The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan proudly announces Inditex Japan Corp. (ITX Japan) as the recipient of the prestigious Spain-Japan Business Contribution Awards 2024. In its ninth edition, the award recognizes ITX Japan’s remarkable contributions to strengthening commercial relations between Spain and Japan, with a particular focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility.
ITX Japan: Leaders in Japan’s Fashion Market
ITX Japan, part of the global Inditex group, has cemented its position as a very relevant player in Japan’s fashion retail market. With 68 Zara stores, including 4 Zara Home Stores, and a thriving e-commerce presence, the company has successfully aligned its operations with Japan’s high standards and consumer expectations. Japan represents a significant market within Inditex’s global footprint, contributing substantially to the company’s sales in the Asia & Rest of the World (RoW) region, which accounts for 17% of its overall revenue.
Commitment to Workforce Development and Diversity
The company’s impact extends beyond retail. Employing over 2,500 individuals in Japan, ITX Japan prioritizes workforce development and has established itself as a key contributor to the local economy. In 2023, Japan ranked as the fifth-largest market globally for Inditex in terms of employee training sessions, showcasing the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences through well-trained staff.
Moreover, ITX Japan leads in promoting gender equality and diversity in the workplace, achieving a market-record low pay gap of just 0.8%, setting a benchmark for other companies in the region.
Sustainability: A Core Value
ITX Japan’s dedication to sustainability has been a cornerstone of its operations. Key initiatives include:
- Phasing out single-use plastics.
- Powering 100% of its stores with renewable energy.
- Implementing emissions-reduction projects across its distribution and logistics networks.
ITX Japan’s sustainability strategy is aligned with the priorities Inditex has identified globally for cutting its emissions by over 50% by 2030 so as to attain zero net emissions by 2040: using materials with a smaller environmental footprint, transforming the supply chain, extending its circularity projects and helping improve biodiversity. These measures not only underline ITX Japan’s leadership in sustainable fashion but also resonate with global and local efforts to combat climate change and promote responsible business practices.
A Year of Milestones
In 2023, ITX Japan celebrated 25 years of Zara’s presence in Japan, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the Japanese market. Closing the year with 72 stores and maintaining its position as the largest Spanish company in Japan, ITX Japan continues to be a vital link in Spain-Japan economic relations.
Looking Ahead
The Spain-Japan Business Contribution Award 2024 is a testament to ITX Japan’s sustained excellence in fostering bilateral ties between Spain and Japan, promoting sustainability, and enriching the local economy. The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan congratulates ITX Japan on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to its continued success in advancing mutual growth and innovation.
