Indian consumers are waking up to the wonders of Japan, and the demand for Japanese products is surging. Brands like Uniqlo, Miniso, Asics, and Onitsuka Tiger have captured the imagination of young urban Indians, rapidly becoming symbols of quality, style, and innovation. Interestingly, Miniso occupies a unique space – founded in China but heavily inspired by Japanese design aesthetics and minimalism, it reflects the cross-cultural appeal of the Japanese lifestyle philosophy that resonates deeply with Indian consumers.
Uniqlo, which entered the Indian market in October 2019, has experienced remarkable growth. It currently operates 16 stores and plans to double its footprint to 30. Fast Retailing, the clothing group that owns Uniqlo, has surpassed Spain’s Inditex — owner of Zara to become the world’s most valuable clothing retailer, a testament to the global appeal of its accessible, functional fashion. Uniqlo India’s revenue for FY2025 was reported at around $130 million.
Onitsuka Tiger, the iconic Japanese fashion brand, has firmly established itself as a premium, high-end lifestyle label in India. Its retro-style footwear particularly the Mexico 66 has seen exponential demand, blending traditional heritage with modern fashion sensibility. The brand recently announced the launch of its 13th store in India, signaling strong consumer appetite.
Of course, companies like Toyota, Panasonic, Sony, and Suzuki have long been household names in India, synonymous with reliability and technological superiority. The enduring trust in Japanese manufacturing marked by high-quality products, accessible pricing, and innovative, durable designs continues to attract Indian consumers across segments.
A Thriving B2B Landscape
Beyond consumer brands, the Japan-India business relationship is deepening significantly on the B2B front. Japanese firms are increasingly investing in India’s industrial corridors, electronics manufacturing, defence technology, and infrastructure development.
Collaborations in sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, and smart city development are gaining momentum, with Japanese engineering expertise complementing India’s scale and talent pool. Japanese companies are also playing a pivotal role in marquee infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor.
Government Initiatives Fueling Growth
Much of this momentum is underpinned by strong bilateral government initiatives. India’s “Make in India” programme, combined with dedicated Japanese Industrial Townships (JITs), has created a welcoming ecosystem for Japanese manufacturers seeking cost-effective, high-quality production hubs. The two nations have strengthened ties through trade agreements, investment facilitation frameworks, and regular diplomatic engagement at the highest levels.
Today, approximately 1,400 Japanese companies operate in India, driven by a cumulative investment exceeding 5 trillion yen. According to the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, over 60% of Japanese companies in India reported an increase in market share for their main products and services in 2024 among the highest in South and Southwest Asia.
India offers Japanese businesses a compelling proposition: a massive, rapidly growing consumer market of 1.4 billion people, a large pool of skilled engineering and IT talent, and a strategic, stable hub for global expansion particularly in automobiles, technology, and advanced manufacturing.
The time is now. With strong governmental support, rising consumer demand, and deepening industrial collaboration, the opportunity for Japanese businesses in India has never been more promising.
Author: Mayank Mathur
Mayank Mathur is a country representative of AGR Knowledge Services in Yokohama, Japan. He can be reached on
+81-8056171784 or mayank@agrknowledge.com.
