Potential for Modest Fashion in Japan
Quick answer: Japan has untapped potential for modest fashion. Tokyo is a key Asian fashion trendsetter and test market, Japanese and Islamic values share similarities, and consumers seek high-quality products with strong brand stories. Asian tourists shop for clothing in Japan, demand for ethical and functional clothing is growing, and digital marketing through influencers and social media offers an entry route.
Japan has the world’s 4th largest e-commerce market after United States, China and United Kingdom. The Japanese fashion market offers great retail and e-commerce opportunities. While developing a digital presence is key from a marketing perspective, it is still important to be visible in physical stores, to allow for greater impact on the market and sales online. In our previous article, we highlighted the opportunities in the halal industry space, in Japan. A lot of focus has been placed on halal food and tourism sectors. However, there is a dormant and untapped potential in modest fashion which we will explore here.
What is modest fashion, exactly? Modest fashion conforms with Islamic principles – clothing pieces which are not clinging to body contours, preferably loose, long-sleeved and are made of non-translucent materials for tops. For bottoms, the skirts or pants must be long or covering the ankles, at the very least. These are usually worn with hijabs (veils or head scarves) but not necessarily so. The definition of modest varies with one’s culture and where you come from. It is also interpreted differently, depending on an individual’s taste, social, moral or spiritual inclinations. There is no one-sized, fixed rule (like all other fashion trends).
Reasons why Japan makes an ideal location for modest fashion:
- Tokyo is already a key fashion trendsetter in Asia therefore it is an excellent test market for further expansion in Asia. If your company succeeds in Japan, the likelihood is that, you’ll make it in other parts of Asia (see point 3).
- Many of the values between the Japanese and Islam are similar. Virtues such as respecting the elders and honesty are highly revered. Similarly, Japanese fashion is predominantly conservative (except for certain subcultures) but unique.
- The Japanese market is highly competitive and sophisticated, your products need to be of high quality and perceived as something unique to stand out. Consumers seek items with a strong brand and design story. Many wants to know the origin of the brand, designer, inspiration stories and where or how the products are produced. Similarly, there is a growing segment among the Muslim millennials (worldwide) who seek quality, modest apparels with a unique twist. These consumers want more than the usual dose of fast fashion that are readily available everywhere.
- Many Asian tourists shop clothing, shoes and accessories in Japan due to the huge selection, superior quality of products and lack of counterfeits. Quality materials, finish and fit are the most attractive purchasing factors.
- High potential for a niche market of functional clothing (for example, utilization of organic and recycled materials is in increasing demand in Japan). Socially conscious brands share the same values as Islamic principles – such as fair trade, no exploitation of production workers, free of animal cruelty and locally-produced to reduce effect on the environment.
Digital Marketing make a great conduit to enter the Japan fashion market. Consumers seek inspiration for fashion trends through role models such as celebrities, bloggers and micro influencers. Fashion e-zines, blogs and social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook play an important role in influencing consumer preferences and to gain traction for brands.
If you would like to know more how we can help you with your digital marketing initiatives in Japan, contact us here.
References:
- Image Credit : https://unsplash.com/photos/_X2UAmIcpko
Key takeaways
- Tokyo is an ideal test market for Asian expansion.
- Japanese consumers value quality and strong brand stories.
- Ethical, functional clothing aligns with Islamic principles.
- Influencers and social media help brands enter Japan.
Frequently asked questions
What is modest fashion?
Modest fashion follows Islamic principles: loose, non-clinging, long-sleeved tops made of non-translucent materials, and long skirts or trousers covering the ankles. It is often worn with a hijab, though not always, and interpretations vary.
Why is Japan a good market for modest fashion?
Tokyo is a trendsetter in Asia, Japanese fashion tends to be conservative, and consumers value quality and unique design stories. Success in Japan can also help brands expand elsewhere in Asia.
How should modest fashion brands market in Japan?
Digital marketing is an effective entry route. Japanese consumers find inspiration through celebrities, bloggers and micro influencers, as well as fashion e-zines and platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.
How can 90 Degrees Asia help brands enter the Japanese market?
90 Degrees Asia is a Singapore-based B2B digital marketing agency that helps companies across APAC with LinkedIn marketing, content and lead generation. Its team can plan, run and measure campaigns tailored to your market and audience.
Want help applying this in your market? Talk to 90 Degrees Asia about B2B marketing across APAC.
