[Overseas Expansion Case Collection vol.11] If you notice, the world is so close! I also devised ways to promote myself and exhibit (Origami Ato Okamoto Yuko)

“Overseas Expansion Case Collection” vol.11 released!

The “Overseas Expansion Case Collection” series interviews people who have exhibited at events managed by Japan Promotion so far, and listens to valuable stories about reactions from countries around the world that they have actually witnessed and their subsequent activities.

In this section, which is the 11th in the series, origami accessory artist's“Origami Ato”ThatOkamoto YukoWe asked about reactions from various countries that they experienced during local trips and ways to enjoy communicating with visitors at overseas events.

≪Click here for past articles≫
●vol.1 “Succeed in attracting tourists with a PR strategy that combines local characters and SNS! (Mr. Toshiaki Arisawa, Genki Creation Division, Susaki City)”
●vol.2 “Local reactions are the greatest harvest! Exhibited at Japan Expo Paris that got a lot of insight (Kyushu Economic Federation, Mr. Chiken Shigeyoshi)”
●vol.3 “Overseas exhibition experience triggered the “Oyabe Fairy Tale Party” (Mr. Yukihiro Funami, Tourism Promotion Division, Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture)”
●vol.4 “Rediscover local appeal through overseas exhibitions, improving on-site responsiveness is also a major weapon (Mr. Hiromi Kobayashi, Tochigi City Hall General Policy Department)”
●vol.5 “Making “Awa Odori” the Common Language of the World (Creative Dance Group Takarafune)”
●vol.6 “Pursuing World-Class Japanese Beauty with a Multifaceted Approach (KIRIE)”
●vol.7 “Calligraphy that conveys the way of life on the world stage (Fukushita Taro)”
●vol.8 “Aiming for a new dimension of calligraphy that stimulates the five senses (Miho)”
●vol.9 “Refining traditional skills and hearts on a global stage (“Amezaiku Tsuruji” Takako)”
●vol.10 “Conveying the appeal of “Japanese festivals” through drawing (Mr. Kawase Tadashi)”

≪About current activities≫

I'm happy with the direct response that is immediately useful for product development

Inquiries from overseas have increased, and we are working on developing new items by researching trends in local fashion magazines and listening to the stories of friends who live there. I think the name recognition increased after the exhibition, probably because it was worth adding English notation to SNS and websites so that foreigners could easily see it.Japan Expo ParisIt continued for 2 years in a row, and during that time London'sHYPER JAPANThey also exhibited at, and both of them traveled to the site, but bothCreative hints and branding that could not be obtained in the domestic market aloneThat was very helpful. We are currently preparing to exhibit at Japan Expo Paris 2020. Since the response to the product is straightforward,Very easy to understand what's popular and what isn'tThat's it. For example, surprisingly, the most popular is the rose motif, followed by washi, Japanese patterns, and goldfish, and so the lily I made with confidence is now one more than I thought. I think it's unique to Japanese fans in Europe, but if they liked it, there were many customers who gave it rave reviews, adding gestures, and I was also moved by this.

≪Advice/Future Goals≫

Utilize knowledge and experience gained locally to the next stage

In my case, there was no idea that it would be good to just sell, and actually going to the site and communicating with the visitors was the best harvest. I'm glad I preparedSelf-introduction card (business card). Overseas, SNS is far more popular than in Japan, so if you distribute accounts and email addresses written in an easy-to-understand manner, it will be extremely effective. Interpreters are provided at the venue, so there is no particular need to worry about exchanging words,Greetings and small words to customersIf you try speaking to them with a smile using the local language, it will be surprisingly easy to understand. It may be embarrassing at first, but you'll soon get used to it, and everyone loves Japanese people and is friendly.
What is easy to end up with is trying to introduce as many products as possible and end up with a messy display. This time, thanks to accurate advice from local staff, it was an effective display that was easy to pick up, and customers from all walks of life came. Also, next year and next year, while taking on the challenge of events around the world, not just Europe, I would like to make sure that I can seize the next opportunity.

≪Know-how for success≫

[Before exhibiting]● In addition to exhibiting at handmade markets in Tokyo, they also sell on consignment at general stores. ● Mainly sold on handmade online shopping sites and apps for the domestic market.
↓
[Support and ingenuity]
● Advice on exhibitions from local staff was helpful.
● They actively spoke to customers without relying only on interpreters, and tried to enhance customer service.
● Create and distribute self-introduction cards with your SNS account and email address specified.
★ Point ★
More effective exhibition ideas were obtained, and they were also used to attract customers.
We were able to gather direct information on local preferences.
↓
[Results]
● I was able to grasp local preferences and trends fairly accurately.
● The number of followers has increased.
● The number of inquiries regarding requests to purchase products from overseas has increased.
★ Point ★
Accumulation of knowledge and experience necessary to develop products for overseas markets.
↓
[After that]
● Exhibit at events around the world, not just Europe.
● We aim for full-scale and continuous sales at overseas shops and sites.
● Even in the domestic market, strengthen branding by utilizing overseas experience.
★ Point ★
We will set up antennas both domestically and internationally and work on developing more creative and attractive products and creating works.

Thank you, Okamoto, for sharing this valuable story!
In vol.12 that follows, the painter'sMr. Hoshino TomotoshiI would like to ask about the change of mind before and after exhibiting overseas, and the points that only overseas people are aware of when it comes to production.

◎ The person who spoke: “Origami Art” Okamoto Yuko

[Events you exhibited at]
Japan Expo Paris “WABI SABI” (2018~2020)
HYPER JAPAN “Miyabi” (2018)

●Origami Art Homepage＞＞＞https://origamiart0726.jimdofree.com/

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