2011.3

Founded kay me


After the Great East Japan Earthquake, founder Junko Kemi decided to create a timeless brand that supports passionate individuals.

She launched a Japanese-made workwear brand offering comfort, easy care, and effortless style

2011.7

Opened a Reservation-Only Salon in Ginza 7-Chome

In just 4 months from ideation, the first reservation-only salon opened in Ginza 7-chome, showcasing around 60 made-to-order dresses.

Promotion was done exclusively through social media

2011.9

Online store launched

The founding members set up the online store from scratch, enabling access for those far away or unable to visit the shop in person

2011.11

Staged the first fashion show

A fashion show was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, inviting the media and customers.
It was widely covered and featured in many articles

2012.01

‘Try-on service’ service launch

Launched the "Try-On Service" allowing busy customers to try on clothes at their preferred location without visiting the store.

This highly popular service received an overwhelming response from the very beginning

2013.02

Opened the second store at Odakyu Shinjuku


The new store was opened on the 5th floor of Odakyu Department Store in Shinjuku

2014.05

Launched kay me Campus

In line with kay me's mission to "support the success of those with a vision," the kay me Campus was launched. The early morning classes for English communication and presentation skills were introduced to support global careers

2014.06

Started Marketing in Europe

Traveled to London and Paris to conduct fieldwork and explore the possibility of launching in Europe

2014.06

Ginza Flagship Store Expands and Relocates to Ginza 4-Chome

To transition from a reservation-based salon to a permanent store, the flagship store expanded and relocated to the Ginza Chuo Building in Ginza 4-Chome (current Ginza flagship).

2014.06
kay me Establishes UK Branch

2015.07

Launch Announcement for the European Market


The second fashion show was held to announce the launch of the European market and unveil the new collection

2015.08

Opened the First European Flagship Store in Mayfair, London

A pop-up store was opened in Mayfair, London, at the intersection of financial, embassy, hotel, and shopping areas. The store was well-received by a diverse international audience

2015.09

Opened the First Kansai Store in Umeda


The first store in the Kansai region was opened in Umeda, located on the second floor of Breeze Breeze in the office district of West Umeda (relocated to the first floor in August 2024)

2015.11

Awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by the British Chamber of Commerce


Founder Junko Kemi was honored with the Entrepreneur of the Year award by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BBCJ), recognizing entrepreneurs who bridge the UK and Japan

2016.06

Awarded the DBJ Women Entrepreneurs Award by the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ)

Received Japan's highest award for female entrepreneurs, recognized for the integration of marketing strategy and Japanese craftsmanship, as well as the challenge of expanding into international markets

2016.08

Opened Haneda Airport Store

Opened a store in Haneda Airport's Terminal 1, providing a convenient stop for travelers before departure or after arrival, catering to business trips and vacations

2016.10

Featured on BBC Business News (Live Broadcast)


Founder Junko Kemi appeared live on BBC's business program, where kay me and its efforts to expand internationally were broadcast to a global audience

2017.05

Launch of kay me Global Website and Free Global Shipping

Japanese-made kay me items became available to women worldwide through our online service, with free global shipping

2017.07

Opening of kay me Lounge

With the aim of "supporting customers in realizing their dreams," the kay me Lounge opened in Shinjuku.

Surrounded by British antique furniture, the lounge hosts regular design meetings, unveiling events, business seminars, and more, in collaboration with customers

2017.07

Opening of Shinjuku Store

In its 7th year, kay me opened the Shinjuku store in the 3-chome area, alongside the kay me Lounge. Customers can enjoy shopping at their leisure in the lounge

2018.10

Online Store Integration and Renewal

kay me’s global and Japanese websites were integrated and relaunched enabling customers to view the brand story, various services, and items all in one place.

2019.11

Launched Online Survey for "Zero Clothing Waste"


We started an online survey to gather customer feedback and incorporate their requests into production decisions.

This initiative, where planning, production, and sales are all handled in-house, allows us to quickly reflect customer voices—a practice that can only be realized by a (Direct to Consumer) brand

2019.11

Introduced "Store Reservation System"

To better assist customers with selecting items and coordinating styles during their visit, we introduced the "Styling Consultation at Store" reservation system, allowing for a more efficient shopping experience based on individual needs

2020.04

Launched Online "Virtual Consultation" Service

Following the success of in-store styling consultations, we introduced the "Virtual Consultation" service, allowing customers to experience personalized styling advice via video calls or phone consultations

2020.04

Launched Online "Diagnosis" Service


By answering a quick 3-minute online questionnaire, customers receive a personalized "diagnosis report" via email

2020.06

Opened Yurakucho Store


In the 9th year of kay me’s founding, we opened the Yurakucho store on the 4th floor of Yurakucho Marui.
 
