Japan Sports Apparel Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Demography (Men, Women, and Kids), By Product (Tops & T-shirts, Trousers & Tights, Shorts, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), and Country Forecast, 2024-2032

The Japan sports apparel market size was valued at USD 9.79 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 10.17 billion in 2024 to USD 15.17 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.12% during the forecast period.

Sports apparel includes products that are designed specifically for physical activities, sports, and exercise. These garments provide comfort and functionality and enhance the performance of fitness enthusiasts. The increasing awareness regarding health and fitness drives more people to exercise regularly, boosting the market's growth. Besides, a rise in fitness culture, with more people joining gyms and fitness classes, fuels the need for specialized sportswear, increasing the Japan sports apparel market share.

The COVID-19 pandemic had an intense impact on the sportswear market in Japan. It caused disruptions in the supply chain, leading to delays in producing and distributing sports clothing. However, the pandemic also accelerated the shift towards online retail shopping, with many consumers purchasing sports clothing through e-commerce platforms. Moreover, brands invested in improving their online presence, offering virtual try-ons and personalized recommendations, to improve customer experience in the later period of 2020.

Japan Sports Apparel Market Trends

Increasing Participation of Japanese Consumers in Sports and Outdoor Recreational Activities to Favor Market Growth

Japanese consumers are increasingly concerned about personal health and participate in sports activities to keep themselves fit & active. Rising casual and professional sports participation rates drive the consumer demand for high-quality sports wear in Japan. In addition, growing athleisure trends and increasing consumer preference for advanced fabric technology-based products accelerate Japanese market growth. For instance, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) survey, Tokyo residents' involvement in sports and exercise activities increased from 60.4% of the total Tokyo population in 2020 to 66.3% by October 2023.

Japan Sports Apparel Market Growth Factors

Increasing Imports of High-quality Sports Clothing withing Luxury and Affordable Segments to Drive Product Consumption in Japan

Increasing imports of high-quality sports clothing in terms of affordable and luxury segments support the product consumption rate in Japan. In addition, continuous efforts by Japanese retailers to establish partnerships with global sports clothing brands have increased their product reach in the country. Moreover, Japanese governmental projects of extending apparel trade agreements with other Asian countries, including Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, positively support the country's product demand. For instance, in January 2022, the government of Japan signed an Asia Pacific free trade agreement with 15 East Asian countries to develop economic trade in the country.

Rising Demand for Sports Wear Featuring Sustainable Materials to Accelerate Market Growth

Sports clothing featuring eco-friendly materials and innovative designs that enhance the users' performances in sporting activities are gaining popularity worldwide. Shifting consumer preference toward buying sports clothing made of eco-friendly materials, such as recycled polyester, bamboo fibers, and biodegradable fabrics, creates new opportunities for manufacturers and retailers to expand their business in Japan. In addition, continual manufacturers' green marketing efforts and an increasing number of eco-conscious consumers will support the demand for sustainable sports wear in Japan. For instance, according to the surveyed data published by the Ministry of Environment, Government of Japan, in 2020, 60% of the Japanese generation-Z consumers are interested in sustainable fashion consumption. 7% of Japanese generation-Z consumers consume sustainable fashion.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Fluctuating Prices of Raw Materials to Hamper Market Growth

Fluctuating raw materials prices, such as cotton, polyester, and spandex, increase production costs for sports clothing manufacturers. Companies face reduced profit margins as they struggle to absorb the increased costs without passing them entirely onto consumers. Besides, manufacturers may need to adjust retail prices frequently in response to raw material cost fluctuations, leading to pricing instability. This can slow down the manufacturing process, resulting in delayed product releases and stock shortages, hampering the Japan sports apparel market growth.

Japan Sports Apparel Market Segmentation Analysis

By Demography Analysis

Increasing Offerings of Fashionable and Functional Men's Sportswear Products Surge Segment Growth

On the basis of demography, the market has been divided into men, women, and kids.

The men segment holds the majority part in the Japan sports apparel market share. Japanese men prefer wearing a combination of shorts and leggings for running. Brands, such as Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo, and Descente offer fashionable and functional men's leggings suitable for running activities. Moreover, continual sports wear brands' provision of fashionable sports clothing for male sports participants drives the segmental growth.

