The fairs < Premium Textile Japan 2014 Autumn/Winter > and < JFW JAPAN CREATION 2014 > have repeatedly seen their attendances swell, and the latest shows in November 2013 were no exception. Record numbers again, exceeding all expectations. The fairs were fuelled with boundless enthusiasm and fruitful negotiations in every booth, achieving positive results. A big thank you for your contribution.

As for the PTJ fair, it recorded the previous best application for exhibitors, with 64 specially chosen companies taking part (3 of which from overseas). Meanwhile, 8 VIP buyers/companies were invited for the highlight – a business matching programme involving 54 matching set-ups for 23 companies, including a new participant from a different field of fashion – shoemaking - providing a wider scope of buyers to catalyse more productive and diverse negotiations. Each show seems to have raised the quality bar higher and encourages both buyers and suppliers to nurture their relationships in a perfect venue.

Favourable comments from VIP buyers having participated in the programme: ‘We could source the highly original fabrics we had been seeking.’ ‘We could encounter materials that met our demands with optimal efficiency.’ and ‘I had a chance to hear the whole manufacturing story behind the fabrics.’ were heard, reflecting appreciation in the individual setting of this matching event, as opposed to normal in-booth negotiations.

Conversely, 216 companies participated in the <JFW-JC> fair, including many overseas exhibitors from Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand despite the current economy and the declining Japanese yen, fuelling fervent negotiations. Positive comments from overseas exhibitors included: ‘We received inquiries despite it being our debut appearance and we learned the differences compared to exhibitions in Europe/the States in terms of customs or tastes.’ ‘Visitor numbers were great. We would definitely like to participate next year, too.’ This sparked several demands for a larger booth space from overseas participants.

Domestic exhibitors were equally eager to provide elaborate booth designs to make the most out of their participation. Even a ‘yuru-chara’ (mascot) representing Toyama prefecture made an eye-catching appearance.

Active approaches to survey visitors’ comments on certain products were frequently seen throughout the venue for the next product development by introducing newly released items. A product designer visiting the fair commented ‘I had earmarked the fair for apparel, but found many of the fabrics were possibly for everyday home items. I hope to see more exhibits for non-apparel purposes in future.’ Conversely, another exhibitor, focusing on industrial materials, made a successful debut to convert their products targeting apparel, attracting numerous buyers and reflecting the healthy visitor demand for unprecedented fabric varieties.

We will further strive to make our fairs, ‘PTJ’ and ‘JFW-JC’ a platform for new encounters; for both visitors and exhibitors.

Our next fairs < Premium Textile Japan 2015 Spring/Summer > will be held from May 21 – 22 (Wed. & Thu.) 2014 at the Tokyo International Forum / Hall. Thank you for your constant support.

          Applications: now being accepted for registration.

          Deadline: Jan. 20, 2014

Dates: May. 21 - 22, 2014 (10:00-18:00)

Dates: Nov. 5 - 6, 2014 (10:00-18:00)

JFW Textile Division will be closed during the year-end/New-year’s period as follows:

Dec. 28, 2013 (Sat.) - Jan. 5, 2014 (Sun.)

Our office will reopen from Jan. 6 (Mon.) onward.
Thank you for your kind attention.