On this occasion, PTJ celebrated its 9th anniversary. Building on its acclaimed track record and successful previous events, this occasion featured an unprecedented number of applications and a larger-scale fair than ever before, thanks to partially modifying the venue layout. In fact, visitor numbers have　steadily increased each time, and a record total of 6,458 visitors attended this time, comfortably surpassing the previous spring fair last May, which attracted 5,514 visitors. The PTJ has established itself as the go-to textile business event amid increasing acquisition challenges for both exhibitors and visitors at other textile / apparel fairs.

(* PTJ2015S/S fair :74 entries / 94 booths)

While the fair was on, the exchange rate hit around 124 yen to the US dollar, signalling record low depreciation for the Japanese yen for average stock over 12 years. This yen depreciation may boost export competitiveness, while limiting import pressure for domestic textile makers. The growing number of apparel visitors seen at the PTJ amply reflects the way people are reconsidering domestic fabrics on an unprecedented scale. Exhibitors embarked on eager and lively negotiations throughout all four fair zones, amid continuing pressure in terms of profitability due to the rise in raw material costs.

The staple zone is where newly developed fabrics with special processing, or stand-out compound items were highlighted, promoting unrivalled features from textile producers representing the epitome of Japan craftsmanship - TAKUMI – and attracting numerous overseas clients to the booths.

Showcased in the filament zone, meanwhile, were highly functional and value-added synthetics, using prints and/or lace reflecting trends beside cutting-edge items awash with new sensibility. The dyeing zone saw a rich array of advanced and varied dyeing techniques, including indigo dyeing on show, which proved a magnet for visitors.

Overseas exhibitors also actively participated, despite the depreciation of the Japanese yen. UNICON CORP. / Korea showcased appealing washable silk, while J VIEW FASHION CO., LTD. / China displayed Sino-Japanese collaborative fabrics dyed in Japan using Chinese grey fabrics and promoting a transboundary approach. EASTERN SILK INDUSTRIES LIMITED / India used their third participation in the fair to put forward various products, spearheaded by ‘Khadi’ hand-spun cotton fabric this time.

Visitors thronged to the venue, which was more crowded than the previous show. ‘I could not enter all the booths I wanted due to excessive visitors, particularly booths showcasing lace items.’ (Shoemaker)  ‘I find the fair compact and lively, but it got a bit congested when people happened to greet each other in the aisles.

The 10th PTJ will be held concurrently with Japan’s largest total textile fair, < JFW JAPAN CREATION 2016 >

- Concurrent fair - JFW JAPAN CREATION : Hall 1