Press and Media

The Japanese Shop in the Press

If you are from the media and require information or assistance from The Japanese Shop, please contact us. 
 

Springtime in Japan
March 2015, Love Japan Magazine

"With spring finally coming into blossom, Jez Willard of The Japanese Shop shares his experiences of the sights, sounds and tastes that define this season of renewal in Japan..." more 
 

Japanese fashion trend boosts summer takings
15th October 2014, Wetherby News

"A fashion trend that took off over the summer has helped a Harrogate shop experience growth of 50 per cent this year..." more

 
Turning devastation into a determination to succeed
22nd June 2012, Harrogate Advertiser
 
“You’d be hard pushed to find a business unaffected by the financial crash of 2008, and for one Harrogate-based company which had been successfully trading in Japanese gifts for nearly ten years, it proved disastrous…”  more
 
 
The Press Business Awards 2007
1st June 2007, York Press
 
“BE AFRAID. Be very afraid. Jez Willard has once again thrown his ‘boushi’ into the ring for The Press Business Awards 2007. Jez is the proprietor of the award-winning Japanese Shop, a boushi is a Japanese hat, and he is prepared to eat it he doesn't replicate the success he had in the competition in 2004. At the time, he scooped Retailer of the Year, Small Business Of The Year and the overall title…” more
 
 
A love of Japan leads to successful venture
17th June 2005, Harrogate Advertiser
 
“IT TAKES a brave couple to combine their experiences so far, join forces and take the plunge into launching a new business. For Harrogate residents Jez and Hiromi Willard, who own The Japanese Shop, which is entering its seventh year in business, it is also a romantic partnership that has turned into a compelling business success…” more
 
 
Plans to open new shop in Chester
21st January 2005, York Press
 
“FINAL negotiations were taking place this week for the opening of a third branch of The Japanese Shop, which has been so successful in York and Harrogate. Jez Willard, managing director, and his Japanese wife, Hiromi, have been discussing terms with the owners of premises in Chester in the hope of opening another Japanese gift shop there before Christmas…” more
 
 
Japan Store to the Rescue
24th May 2004, York Press
 
“A TELEVISION makeover show has been given a taste of the Land of the Rising Sun, thanks to a York business. Jez Willard, who runs The Japanese Shop, in York's Coppergate Walk, with his Japanese wife, Hiromi, has come to the rescue of the ITV show, 60 Minute Makeover…” more