Korean cosmetics, first imported in Japan over French products
In Japan’s cosmetics import market, French products have been at the top for nearly 30 years thanks to high-end brands such as Chanel and Lancome, but Korean cosmetics have rapidly increased by six times over the past 10 years.
In Japan, the quality of Korean cosmetics was evaluated low in the past, but around 2007, ‘BB cream’ became popular, which served as an opportunity to increase awareness of Korean cosmetics.
Most of all, as the movement to find and use cosmetics used by Korean idols spread among young people who like K-pop, imports of Korean cosmetics gained momentum.
An executive at the Japan Imported Cosmetics Association said, “The boom in Korean cosmetics is not a one-off.”
In fact, at Loft, a Japanese grocery store chain, sales of Korean cosmetics increased 1.6 times from March to June this year compared to the same period last year.
In addition, Lawson, a Japanese convenience store chain, jointly developed lipstick with Korean cosmetic brand ROM&N, and prepared two months’ worth of stock, but it was sold out in three days after it was released in late March.
The Yomiuri Shimbun cited Hallyu, reasonable price range, and Korean companies’ response to small-scale orders as reasons for the popularity of Korean cosmetics.
