The Ukrainian sock brand Dodo Socks is opening a store in Japan. After participating in an international industrial trade fair in the city of Kobe, Japan, the company—relocated to Lviv due to the full-scale war—established partnerships and is entering a new market.

The international trade exhibition took place in September 2023 and brought together six manufacturers from Lviv. Following the event, some entrepreneurs found new partners and are now expanding into new markets. Dodo Socks says the opening of the store became possible thanks to close cooperation with the Investment Office of the Lviv City Council, which supported the brand’s participation in the exhibition.

“Now we are present not only in Ukraine and online, but also in the seaside town of Zushi near Tokyo. Together with our Japanese partners, we brought Dodo Socks into a new cultural context while preserving our values and roots.
The Dodos is a place where you can enjoy special coffee, taste Ukrainian borscht (officially approved by the Ukrainian Dodo team), and choose socks with a sea view. So if fate brings you to Zushi, don’t pass by! Thank you to everyone moving in the same direction with us. Dodo Socks—from Ukraine to the world. And there’s more to come,” the company shared on its Facebook page.

The city of Lviv systematically and continuously works to support entrepreneurs. During wartime, this support is especially important, particularly for businesses that have relocated to Lviv. The trade mission to Kobe, Japan, held in 2023, was one such support measure aimed at helping businesses establish international contacts.

“The international exhibition focused on technology and industry. Participation by Lviv businesses was also co-financed through voucher support from the Lviv City Council. Six manufacturers took part, including producers of socks, recuperators, and chairs. It is encouraging that Ukrainian businesses were able to find new partners and enter the Japanese market, where they will represent Ukraine. We congratulate them and wish them successful operations. At the same time, we are already planning new business missions for Lviv companies,” said Andrii Pavliv, Head of the Investment and Projects Office of the Lviv City Council.

The main mission of the Investment and Projects Office of the Lviv City Council (Invest in Lviv) is to attract and support Ukrainian and foreign investors, develop the city’s investment potential, and implement projects that help businesses establish international cooperation.

Background

Dodo Socks is a Ukrainian brand of socks and basic underwear. Until 2022, its products were manufactured in Rubizhne, Luhansk region. Today, the company’s production is based in Lviv.

Photo: Dodo Socks social media