Japan Blue, an Okayama/Kojima Denim Company Operating in 70 Countries and Regions, Announces Next Growth Vision Toward Evolving into a "Global Denim Maison from Japan"
Japan Blue has announced its global growth vision, transitioning from a product manufacturer to a "Global Denim Maison." Plans include a new facility in Okayama by 2027, new domestic stores in Osaka and Fukuoka in 2026, and accelerated overseas expansion.
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- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 21:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 12:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 07:15 (90h 44m after Collected)
Japan Blue Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture), a denim company from Kojima, Okayama that operates in 70 countries and regions worldwide, has announced its next growth vision in the global market, aiming to evolve into a "Global Denim Maison from Japan." The company plans to expand the value of Japan Denim from a mere "product" to a "culture that embodies Japanese manufacturing," and is scheduled to open a manufacturing base in 2027 that will serve as the foundation for its global competitiveness.
■ Next Growth Vision for Establishing a "Global Denim Maison from Japan"
Japan Blue aims to establish itself as a "Global Denim Maison from Japan" that delivers materials, techniques, philosophy, and space as an integrated whole, going beyond merely providing products. While gathering and inheriting the traditional techniques and craftsmanship deeply rooted in Kojima, the company will redefine the value of denim to meet modern needs and promote the creation of new added value for the next generation.
1. Opening a New Base Embodying Okayama/Kojima Manufacturing (Scheduled for 2027)
A cultural and production hub that broadcasts the value of Okayama/Kojima manufacturing domestically and internationally is scheduled to open in 2027 as an expansion and renovation of the Kojima headquarters. This base will not be positioned as a simple production facility, but as a "cultural creation hub for Japan Denim" that integrates planning, development, and production, building a system that consistently embodies and reproduces the brand's philosophy and value standards. This will strengthen the consistency of its corporate identity as a "Global Denim Maison from Japan" and function as the source of its brand competitiveness in the global market.
2. Strengthening Domestic Area Strategy Capturing Inbound Demand
Backed by the expansion of inbound demand, the company is accelerating its deployment in major domestic cities. "Japan Blue Jeans OSAKA" will open on March 5, 2026, followed by "Japan Blue Jeans FUKUOKA" on March 19, marking Japan Blue's first entry into the Kyushu area. Furthermore, the company announces the opening of "MOMOTARO JEANS FUKUOKA" on Friday, May 15. The store design for "MOMOTARO JEANS FUKUOKA" is handled by the architectural unit AS (Jun Aoki / Masatoshi Shinagawa), expressing it as a manufacturing space born from the accumulation of handwork and processes by Kojima craftsmen. By advancing into Fukuoka, a hub for exchange with Asia, the company aims to expand real touchpoints with global customers, including foreign tourists, creating opportunities for brand experiences and purchasing.
3. Accelerating Global Expansion Tailored to Area Characteristics
In overseas markets, the company will promote growth strategies tailored to the characteristics of each region. In North America, its largest market, it will proceed with the strategic restructuring of wholesale destinations and sales channel expansion, while establishing and developing a franchise model in Asia. In Europe, the company will strengthen approaches to highly influential select shops, and plans to open its first standalone pop-up for a limited time in Paris, France this summer. The goal is to improve the recognition of Japan Denim in the European market and build a continuous sales foundation.
■ Background of Growth: Rising Global Evaluation of Japan Denim Manufacturing
Japan Blue has built a unique denim production system by organically linking highly specialized processes such as dyeing, weaving, sewing, and processing, based on the division of labor manufacturing system rooted in Kojima, Okayama. Founded in 1992 as "Collect Co., Ltd." to plan and sell textiles, the company later expanded its business into the planning and production of original denim. It launched "MOMOTARO JEANS" in 2006 and "Japan Blue Jeans" in 2011. Currently, the company develops two businesses, "Apparel" and "Textile," based on the "Atelier" function that serves as the core of its manufacturing. By handling everything from material development to finished products as an integrated whole, it achieves both quality and brand value. While strengthening its role as a "regional value-creating company" that goes beyond the boundaries of an apparel company, it aims to evolve into a "Global Denim Maison from Japan."
