On January 29th, Kenzo Paris, operator of KENZO, announced the establishment of a joint venture in Japan with Yagi Tsusho, called "Kenzo Paris Japan." The new company will be established within the next few months and will begin operations in the fall/winter 2014 season as the distributor of the Kenzo line in Japan. Eric Marechalle, CEO of Kenzo Paris, commented, "Kenzo fashion is highly regarded by customers in Japan, the home country of the brand's founder, Kenzo Takada, and we want to further enhance its presence." Yuzo Yagi, President and CEO of Yagi Tsusho, stated, "Using our advanced marketing expertise, we will develop Kenzo into the most successful brand in the Japanese market." Kenzo Takada opened the Paris boutique "Jungle Jap" in 1970 and introduced a handmade women's collection. In 1999, the brand became a subsidiary of the LVMH Group, and Takada resigned as artistic director. In July 2011, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, founders of OPENING CEREMONY, were appointed creative directors. Yagi Tsusho was founded in 1946. With overseas bases in the United States, Europe, and Asia, the company imports and sells brands such as Mackintosh, Baracuta, Barbour, J&M Davidson, Faliero Sarti, and three dots. In 2009, it also established a joint venture with Moncler, and is responsible for business development in Japan.