ITOCHU Corporation (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Keita Ishii, President & COO; hereinafter “ITOCHU”) announced today that it has formed a joint venture with Itochu Fashion System Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Takaaki Komatani, President) in connection with the International Horticultural Exposition to be held from March 19, 2027, and entered into a master license agreement with the Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027 (Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture; Masakazu Tokura, Chairperson; hereinafter "the Association"). In addition, from December 9, 2024, Expo 2027 Yokohama Japan Master Licensing Office ("2027MLO") will be opened. The office will operate a licensing business utilizing the Association's intellectual property (IP) for the planning, production and sale of products using the official logo and the official mascot Tunku Tunku, and also ensure the appropriate management and establishment of rules for the Association's IP.

In the future, sub-licensee companies will be sought out to produce and sell a range of merchandise beyond miscellaneous goods, including plush toys, key holders, towels, toys, food and drinks featuring the official mascot Tunku Tunku. From 2025 activities will gradually ramp up with the manufacturing of official licensed merchandise and sales at the official store.

ITOCHU will adopt a market-in perspective and fully utilize its global network and the experience and expertise it has cultivated over many years in the brand business to communicate the appeal of the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama, Japan and generate international momentum through the project.

In addition to the planning, production and sale of licensed products and the appropriate management and establishment of rules for the Association's IP, the 2027MLO will act as an agent to approve use of the Association's IP, conduct advertising, publicity and sales promotion activities, and develop and manage stores and locations selling licensed products (official stores inside and outside the venue, official e-commerce site).

Sub-licensee companies will be able to use the official logo, official mascot, sub-graphic and names to produce merchandise in the categories agreed to, and sell them through approved distribution channels.

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