We selected the following off-site articles for a good recap on the Isetan/Mitsukoshi merger:

International Herald Tribune "Isetan and Mitsukoshi form largest Japanese department store" (8.23.07)

Reuters "Japan dept store Isetan buys rival Mitsukoshi" (8.23.07)

Yomiuri Shimbun "Isetan comes out on top in Mitsukoshi tie-up" (8.27.07)

Asahi Shimbun "Editorial: Mitsukoshi and Isetan" (8.23.07)

From Autumn/Winter 2007, Nagoya shirtmaker Suzugen will distribute U.K.'s Hilditch & Key to Japanese department stores. Suzugen will import shirts re-sized in the U.K. to fit the Japanese, as well as offer order-made shirts made in Suzugen's factories.

The master license for H&K is held by Yamano & Associates. The shirts are currently sold as standard imports in limited quantities at select shops

Onward Kashiyama group company Bus Stop has acquired the exclusive rights to import and sell Pauric Sweeney's bag line in the Japanese market. From 2008, the Irish-born, Tuscany-based designer 's bags for both sexes — as well as other leather accessories — will be available at Onward's Via Bus Stop retail outlets in addition to other locations.

Prices are estimated to be between 150,000 and 300,000 JPY. 

Itochu Corporation has signed an exclusive manufacturing and sales license with American casual brand Le Tigre, setting the stage for a 2008 launch of the American casual brand in Japan.

The men's line will be sublicensed to Jichodo (Head, Duck Head, PRO-Keds), and ladies apparel will go to Outburn (Vans, Kangol, Lotto). Hats will be handled by Kurihara (Adidas, Reebok, Converse) and socks by Unitika Berkshire.

Itochu expects a revenue base of 1.5 billion JPY after three years. Le Tigre currently makes 4.8 billion JPY in the American market.