As the bustling halls of the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka hosted the latest edition of Intex Textile and Apparel Sourcing Fair from 25–27 June 2025, an exciting milestone quietly unfolded. Among the international exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge textile innovations and sourcing capabilities, STYLEM INTERNATIONAL, a distinguished Japanese textile company, marked its very first visit to Bangladesh—a country that has long been a vital hub in the global apparel industry.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Takahiro Fukakusa and his colleague Mr. Hiroro Izaki at the STYLEM INTERNATIONAL booth. From the moment I was welcomed, it was evident that STYLEM’s debut presence in Dhaka was not just another trade visit—it was a thoughtful, strategic step toward long-term engagement with Bangladesh’s vibrant textile landscape. They were 6 professionals who came to the fair and had a pretty good crowd at their stall throughout those three days.
A warm encounter
Our conversation began with an exchange of smiles and cultural courtesies, but quickly transitioned into an in-depth discussion about STYLEM’s legacy, current operations, and future ambitions. Mr. Fukakusa, a gracious and articulate gentleman, eagerly shared the company’s rich heritage and its evolving global strategy. His passion for textiles and innovation was immediately clear.
“We are a 150-year-old company,” he began with pride. “STYLEM started as a traditional Japanese textile trading house and gradually evolved into a global sourcing and development company.” Headquartered in Osaka, STYLEM INTERNATIONAL is one of Japan’s most reputed textile trading companies, known for developing and distributing high-quality, fashion-forward fabrics to clients across the globe.
13 years in India – now looking to Bangladesh
During our conversation, Mr. Fukakusa emphasized their 13-year journey in India, where STYLEM has established a sourcing and development office. “India has been instrumental for our growth outside Japan,” he said. “We have collaborated with a wide range of mills and garment manufacturers there. But now, we see a very exciting opportunity here in Bangladesh.”
So why Bangladesh, and why now?
“Bangladesh is cost-effective and competitive,” Mr. Fukakusa explained. “But more than that, it’s agile, young, and very focused on the global market. We believe Bangladesh is on the verge of a major transformation in textiles—not just as a manufacturing base, but as a center of innovation.”
He also noted that Bangladesh’s proven ability to scale up large-volume orders, alongside increasing attention toward sustainable practices, makes it a promising destination for STYLEM’s sourcing and possibly even manufacturing operations in the near future.
Focus on innovation and expansion
STYLEM INTERNATIONAL isn’t simply looking to replicate what they’ve done elsewhere. Instead, Mr. Fukakusa shared that the company is exploring new fabric innovations, especially in sustainable and functional textiles. “We are working on several new fabric lines that combine natural materials with performance features—moisture-wicking, UV protection, and antibacterial finishes—all of which are gaining demand in the Japanese and European markets.”
According to Mr. Izaki, the company is also tapping into recycled yarns and low-impact dyeing techniques, aligning their product development with global sustainability goals. “Consumers in Japan and Europe are demanding transparency and eco-consciousness,” he said. “And we’re building that into the DNA of our future collections.”
Bangladesh’s growing ecosystem of green factories, circular textile start-ups, and skilled workforce make it a natural fit for these ambitions. The duo confirmed that STYLEM is actively exploring partnerships and scouting for local collaborators who can align with their quality and sustainability standards.
Primarily for Japan, but eyeing Europe too
STYLEM’s primary market has always been Japan, where they cater to both high-end fashion brands and major retailers. However, in recent years, they have expanded exports to Europe, responding to increasing demand for premium Asian fabrics and garments.
Mr. Fukakusa mentioned, “While we’ve traditionally focused on Japanese customers, we’re seeing encouraging traction in Germany, France, and Scandinavia. Our European clients appreciate the meticulous detail and consistent quality we offer.”
This dual-market strategy offers STYLEM the flexibility to test and tailor their production and product offerings. Establishing a base in Dhaka, therefore, is part of a bigger plan to streamline supply chains and add value for both markets.
First visit, but not the last in deed
For STYLEM INTERNATIONAL, attending Intex Dhaka 2025 was both a discovery and a declaration. It was a discovery of the immense potential that Bangladesh holds, and a declaration that the company is ready to invest time and resources into building something substantial here.
The STYLEM team spent their days engaging with manufacturers, sourcing professionals, and other global visitors at the fair. Their stall attracted a wide range of inquiries, and they expressed satisfaction with the quality of conversations they had with local stakeholders.
“We’re very happy with the response,” Mr. Izaki said. “Everyone has been welcoming, and there’s a genuine interest in collaboration. That’s what we were hoping for.”
Mr. Fukakusa added, “This is our first visit, but definitely not our last. We will return—and next time, we hope to come back with even more plans in place.”
Looking ahead
As Bangladesh continues to position itself as a leader in sustainable, value-added garment production, companies like STYLEM INTERNATIONAL will play an essential role in shaping this next chapter. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and responsible sourcing aligns well with Bangladesh’s long-term goals.
From our conversation, it was clear that STYLEM isn’t merely searching for vendors or cheaper alternatives. They’re looking for partnerships—ones built on trust, shared values, and mutual growth.
As Editor-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Textile Journal, it was a pleasure to witness this first step in what could become a powerful collaboration between one of Japan’s leading textile companies and Bangladesh’s ever-evolving apparel industry.
We welcome STYLEM INTERNATIONAL to Bangladesh and look forward to reporting on their future milestones here.
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