ANA Trading to acquire AKOMEYA TOKYO, expanding ANA Group beyond the Airport
ANA Holdings’ move to acquire AKOMEYA TOKYO is a fascinating example of how airlines are diversifying beyond aviation into lifestyle retail.
Strategic Acquisition
- ANA Trading (a wholly owned ANA subsidiary) will acquire 100% of AKOMEYA TOKYO from The SAZABY LEAGUE, known for brands like Afternoon Tea and agete.
- Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
- Closing is expected by October 30, 2026, pending approval from the Japan Fair Trade Commission.
About AKOMEYA TOKYO
- A lifestyle brand built around Japanese culinary culture and rice.
- Operates 38 retail stores, two restaurants (“AKOMEYA Shokudo”), and an online store.
- Focuses on “imi-shohi” — purchases driven by story, provenance, and values rather than price.
- Product range includes rice varieties, toppings, dashi broth, seasonings, tableware, and cookware.
- Strong direct relationships with growers and producers.
ANA Trading’s Retail Footprint
- Runs ANA FESTA gift shops and licensed Starbucks stores at 25 airports across Japan.
- Operates duty-free stores at Narita and Haneda.
- This acquisition allows ANA Trading to combine its airport distribution network with AKOMEYA’s brand and merchandising expertise.
Leadership Statement
- Junichiro Miyagawa, CEO of ANA Trading:
“Combining AKOMEYA TOKYO's store creation expertise with our distribution channels will elevate our business to a new growth stage and contribute to the ANA Group's vision of ‘Uniting the World in Wonder.’”
This deal signals ANA’s ambition to expand beyond airports into lifestyle retail, blending aviation-linked distribution with a premium Japanese brand rooted in food culture.