In the apparel business, the company carried out rebranding from 2024 to 2025 and redesigned its brand portfolio. MOMOTARO JEANS pursues material development and universal silhouette design that more beautifully expresses its symbolic deep indigo color, "TOKUNO BLUE." By shifting toward the experiential value of "denim that you nurture," it is establishing its position as a premium brand in the global market. On the other hand, Japan Blue Jeans has been redefined as a brand aimed at a broader customer base, achieving an optimal balance of quality and design that is easy to incorporate into daily life. By clarifying the roles of both brands, customer touchpoints are
■ Next Growth Vision for Establishing a "Global Denim Maison from Japan"
Japan Blue aims to establish itself as a "Global Denim Maison from Japan" that delivers materials, techniques, philosophy, and space as an integrated whole, going beyond merely providing products. While gathering and inheriting the traditional techniques and craftsmanship deeply rooted in Kojima, the company will redefine the value of denim to meet modern needs and promote the creation of new added value for the next generation.
1. Opening a New Base Embodying Okayama/Kojima Manufacturing (Scheduled for 2027)
A cultural and production hub that broadcasts the value of Okayama/Kojima manufacturing domestically and internationally is scheduled to open in 2027 as an expansion and renovation of the Kojima headquarters. This base will not be positioned as a simple production facility, but as a "cultural creation hub for Japan Denim" that integrates planning, development, and production, building a system that consistently embodies and reproduces the brand's philosophy and value standards. This will strengthen the consistency of its corporate identity as a "Global Denim Maison from Japan" and function as the source of its brand competitiveness in the global market.
2. Strengthening Domestic Area Strategy Capturing Inbound Demand
Backed by the expansion of inbound demand, the company is accelerating its deployment in major domestic cities. "Japan Blue Jeans OSAKA" will open on March 5, 2026, followed by "Japan Blue Jeans FUKUOKA" on March 19, marking Japan Blue's first entry into the Kyushu area. Furthermore, the company announces the opening of "MOMOTARO JEANS FUKUOKA" on Friday, May 15. The store design for "MOMOTARO JEANS FUKUOKA" is handled by the architectural unit AS (Jun Aoki / Masatoshi Shinagawa), expressing it as a manufacturing space born from the accumulation of handwork and processes by Kojima craftsmen. By advancing into Fukuoka, a hub for exchange with Asia, the company aims to expand real touchpoints with global customers, including foreign tourists, creating opportunities for brand experiences and purchasing.
3. Accelerating Global Expansion Tailored to Area Characteristics
In overseas markets, the company will promote growth strategies tailored to the characteristics of each region. In North America, its largest market, it will proceed with the strategic restructuring of wholesale destinations and sales channel expansion, while establishing and developing a franchise model in Asia. In Europe, the company will strengthen approaches to highly influential select shops, and plans to open its first standalone pop-up for a limited time in Paris, France this summer. The goal is to improve the recognition of Japan Denim in the European market and build a continuous sales foundation.
■ Background of Growth: Rising Global Evaluation of Japan Denim Manufacturing
Japan Blue has built a unique denim production system by organically linking highly specialized processes such as dyeing, weaving, sewing, and processing, based on the division of labor manufacturing system rooted in Kojima, Okayama. Founded in 1992 as "Collect Co., Ltd." to plan and sell textiles, the company later expanded its business into the planning and production of original denim. It launched "MOMOTARO JEANS" in 2006 and "Japan Blue Jeans" in 2011. Currently, the company develops two businesses, "Apparel" and "Textile," based on the "Atelier" function that serves as the core of its manufacturing. By handling everything from material development to finished products as an integrated whole, it achieves both quality and brand value. While strengthening its role as a "regional value-creating company" that goes beyond the boundaries of an apparel company, it aims to evolve into a "Global Denim Maison from Japan."
In the apparel business, the company carried out rebranding from 2024 to 2025 and redesigned its brand portfolio. MOMOTARO JEANS pursues material development and universal silhouette design that more beautifully expresses its symbolic deep indigo color, "TOKUNO BLUE." By shifting toward the experiential value of "denim that you nurture," it is establishing its position as a premium brand in the global market. On the other hand, Japan Blue Jeans has been redefined as a brand aimed at a broader customer base, achieving an optimal balance of quality and design that is easy to incorporate into daily life. By clarifying the roles of both brands, customer touchpoints are