Visual Merchandiser Training School "VMS Academy" 7th Term to Open on September 26, 2026 (Sat) <VISUAL MERCHANDISING STUDIO>

VISUAL MERCHANDISING STUDIO Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Kenichiro Horita, hereinafter VMS) has begun accepting applications for the 7th term of its Basic Course (Fundamentals) of "VMS Academy," which trains professionals in visual merchandising. This course will be held for a total of 10 sessions starting on September 26, 2026 (Sat).

Additionally, online information sessions will be held on July 25 (Sat), August 15 (Sat), and August 25 (Tue) for those considering enrollment.

Training Professionals Who Can Thrive on the Front Lines

VMS provides visual merchandising (VM) that combines practicality and innovation to various companies, leveraging its extensive experience and expertise. The company is also focused on nurturing talent that will lead the industry's future and actively engages in education and training activities. "VMS Academy" was established in 2020 with the aim of training professional visual merchandisers. Since then, it has produced many individuals who are active in foreign and domestic brands, and its graduates are currently working in the field at their respective companies. President Horita also promotes collaboration with educational institutions, regularly conducting special lectures at universities and fashion vocational schools, and is committed to creating learning opportunities for the next generation.

A Unique Program for Systematic Learning from Fundamentals to Application

At VMS Academy, practical know-how is taught directly, tailored to each student's experience and goals. The Basic Course (Fundamentals), consisting of 10 sessions, allows students to systematically learn the latest visual merchandising through a curriculum that combines lectures and practical exercises. By covering a wide range of themes, students deepen their perspective and knowledge, while aiming to acquire skills applicable in the field through workshops and practical training using actual case studies. It provides a learning environment where students can grow into immediately employable professionals, not only by learning theory but also by engaging with insights and ideas cultivated at the forefront of the industry.

A Message from Kenichiro Horita

When I ask people working for brands and stores, "What are your tough KPIs?" the answers vary, such as sales targets and increasing customer traffic. Upon analyzing these, I feel it clearly shows that for most brands and stores, the challenge is either "a decrease in the number of customers" or "a decline in the purchase rate despite traffic." The way physical stores should be is entering a phase where past experience alone is becoming increasingly insufficient. On the other hand, with the rapid expansion of digital measures (AI, EC, SNS), physical stores are required to provide even higher added value than before.

There are still few specialists in Japan who can understand and practice the latest "VM" = VISUAL MERCHANDISING, and there is a shortage of leaders who can logically explain their sensibilities. By learning the latest and most modern "VM" through lectures and practice, we offer the first program in Japan that allows as many people as possible to understand the essence of the new "VM" required in today's world.

VISUAL MERCHANDISING STUDIO Co., Ltd.

Kenichiro Horita, President and CEO

Over 15 years of experience as a Visual Merchandising executive at Louis Vuitton Japan, Dolce & Gabbana Japan, Issey Miyake, and others.

Known as a leading figure who provides multifaceted and strategic "Visual Merchandising = VM" that connects marketing, store operations, and human resources from a frontline perspective, based on "customer-first VM" gained from his own experience in sales. He continues to lead the industry from both practical and educational aspects, with numerous seminars, lectures at universities and fashion vocational schools, and media appearances and features.

Kenichiro Horita

Testimonials from Graduates

Visual Merchandiser, 3rd year / Male

In class, I learned the logic of display, which significantly improved both the quality and speed of my work. The other day, when I was setting up for a new store opening, I was giving instructions based on logic, and the staff said, "That's easy to understand!" and "I see!" I realized how much of a difference it makes in people's comprehension when communicating. I am also very grateful for the environment where I can share information and compete with peers who have the same aspirations.

WEB Department, 1st year / Visual Merchandiser, 6th year / Female

Every class is enjoyable, and since there are more practical exercises than lectures, I feel I'm learning quickly. I recommend it not only to those who want to become VM staff but also to sales staff. You can apply what you learn immediately at your own store. While customer service is important for "creating store sales," VM also plays a significant role. This academy is filled with hints on how to express and propose what you want to sell in the store.

Product Planning, 1st year / Visual Merchandiser, 10th year / Female

VMS Academy is different from other seminars; it's at a high level and allows me to improve my skills. How I am perceived (evaluated) by others has also changed. It's perfect for those who want to become professionals in this field or do MD and product planning with VM in mind, but I would also recommend it to those who will be involved in launching something new. In times like these, people are moved by the experience of a live sales floor, and I believe VM is the job that can make that happen. It's rare to receive direct instruction from a world-class instructor!

Sales Promotion, 3rd year / Female

As I work in sales promotion for physical stores, strengthening VM is essential, and I felt the need to understand VM systematically and spread that knowledge within my company. Therefore, I chose VMS Academy, which includes both lectures and practical training, allowing me to acquire immediately usable skills. It is highly recommended not only for those working directly in VM but also for anyone involved in selling products, like myself, as it broadens one's knowledge. The support from everyone at VMS has been excellent, and it has been a year of skill development while having fun!

VMS Academy 7th Term Basic Course (Fundamentals) Application Guidelines

Eligibility: 3+ years of practical experience in fashion apparel

Target Audience: Office staff (Visual Merchandisers, Sales Promotion, MD, Marketing), Store Managers, Sales Staff

Number of Sessions: 10 sessions total (2 hours/session) Opening September 26, 2026 (Sat)

Certificate of Completion: [Basic Course Graduates] VMS Visual Merchandiser Training Course Completion Certificate (Diploma)

How to Apply: Please contact us via the application form.

We will provide detailed information, including tuition fees.

Brochure:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bDsQmQScgaIRArrcb3u2TK5U5sTJm1Uo/view

Application Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfM3IO-ge-meBZpBBieq-zQWgVKlnyBKPytE4hDW58J15rTBQ/viewform

[Online Information Session]

We are holding online information sessions, including curriculum explanations and Q&A, for those considering enrollment.

Dates: July 25 (Sat) 10:00-11:00, August 15 (Sat) 10:00-11:00, August 25 (Tue) 20:00-21:00

Information Session Application Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtjV3ey5rArIIDkz4tTSjYlSzGPkvS3wqB8bpf3Gx5wY_9dg/viewform?

[Contact Information]

VMS Academy Secretariat TEL: 03-3320-2053 E-Mail: [email protected]

About VISUAL MERCHANDISING STUDIO Co., Ltd. https://vmstudio.jp/

A group company of World Mode Holdings Co., Ltd., established in 2019. It provides all solutions in the VM domain, from VM consulting and construction to original fixture development and training. As a creator, it constantly considers "circulation and inheritance" and actively engages in VISUAL MERCHANDISING tailored to partner companies. In September 2020, it launched "VMS Academy" to train VM professionals, focusing also on education.

About World Mode Holdings Co., Ltd. https://worldmode.com/jp/

A group that provides various solutions, including human resources, digital marketing, and store agency services, specializing in the fashion and beauty industries. With 8 domestic operating companies (iDA, BRUSH, AIAD, AIAD LAB, Four Ambition, VISUAL MERCHANDISING STUDIO, Futaba Tsushinsha, reward) and overseas bases in Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Malaysia, it offers highly effective solutions tailored to client company challenges through the synergy of its specialized companies.

WMH Group Sustainability Activities https://worldmode.com/jp/sustainability/