Ukrainian textile brand Limaso, known for refined home and HoReCa textiles that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, took a major step toward international expansion by successfully entering the Japanese market in 2025.

The company was founded in 2010 by a Ukrainian woman, and its name is a combination of the first syllables of the names of the founder’s daughters: Liliya, Marichka, and Sofiika. Founded as a family business, Limaso has grown into a reputable manufacturer offering tapestry products, linen items, custom embroidery, and full-service textile styling solutions. With its own production facilities in the Lviv region, the company is well-positioned for global growth.

In September 2025, Limaso applied to the Japan Market Entry Support Service, implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Consultant Team (JCT) within the Project for Enhancing Private Sector Engagement for the Reconstruction of Ukraine (Support to SMEs) of JICA. The support service ran from September to December 2025. It targeted Ukrainian companies exploring opportunities in Japan and provided tailored support such as market and competitive analysis, guidance on regulations and certification, and marketing and partner search consultations. The process included an online meeting, a presentation of Limaso’s export needs, and a customized information package prepared and delivered by the JCT.

A critical contributor to the program’s success was the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office (EEPO), which cooperated closely with the JCT. In particular, EEPO promoted the support service through the Diia.Business portal, increasing its visibility among Ukrainian SMEs, and helped organize an awareness raising seminar, ensuring companies understood the opportunities and application procedures. EEPO’s outreach and communication efforts ensured that companies like Limaso could access and benefit from international support instruments.

As part of the support service, the JCT shared detailed information on potential buyers and exhibitions in Japan. Using this data, Limaso initiated cooperation with two Japanese buyers. One of them is UA.Designer Japan Co., Ltd., a company actively promoting Ukrainian craftsmanship in Japan. Limaso and UA.Designer Japan signed a contract, resulting in three completed purchase orders to date. The first shipments were successfully sold, demonstrating strong customer interest in the Japanese market. Limaso’s products are available and promoted at UA.Designer Japan’s online store, as well as at pop-up events and exhibitions in major department stores across Japan. This achievement marks a significant milestone for a Ukrainian SME entering one of the world’s most demanding and quality-sensitive markets.

Limaso’s achievement demonstrates how Ukrainian businesses can grow globally through:

• High-quality Ukrainian production and craftsmanship

• Targeted international support programs such as the JICA Project

• EEPO’s role in connecting SMEs with export opportunities

• Strategic partnerships with committed Japanese and other international distributors.