DBEDT Strengthens Partnership with Leading Japanese Retailer to Expand Opportunities for Hawaii Business

For Immediate Release: November 10, 2026

HONOLULU—The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) today reaffirmed its partnership with Japan’s Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores, Inc. to expand opportunities for Hawaii 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 Hawaii-made products and strengthen business ties between Hawaii 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 Hawaii Fair, Japan’s largest Hawaii-themed retail event. The 2026 fair featured more than 80 Hawaii companies and generated more than $3.8 million in gross sales during its 12-day run in Osaka.

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

Following the signing ceremony, DBEDT hosted a seminar and trade show connecting Hawaii entrepreneurs with Hankyu buyers and event planners in preparation for the July 2027 Hankyu Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii’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 Hawaii businesses to our customers and building on the success of the Hawaii Fair.”

Beyond direct sales, DBEDT’s collaboration with Hankyu helps Hawaii 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 Hawaii’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 aina to Makeke incubator, Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center and Maui Food Innovation Center.

Each year, the Hankyu Hawaii 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 Hawaii-made products, culture and experiences while offering local companies opportunities to establish and expand their presence in Japan.

Photos and broadcast-quality video from the signing ceremony, seminar and trade show are available at this link (courtesy DBEDT).

About the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
DBEDT is Hawaii’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, as well as foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawaii economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaii’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments and promotes innovation-sector job growth.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Laci Goshi
Communications Officer
Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, State of Hawaii
(808) 518-5480

Dennis Ling
Business Development and Support Division Administrator
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawai‘i
Phone: 808-587-2755

Lyle Fujikawa
Business Development and Support Division
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaii
Phone: 808-587-2774

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