Japan has long been one of the world’s most sophisticated and influential luxury markets. Today, fueled by a historically weak yen and record-breaking inbound tourism, the country has also emerged as a global luxury shopping destination. In this luncheon, Mr. Davide Sesia, Executive Vice President and Director of Sogo & Seibu Co., Ltd., will explore how this transformation is reshaping Japan’s luxury sector and why brands must look beyond the current tourism boom. Drawing on more than 30 years of leadership experience in Japan’s luxury and fashion industry, he will share insights into the evolving balance between international visitors and the resilient domestic Japanese consumer, and what it means for the long-term strategies of luxury brands operating in Japan.
Japan’s luxury market is undergoing a remarkable transformation. A historically weak yen, record levels of inbound tourism, and changing consumer dynamics have turned destinations such as Ginza and Omotesando into global luxury shopping hubs, helping Japan stand out as a growth market at a time when the luxury sector has faced slower momentum elsewhere.
But can this “shopping resort” model provide a sustainable foundation for long-term growth?
Inbound demand can be highly sensitive to currency fluctuations, economic conditions, and geopolitical developments. At the same time, rising prices and crowded boutiques risk distancing the sophisticated domestic consumers who have historically formed the foundation of Japan’s luxury market.
During this luncheon, Mr. Sesia, will examine the opportunities and risks behind Japan’s current luxury boom and discuss why brands need to balance short-term inbound opportunities with long-term relationships with Japanese consumers. He will explore the shift from transactional retail toward relationship-driven strategies built around customer loyalty, targeted CRM, exclusive experiences, and strong brand equity.
Drawing on more than three decades of experience in Japan – including over 20 years as President of Prada Japan – Mr. Sesia will provide an insider’s perspective on how Japan’s luxury consumer and retail landscape have evolved, and where they may be heading next.
Whether you are working in luxury and retail, consumer goods, marketing, tourism, or simply interested in the evolution of the Japanese market, this luncheon will offer valuable insights into how global brands can navigate one of the world’s most distinctive and strategically important luxury markets.
| Date: | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 |
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| Time: | 12:00 – 14:00 (D.O. 11:45) |
| Venue: | Shangri-la Tokyo, @The Pavilion (27F) Marunouchi Trust Tower Main, 1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8283 (MAP) |
| Entry Fee: | • Members: JPY 6,500 or 1 SCCIJ voucher 2026 • Non-members: JPY 9,600 |
| Registration: |  *Deadline: September 23, 2026, 12:00 JST.* *Until September 3, registration is prioritized for SCCIJ members. After this date, seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.* *No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be fully charged.* *Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions.* |
| Concept: | • This event consists in a 3-course lunch followed by a presentation (and Q&A). The setting is ideal for networking. • Participants are typically members of the Swiss-Japanese business community, but non-members are also welcome to join. • Seats are not attributed (free seating). • Dress code is business / business casual. |
| Disclaimer: | • The SCCIJ may film and take photographs of this event. If you participate, please be noted that these pictures and videos may be used in various media, such as the SCCIJ website, SCCIJ social networking sites, and SCCIJ promotional materials. If you do not want to appear on these pictures and/or videos, kindly notify the SCCIJ staff at the event. • The views expressed by the speaker(s) do not reflect those of the SCCIJ as an organization. |
| Inquiries: | By e-mail to info@sccij.jp |
Biography of the Speaker
Mr. Davide Sesia currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Director of Sogo & Seibu Co. Ltd. He was appointed after the acquisition by Fortress Group, making him the first non-Japanese national to hold the role.
Since coming to Japan in 1992, Mr. Sesia has gained extensive management experience at the Japan branches of several overseas fashion companies. After serving as CFO at Benetton Japan and Managing Director of Benetton Korea, he held the position of Representative Director and President of Prada Japan from 2000 to 2022, overseeing Japanese and international subsidiaries, including Miu Miu, Church’s, Jil Sander and Helmut Lang among others. He concurrently served as Executive Managing director of Prada Holding Japan, Retail Real Estate subsidiary in 2015-2023. Additionally, a book author and guest speaker and participant in seminars and other events on the luxury market and consumer behaviour. Having been doing business in Japan for about 30 years, he is well versed not only in the Japanese language but also in Japanese culture and business. In recognition of his contributions to the fashion business, he was awarded the “Cavaliere” of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2010, “Ufficiale” in 2020 and “Commendatore” in 2025. Davide holds a degree in business administration from the Catholic University in Milan.
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