Full support for exhibiting at “Maison et Objet 2024”! The first step towards the global market

The project “Tokyo Handicraft” was exhibited at the BtoB exhibition “Maison et Objet 2024” held in Paris in September. The project is being operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for the purpose of promoting the dissemination of Tokyo's traditional crafts domestically and internationally, and our corporation continued to be entrusted with the work related to the exhibition last year. It is an exhibition where top interior design brands from around the world, mainly from Europe, exhibit, and this year, too, they promoted products filled with technology and commitment, made only by “handwork” by Japanese craftsmen, and expanded new sales channels.

[Maison et Objet 2024]
Period: 9/5 (Thu) to 9 (Mon)
Venue: Parc des Expositions Paris Nord Villepinte
Official website:Maison et Objet

The stage is the vast Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition center

The Paris Nord Villepinte trade fair, an international exhibition center near Charles de Gaulle Airport, is the stage for the Maison & Objet. The 130,000-square-meter site is divided into halls 1 to 7, and each area has themes such as “interior,” “tableware,” and “cooking utensils.”

10 businesses participate in a hall where “unique” things gather

Only 4 businesses participated in “Tokyo Handicraft,” which was exhibited at Maison & Objet last year. However, in response to these results, more than double the number of 10 businesses participated, and this time it was a booth introducing a wide range of products, from gems that adorn everyday life, such as Edo Kiriko, hand planting brushes, and umbrellas, to decorations such as armor, wood grain dolls, etc., and clothing products born from kimono production techniques.

At “Tokyo Handicraft,” which was exhibited in the “Unique & Eclectic (Unique Things/Other Things)” area in Hall 7, participants who visited the site and our corporate staff, who are fluent in French in addition to English, teamed up to disseminate the appeal of the product to visitors. Business negotiations were realized over a total of 4 days with buyers from around 20 countries, including France, America, Australia, etc., including buyers who have been interested since the previous exhibition.

[This article is also being read]Maison et Objet to exhibit at 2023 Interior & Design Hall of Fame

Show off the appeal of products through demonstrations

Inevitably, high prices can be attached to products that are made one by one. This is because it includes the experience we have cultivated and technology that has been passed down across generations. In order to let people know more deeply about the appeal and value not found in mass-produced products, demonstrations and product explanations were also held at the venue.
By showing off their uniqueness, such as delicate techniques that are essential for product creation and designs that are particular about even the smallest details, we have raised our sense of satisfaction with the price.

Seize opportunities due to differences in area

Among the 7 halls, there was also a “craft” area where more artistic works were developed, and it was a place to connect buyers and artists seeking “originals that create a special space.”
In addition, opportunities are expanding into various genres, such as “textile” and “interior” areas.

Participate in “Paris Design Week” at the pop-up shop

The Japanese craft store “Maison Wa” in the Paris Opera district has opened a pop-up store again this year where general customers can see products similar to Maison & Objet. Furthermore, the store also participated in “Paris Design Week,” an event held in conjunction with the Maison & Objet. Apps that show approximately 400 participating stores at a glance are distributed, and by visiting various places in the city according to them, people interested in highly designed products can make new discoveries. People who had never known about Japanese crafts visited the pop-up space of “Maison Wa,” and it was an opportunity to gain new fans.

Tokyo's traditional crafts have expanded in scale since last year and have conveyed their appeal to the world. The way it continues to evolve in line with modern lifestyles will continue to be watched in the future.

[This article on “Tokyo Handicraft” is also being read]
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