At the present time, when non-face-to-face communication is still common, the number of customers visiting large shopping malls has decreased, and it has become inconvenient to obtain desired items due to restrictions on movement. It’s okay to order online, but two years ago, when Korean enthusiasts who want to enjoy the trends of the times would find it inconvenient to find Koreatown in Tokyo, CEO Seo Jung-woong said “Kangkoku,” the Japanese for “Korea,” and “Combini,” which means convenience store. Founded a Korean food convenience store “Kanbini” as a compound word.
The first store in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture, a city near Tokyo, hit the hit and was introduced in the local media and broadcasts, and now the 19th store is on the way.
Chiyoda Corporation, which operates 1000 stores under direct management of shoe stores, and MAC HOUSE, a listed company that operates 332 clothing stores as a group company, turned its attention to the hottest Korean culture and products while struggling with attracting customers and sales due to the impact of the corona virus. I decided to change the existing store, which was not successful, into a shop specializing in Korean products, and asked for help from CEO Song Ki-dong of Cococa Co., Ltd.
CEO Song suggested the brand as “Hehehe House,” which means Korean laughter, and opened the Narita Tomisato store in Chiba Prefecture, Aeon Town, by producing and supplying products on September 3rd.
Although there are differences in size and so forth between the entry of Korean products into convenience stores and the entry of large Japanese companies into large shopping malls, the common point is that they realize the popularity of “Korean products” among Japanese consumers and lead to sales.
In addition, various generations, from teenagers to the elderly, visit the store. Following the first Korean wave boom that started with “Winter Sonata,” the entire Japanese archipelago, including TVXQ generation and Korean culture through OTT such as Netflix, and elementary school students flowing in through SNS It is no exaggeration to say that I was fascinated by Korean products.
*Details of the interview are on YouTube.