CES 2024 in Las Vegas, the apex of technological innovation, witnessed a stunning fusion of tech, fashion, and celebrity culture, embodied by Janelle “Freya Fox” Kao. Renowned as an anime EDM producer / lo fi hip hop artist and actress with notable collaborations with comedians Joel Kim Booster and Atsuko Okatsuka at Life is Beautiful 2022, and performances with legends like Snoop Dogg and MALUMA, Fox has consistently blurred the lines between music, acting (Pokémon Concierge 2024), and now, entrepreneurship.
In a striking move at CES, Fox showcased not just her technological acumen but also her fashion sense, draping a $10,000 Dark Charizard card around her neck – which was fitting given her new role in Pokémon Concierge.
However, this wasn’t just a fashion statement but a symbol of her latest business venture: Inari Mart, a Japanese exclusives product retailer, specializing in items like Japanese Pokémon cards , Japanese cosmetics, and Japanese Starbucks cups, marks Fox’s foray into a highly competitive market, already bustling with names like Sugoi Mart and Jlist.com.
Freya Fox’s Discord statement sheds light on her ambitions: “I’m attempting to apply for a startup visa with Shibuya Startup Support in Tokyo, or through the Tokyo government’s general startup visa, to fully legitimize the Japanese side of the company.” This move is not just a business strategy but a commitment to authenticity and innovation.
She further elaborates, “Japan is the perfect country for innovation in eCommerce. We hope to create a unique brand that can stand on its own with its own IP of characters that can collaborate in the future with legacy Japanese brands.” Fox’s vision is to transcend traditional retail models, infusing her brand with a unique identity.
Her decision to use a rare Pokémon card as a fashion accessory at CES is a masterstroke, blending personal branding with business promotion. This act, already capturing over 100,000 views on Twitter, distinguishes her from other celebrities. Unlike the controversy-ridden Pokémon involvement of ex-NFL player Blake Martinez of Blake’s Breaks, Fox stands as a beacon of authenticity in the industry.
Fox’s venture is a testament to her ability to innovate in a market ripe for reinvention. Inari Mart aims to redefine Japanese import retail and Japanese trading card business, also assisting Japanese companies in penetrating the US market through brand localization, influencer marketing, and public relations.
This journey from professional female gamer to DJ, actress, and now a businesswoman, mirrors the evolving nature of celebrity in the 21st century. Successful figures today are increasingly versatile, seamlessly integrating various aspects of their personas into a singular, dynamic brand. Fox’s holistic approach to her career and personal branding is the new hallmark of success in the digital age.
Her appearance at CES 2024 is not just a personal triumph but a reflection of broader cultural trends. It highlights the growing intersection of technology, entertainment, fashion, and entrepreneurship. In her Harajuku style with a Dark Charizard card as her centerpiece, Fox symbolizes this convergence, representing a new breed of celebrity entrepreneurs.
As CES concluded, Freya Fox’s presence was a reminder of the endless possibilities at the nexus of different worlds. She is not just following trends; she is setting them, redefining what it means to be a star in the modern world.
Echoing the words of her favorite Overwatch character Kirko, “Let the Kitsune Guide You,” Fox is indeed guiding not just her brand but an entire approach to celebrity entrepreneurship, heralding a new era in the dynamic landscape of fame, innovation, and business.