Traditional Japanese Style, by Everyone for Everyone

The clothes we wear serve as a powerful expression of our identity, forming part of a complex social language that communicates who we are to the world. Fashion shapes how we perceive one another and can elicit emotional connections, making it essential to choose attire that authentically reflects our individuality. Few brands embody this idea more than Japan’s Mother’s Industry Co., Ltd. President Nobuaki Sasano describes their philosophy as putting smiles on people’s faces and their vision is to be known as a brand for everyone, by everyone. Their minimalist and understated style exemplifies the principles of classic Japanese design – clean lines, simplicity and functionality. “Our concept targets people who want to express themselves in a simple manner,” Mr. Sasano says.

Mother’s Industry’s focus on quality and using Japanese fabrics gives their clothes a level of luxury in the fashion industry yet remains an attainable price. To keep quality high and costs down, Mr. Sasano says they are very particular about keeping all production on shore, in Japan, to ensure access to high-quality Japanese fabrics and the highly developed manufacturing industry. Mr. Sasano explains, “Our target is to become a new luxury, and while many will associate luxury with high-class, what we aim for is, beyond that, to trigger emotions in our customers.” That care and quality is reflected in its consumption rate of 99.6%, Mother’s Industry has never had to discard excess stock. “This is a reflection of the Japanese mottainai; a centuries-old philosophy that expresses a sense of regret over waste,” he says.

Despite the fact they manufacture entirely on shore, they are looking to bring Japanese fashion to the world. Their “5 Hour Distance” social media strategy is targeting neighboring customers within five hours of Japan, such as Korea and China. “We want to actively use social media and influencers in each region so that we can reach out to people in the area,” Mr. Sasano says. By gaining a foothold nearby, Mr. Sasano explains they aim to trigger a butterfly effect that will carry the brand all the way to fashion centers in the West, such as Paris and New York.

Currently, Mother’s Industry is looking for partners who share their values and passions. “At this present time, we are looking for both sales channels and partners to help us with boutique stores as well as partners to help with production,” Mr. Sasano explains. With a new flagship store in Aoyama and a retail store in Taiwan soon to open and discussions in Korea and Mainland China, Mother’s Industry is already well on their way to global recognition. Mr. Sasano says, “The goal here is to be recognized worldwide as a unique Japanese brand.”