#United States #Berkeley #Wellness Products #TOJI #The Gardener

TOJI Expands into the U.S. Market at The Gardener

TOJI, Inc., headquartered in Setagaya, Tokyo and led by CEO Natsuki Matsuda, has taken a significant step into the U.S. market by launching permanent sales at The Gardener, a lifestyle store located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. This move marks the beginning of TOJI's ambitious expansion plans abroad.

The company established its first overseas presence by setting up a branch at the Japan Innovation Campus (JIC), a startup support center formed by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Silicon Valley. In March, TOJI organized a pop-up event in San Francisco that showcased wellness experiences using Japanese fermented ingredients. The event garnered attention from American consumers interested in clean beauty and sustainability and confirmed a growing interest in Japanese fermentation culture, ultimately leading to the permanent sales arrangement at The Gardener.

A Prestigious Venue for Japanese Craftsmanship

Founded by Alta Tingle in 1984, The Gardener is a celebrated lifestyle store in Berkeley, California, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. With the philosophy of “If you want to be happy for your whole life long, become a gardener,” the store curates a selection of carefully chosen products that enrich daily living. The Gardener is particularly known for its deep appreciation of Japanese craftsmanship, offering handmade tools, Sori Yanagi tableware, and vintage Japanese chests.

This shared appreciation for Japanese artistry and natural materials resonated with the store's customer base, paving the way for TOJI's entrance into the U.S. market.

Overview of Offerings

• - Store Name: The Gardener
• - Location: 1836 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710
• - Hours: Sun-Fri 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM / Sat 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• - Product: Sake Lees Bath Powder -MORI-
• - Website: The Gardener
• - Instagram: @the_gardener_store

Embracing Japanese Wellness in America

During the pop-up event in March, attendees praised the story behind TOJI's Sake Lees—a by-product of sake brewing—as well as the aroma of -MORI- created with 100% natural essential oils of cypress and yuzu. The packaging design, embodying Japanese aesthetics, also received acclaim from visitors. The launch of permanent sales is an essential milestone for TOJI in the U.S. market, representing a pioneering step in bringing Japanese wellness to local lifestyles.

The Sake Lees Bath Powder -MORI-, which consists of sake lees, natural salt, and essential oils derived from nature, is designed for consumer safety by using a slow, low-temperature powdering technique to eliminate alcohol content. It is additive-free, making it a safe option for individuals with sensitive skin and suitable for children. With its 100% natural ingredients, the product aligns well with the sustainability values of the local community.

Moving Forward with Authenticity

Since its inception, TOJI has had a vision to share Japan's traditions and culture worldwide by developing wellness products based on traditional sake brewing by-products such as sake lees. The kickoff of permanent sales represents a pivotal moment in TOJI's journey in the U.S. market, following its selection for JIC in January and the San Francisco pop-up in March.

TOJI aims to accelerate partnerships with local businesses in the U.S. while advancing product development and global initiatives in wellness. Committed to genuineness, TOJI aspires for further growth as a global brand that broadcasts the essence of Japanese cultural heritage across the globe.

About TOJI

TOJI is a wellness brand dedicated to delivering Japan's timeless wisdom of beauty and health in innovative forms, helping people achieve true beauty and a fulfilling life. Launched in 2024, TOJI focuses on sake lees, conducting research on its numerous beauty and health benefits to create products that harmonize sake lees with carefully selected ingredients. Throughout the production process, TOJI values its connections with everyone involved—from local producers to communities—and endeavors to enhance regional charm through collaborations with local inns and sake breweries, as well as global marketing strategies.

Official TOJI Online Store: TOJI Online Store

Store Locations: TOJI Store Listings

Inquiries: For media inquiries or partnerships, please reach out via email at [email protected].