In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, “Convenience Wear”—the original apparel brand of FamilyMart, one of Japan’s leading “Konbini” (convenience store) chains—is releasing highly anticipated new items.
The new lineup features “Relax Shorts,” designed for both environmental sustainability and skin comfort, along with new colors for the hit “Bra Wear” series, which has already surpassed 130,000 units in cumulative sales.
These items were co-developed with world-renowned fashion designer Hiroshi Ochiai. Guided by the concept of “Good materials, good technology, good design,” the brand continues to redefine the standards of apparel easily accessible at Japanese convenience stores.
Kanto Region Exclusive! “Relax Shorts” Crafted from Eco-Friendly Bamboo-Derived Materials
First up are the new “Relax Shorts,” available at stores throughout the Kanto region (covering the Tokyo metropolitan area, including Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba). The standout feature of this item is the use of “bamboo rayon” for the main fabric.
Bamboo is a highly sustainable material that grows extremely fast and requires minimal water, making it a globally recognized eco-friendly choice.
The appeal of this material goes beyond sustainability. It offers a soft, smooth texture comparable to silk, paired with an elegant luster. As an innerwear item in direct contact with the skin, the quality is exceptionally high. Additionally, meticulous attention to skin health is evident in details like the use of organic cotton for the delicate crotch area.
In terms of functionality, the side seams have been removed to minimize friction and stress on the skin. Despite the high-waisted design, it provides a natural fit without feeling restrictive. It is truly the perfect underwear for a “self-care” focused relaxation time.
- Product Name: Relax Shorts
- Price: 900 yen (990 yen incl. tax / approx. $6.60)
- Release Region: Kanto region of Japan (Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, parts of Niigata, Yamanashi, Nagano, and parts of Shizuoka)
- Color: Black
- Sizes: M/L
Hit “Bra Wear” (130k Units Sold) Debuts Sophisticated New Colors: Almond & Violet
Available at FamilyMart stores nationwide, the popular “Bra Wear” series has added two long-awaited colors. The new additions are “Almond” and “Violet,” both offering a blend of sophisticated tones and refined elegance.
This Bra Wear was developed with the innovative concept of “underwear that can be worn as outerwear.” It features a unique integrated cup design with absolutely no seams on the inner side against the bust. This smooth texture is the secret to maintaining comfort even during long hours of wear.
Designer Hiroshi Ochiai’s attention to detail shines through in the color coordination of the outer and inner fabrics. These items are versatile fashion pieces that can be worn on their own, layered under sheer tops, or showcased under a jacket.
- Product Name: Bra Wear
- Price: 2,082 yen (2,290 yen incl. tax / approx. $15.20)
- Release Region: Nationwide (Japan)
- Colors: Almond, Violet
- Sizes: M/L
Designer Hiroshi Ochiai on the Vision for International Women’s Day
Hiroshi Ochiai, the director of Convenience Wear, places great importance on product launches for International Women’s Day each year. Within the FamilyMart development team, there is a culture of frank discussion regarding women’s specific health challenges, regardless of gender. This sincere dialogue is what led to the massive success of previously released items like absorbent period panties and Bra Wear.
The new releases also carry the message of “valuing oneself,” reflected in the choice of bamboo rayon for both environmental and skin-friendly benefits. Being able to find such high-quality self-care items at a “Konbini”—an essential part of daily life in Japan—provides a reassuring option for many people.
Beyond Products: Hosting Seminars to Address Women’s Health Challenges
FamilyMart’s commitment goes beyond providing products. On March 6, 2026, the company will hold an internal online event titled “Creating a Workplace that Supports Heart and Body” in collaboration with Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan and Nequino.
This seminar focuses on the issue of “Presenteeism”—the decrease in productivity caused by working while suffering from health issues such as menstruation or menopause. Experts from online medical services will be invited as lecturers to provide medical insights on coping mechanisms and specific communication techniques for the workplace.
The proactive stance of major companies teaming up across industries to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential is a positive initiative for Japanese society as a whole.
Designing the Future: Joining the “Life Design Junction!” Project
Furthermore, FamilyMart announced its participation in “Life Design Junction!”, a cross-industry project led by Itochu Corporation. This is a co-creation platform themed around “Life Design,” aimed at supporting individuals in making proactive choices based on their personal values during major life events like employment, marriage, childcare, and nursing care.
Alongside representative Japanese companies like Panasonic, MUFG Bank, and Unicharm, FamilyMart plans to deepen its knowledge through study groups and information exchange. The goal is to enhance employees’ ability to design their own lives, thereby increasing corporate value.
“Ichiban Challenge” for the 45th Anniversary: Reimagining the Convenience Store
FamilyMart will celebrate its 45th anniversary in September 2026. Ahead of this milestone, the company has introduced a new slogan: “The ‘Ichiban Challenge’ – Creating many of your ‘No. 1’ (Ichiban) favorites.”
Under this slogan, the company continues to challenge the traditional boundaries of convenience stores across eight priority areas, including “Delicious,” “Exciting & Fun,” “Finding Something Wonderful,” and “Eco-Friendly.” The International Women’s Day initiatives and corporate collaborations directly align with themes like “Finding Something Wonderful” and “Eco-Friendly.”
The latest releases from Convenience Wear are more than just clothing; they symbolize FamilyMart’s commitment to supporting the lifestyles and values of people today. If you are visiting the Kanto region (around Tokyo), be sure to check out the new Relax Shorts. If you are traveling across Japan, look for the new Bra Wear colors at your nearest store.
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