It has become a popular spot for customers from its convenient location near the station, making it easy to stop by

2020.07

"Animal Welfare" Collection


Driven by the passion save animals, we developed a collection made from vegan materials, including coats, shoes, and bags.

2020.10

Kyoto Store Opening

Opened the Kyoto store on the 5th floor of JR Kyoto Isetan. Located directly connected to Kyoto Station, it offers a convenient spot for busy women and international customers

2020.10〜2021.3

Expansion to Four Major Department Stores


As digital transformation accelerated during the pandemic, Kay Me focused on offering in-store experiences that could not be replicated online. In just six months, the brand expanded to four major department stores: Sogo Yokohama (Oct 2020), Nagoya Sakae Mitsukoshi (Feb 2021), Fukuoka Mitsukoshi (Mar 2021), and Hanshin Umeda Main Store (Mar 2021)

2021.4

Launch of YouTube Channel

To support women who embrace challenges, launched a YouTube channel featuring tips on choosing outfits, special interviews with guests, and behind-the-scenes looks at the latest collections and the production process

2021.7

Release of "Why I Love Kay Me"

The customer interview series "Why I Love Kay Me" was launched, featuring in-depth interviews with customers from various industries who continue to embrace challenges

2021.9

Opened Nihonbashi Store


As part of strengthening OMO (Online-Merge-Offline), we opened a store on the 3rd floor of Takashimaya Nihonbashi Main Building.

Located in the Nihonbashi area, where many of kay me's customers reside, the store offers added value that can only be experienced in a physical location

2022.5

Launched Loyalty Program


We launched a points program where customers can accumulate points with purchases.

Customers who contribute to sustainable initiatives, such as surveys, are also rewarded.

This program helps maintain a sustainable relationship between kay me and our customers

2022.12

Launched Dress Rental Service at Hotels


 In collaboration with the wellness and dining-themed resort, Aqua Ignis, we introduced a service allowing guests to rent or purchase a dress during their stay at no charge.

This initiative, named "Hands-Free Travel for Healing and Excitement," offered a unique and convenient experience for visitors

2023.11

Launched "Shukatsu 4.0 Project"


In collaboration with Mukogawa Women's University, we initiated an industry-academia project to bridge the gap between Gen Z female students' concerns about job hunting and companies' hiring practices.

As part of this project, we also co-developed job-hunting suits designed to address the challenges faced by job seekers

2023.12

Launched Corporate Uniform Services in response to high demand from hotels and food service businesses

By introducing high-performance, Japan-made uniforms, we aim to enhance employee satisfaction and reduce uniform management costs. This sustainable uniform solution also supports ESG initiatives

2024.1

Launched Sales in Singapore


We held a fitting event in Singapore, where we had many customers on our global site.

At the same time, we launched a pop-up store at a Hair Salon, located in the financial district, where customers can try on and purchase our items

2024.3

Hosted an International Women's Day event

Hosted International Women's Day Event conference featuring trailblazers from fields such as politics, business, and global industries, who shared practical communication strategies for advancing careers and breaking new ground in their respective areas.

2024.7

Launched Dress Rental Service at "VISON," Japan's Largest Resort Facility


We started offering a service called "Hands-Free VISON Trip," where guests at VISON’s accommodations can rent kay me dresses for free during their stay, available for use in their rooms, restaurants, and shops within the resort

2024.11

Global Launch of the "Singapore Collection"


kay me's long-awaited challenge of "Made in Japan to the World" has officially begun!

We are introducing our commitment to "Japanese craftsmanship" with high-performance materials focusing on quality and innovation

2024.11

Kay me Has Opened at Takashimaya Singapore

We are pleased to announce that our store has opened on the 3rd floor of Takashimaya Singapore, Orchard Road’s premier shopping destination.

Serving as a hub for the Asia region, our store is supported by a diverse clientele from countries including China, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, and beyond.

2025.5

Global Website Renewal

Based on customer feedback, we have revamped our site design and improved usability!

Along with enhanced search functionality, we launched a membership program and implemented a major renewal to provide a more comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience.