Swedish brand Monki is to open its first store in Japan in Osaka on June 1.

The brand owned by H&M Group will open at Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s main shopping area which also hosts luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Versace, Gucci, Armani and more.

Monki offers clothes, accessories and a novel store concept characterised by playfulness and colourful graphic design.

“Opening in Japan feels like a natural step for us, building on our strong following in Europe and our recent expansion into mainland China,” said COO O’cer Henrik Aaen Kastberg.

Weekday – another H&M Group brand – is also slated to debut in the Japanese market. The Japan store would be its first in Asia.

H&M Group entered Japan when it opened its H&M’s first store in Tokyo in 2008. The brand’s popularity has led it expand to other cities including Osaka and Fukuoka.

The introduction of Monki and Weekday will further strengthen the group’s presence in Japan, it says.