The women segment is also expected to hold a substantial share in the coming years. Evolving sports fashion trends and the rising adoption of online shopping for sports goods among Japanese women favor women's segmental revenues. Furthermore, adult female athletes’ preference for sports shirts of metallic shades and flower prints drives the segment demand in Japan.

By Product Analysis

Rising Consumer Spending on Tops & T-shirts Propels Segment Growth

Under product, the market is segmented into tops & t-shirts, trousers & tights, shorts, and others.

The tops & t-shirts segment dominates the market due to the significant consumer spending on sports tops & t-shirts in Japan. Furthermore, the rising consumer demand for sports shirts with moisture-wicking and instant-drying features supports the sales of such products. Moreover, the growing trend of wearing oversized t-shirts integrated with Japanese fashion identity and made of sustainable materials, including recycled polyester and natural cotton, favors top & t-shirt segmental growth.

The trousers & tights segment is also predicted to grasp a significant market share. Increasing demand for chicken-shaped sweat trousers with adjustable drawstring and elastic waistband features supports the growth of the trousers & tights segmental revenues. Furthermore, manufacturers' use of nanotechnology, microfibers, and insulators in the design of sports tights and trousers encourages consumers to buy these products, driving the trousers & tights segmental growth.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Offline Segment Leads the Market Due to Its Personalized Service and Assistance to Customers

Based on the distribution channel, the market is segmented into online and offline.

The offline segment exhibits the maximum share of the market. Offline stores often provide personalized service and assistance to customers. Store experts can offer recommendations, solve customer-related queries, and guide product selection. This customized touch can enhance the shopping experience and build customer loyalty, propelling the demand for offline stores in the market.

The online segment is also expected to achieve a substantial share in the market. Increasing departmental and specialty stores' implementation of omnichannel product distribution strategies, including selling products from direct-to-consumer online channels, supports online product sales across Japan. Furthermore, advancements in developing sports apparel recommendation applications and portals encourage consumers to purchase personalized sports gear, favoring product sales from online channels.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Growing Expansion of Retailers' Business Footprint to Support Product Consumption

Japanese sports apparel retailers expand their business footprint to increase the reach of their product categories, including athleisure wear, performance sportswear, and fitness wear in the newer geographies. In addition, they establish partnerships with sports clubs to supply professional sports apparel to the professional sportsman. These apparel retailers' geographical expansion projects favor product consumption rates in Japan. For instance, in November 2023, Fanatics, a digital sports platform and e-commerce retailer, established partnerships with major Japanese sports clubs, including Kashima Antlers, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and V-Varen Nagasaki. These clubs are joined by around 11 soccer sports clubs located across Japan. The partnership will provide newer opportunities for the retailer to increase its soccer apparel sales in the country.

LIST OF TOP SPORTS APPAREL COMPANIES IN JAPAN/ LIST OF TOP SPORTS APPAREL COMPANIES:

• ASICS Corporation (Japan)


• Mizuno Corporation (Japan)


• Descente Ltd. (Japan)


• Yonex Co., Ltd. (Japan)


• DRH Sports (Japan)


• Long Yong Japan Corporation (Japan)


• Formative Sports (Japan)


• Goldwin Inc. (Japan)


• Le Coq Sportif (France)


• Kappa (Italy)


• Signal Sportswear (Taiwan)


• Adidas AG (Germany)


• Nike, Inc. (U.S.)


• Puma SE (Germany)


• Luhta Sportswear (Finland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2024: ASICS Corporation unveiled team Japan's official wear of trousers, jackets, and other athletic items for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics held in Tokyo, Japan. These products consist of carbon footprint labels and are made of recycled & lightweight materials.


• March 2024: ITOCHU Corporation acquired master license rights and sales rights to sell products of the Italian sportswear brand Kappa in Japan.


• October 2022: Adidas AG partnered with NIGO, a Japanese fashion designer, to produce innovative T-shirts for Japan's football World Cup team. These products are inspired by traditional Japanese culture and craftsmanship and are made of 100% recycled polyester material.


• September 2022: Authentic Brands Group (ABG) partnered with local apparel retailer Itochu to design, manufacture, and distribute Eddie Bauer sports apparel in Japan.


• June 2021:  Authentic Brands Group (ABG) acquired Eddie Bauer, a U.S. outdoor products brand, to increase its outdoor products portfolio.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides detailed market analysis and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies and product types. Besides, the report encompasses the latest market trends and segments and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the abovementioned factors, the market analysis contains several factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation