Vol.66 Accent on Japan

Accent on Japan

Trade shows of every variety are held in New York each week.
The “New York International Gift Fair”, held twice each year,
showcases new products which enrich our lives, such as accessories
for the home and gift items. It’s a fun place for “just looking” too.

The show held this month, drew 2,800 firms exhibiting from 46 countries
in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and, of course,
the United States.
They displayed high quality designed, innovative household goods.

Among the many booths of Japan, especially five firms in Accent of Japan
displayed exceptional items of good design and high quality.
Ms. Yoshiko Ebihara, who runs Gallery 91 in SOHO,
organized Accent on Japan.
(She is also a member of the “New York Beauty Society for Mr. Taki )

In her booth, many products which make life good in Japan and are handled
by Gallery 91, are imaginatively displayed.

WASARA is tableware made of paper.

I first notice them when they were used at a Chanel party in Tokyo.
I took mine home because they were so unique.
Other items in her booth included: Clocks, fancy stationery, gifts and
many paper crafts which were full of joy and made me smile.
I felt happy in that booth.

Morihaｔa International , exhibited delicate items
with contemporary design, such as soft towels with beautiful stripes,
bags reproduced with Nishijin kimono patterns from Kyoto, glass jewelry
and charcoal to purify the air.

FUNFAM introduced tableware for babies and
children made of bamboo.

This dish was featured in Oceans magazine. Anti-bacterial bamboo,
a light weight wood material, has become popular recently
in the United States. They showed very nifty bamboo lunch sets
in special boxes, which are not only for children, but are perfect for adults
who do diet and the elderly because of their light weight.

Inatome International exhibited several types
of products. There were small goods, such as coin purses and cases
for glasses, cards, keys, cell phones, etc.

“3D Fit Socks” caught my attention, because they are engineered to
a 90 degree angle to fit the heel perfectly. This ergonomic sock is designed
to be more comfortable, as there is no tightness, no bunching at the ankles.
Mr. Keiji Inatome explained that, “until now, there were only cylindrically
knitted tube socks due to cost and technical issues.
This revolutionary new knitting technique uses new technology,
for unique and comfortable socks”, he said.

He also introduced a new type of porcelain dinnerware developed by
the artisans of Maruyoshi in Arita, which shows visible grains of iron ore.
In the past, soil that contained iron ore was discarded, because of the preference
for white porcelain. Now they are using both. And the visible grain dinnerware
is also nice.

SAIKA I in its first exhibit at the Gift Fair, introduced
tableware and household articles in glass, porcelain, Nambu cast iron and wood.

I especially liked the southern iron objects.

Right now, it is difficult to sell Japanese products in the United States,
because of the strong yen. However, I expect these cool and new technology
products to penetrate the U.S. market in the future.