The city of Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, is aiming to build a cosmetics industry hub, taking a cue from Cosmetic Valley, an extensive cluster of plant growers, manufacturers and research facilities for makeup products spread around Paris.

The idea for a Japanese version of the French industrial center came from Alban Muller, honorary president of Cosmetic Valley, who took note of Karatsu's easy access to Asia.

Currently, cosmetics from France are exported to major markets such as China and South Korea via Hong Kong, taking about 40 days by ship. If Karatsu, a coastal city with access to the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan, were to become the cosmetics hub for Asia, shipping costs and times would be lowered significantly.