JFW Tex Div.
Dec.20.2012

PTJ2013A/W&JFW-JC2013Final Report

Premium Textile Japan 2013Autumn/WinterJFW JAPAN CREATION 2013

Final Report

Concurrently held shows, <JFW JAPAN CREATION 2013(JFW-JC2013)> and <Premium
Textile Japan 2013 Autumn/Winter (PTJ2013 AW)>, organized by the Japan Fashion Week
Organization (JFW), took place over 2 days, Nov. 20 and 21 at the Tokyo International
Forum at Yurakucho, Tokyo. <JFW-JC2013> hosted 246 companies (covering 215.5 boothspaces) whereas 76 companies (covering 85.5 booths) participated in <PTJ2013 AW>,
alongside the East Japan Reconstruction Assistance Corner, <J. FACTORY>, with theparticipation of 25 companies (factory zone: 14 companies/14 booths, textile zone: 11
companies/11 booths), making the fairs a success; awash with numerous visitors at a newly
located venue, with over 1.5 times as many visitors on the second day alone (compared to
the 1st day), generating a wealth of fruitful business negotiation throughout the fairground.
< Dates / Time > Nov. 20 – 21, 2012 (Tue. – Wed.) / 10:00 - 18:00< Venue > Tokyo International Forum / Exhibition Hall, Lobby Gallery< Organiser > Japan Fashion Week Organization
JFW Textile Division Steering Committee< No. of exhibitors >JFW-JC2013 :246 companies (215.5 standard booths)* incl. overseas exhibitors : 35 companies ( 34 standard booths)

PTJ2013AW : 76 companies (85.5 standard booths)* incl. J.Factory 11 companies (11 standard booths)* incl. overseas exhibitors : 2 companies (3 standard booths)
J.Factory : Factory Zone : 14 companies (14 standard booths)
Textile Zone : 11 companies (11 standard booths) (within PTJ2013AW)< Total no.of visitors >16,152 (incl.visitors to PTJ :6,903)
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PTJ2013A/W&JFW-JC2013Final Report- Feedback from domestic exhibitors >>> Fair awash with eager visitors alongside internationality.
< JFW-JC2013 >NIKKE showcased luxurious high-grade fabrics, including their top product, ‘GOLDEN
MAF’, at the <JFW-JC2013>. Comment as follows: ‘Since the JFW-JC fair is a total textile
fair, it attracts numerous visitors, including not only overseas/domestic apparel/department
store related buyers, but also future designers. Accordingly, we find it the perfect opportunityand platform to promote our corporate brand by presenting the charm and impression ofwool to wide-ranging visitors.’
Likewise, the Woolmark Company also exhibited at the same fair; targetingwide-ranging visitors from students to professionals, and won positive, favourable
responses, especially for their overseas collection corner ‘The Wool Lab’ with13/14
autumn/winter directions. ‘The corner attracted many visitors who looked into the display
quite eagerly. We even had requirements for swatches and were glad to give them ourcontacts,’ they exclaimed.
The COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF KISOGAWA introduced theirproject called ‘ISHIN DENSHIN’, which involves utilizing waste of a noted local product,
onion skins, for dyeing T-shirts. They were successfully able to promote this activity togenerate a new industry by linking textile and crops (onions), to numerous show visitors,
according to the staff.
NIHON KEISEN KAISHA, LTD. showcased their originally finished product,’Miracle shadow cool’ aiming to cultivate new customers at the <JFW-JC2013> fair. This
newly developed product is a fabric specifically finished by fixing the textile with a rugged
and creased texture, without using resin which is highly durable, as dotted patterns appear
when seen through light. The presentation of such products with high originality seems tohave become popular.
‘Far more visitors than we had expected.’ (Daiichi Orimono Co., Ltd.), ‘So prosperous’(Fukushima Silk Weavers’ Association), ‘ Never before seen such an excited atmosphere in
textile-related fairs’. (apparel-related visitor) The show retained a flourishing atmospherewith many satisfactory comments: ‘Far more visitors than we had expected’, ‘Such a great
turnout’ …!
< PTJ2013AW >The degree of satisfaction already seemed high from their previous PTJ participation,
where they received many visitors. The objective of OMI ORIMONO CO., LTD., was to2

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PTJ2013A/W&JFW-JC2013Final Reportpromote the potential of inkjet prints via wide-ranging strengths, from prints resembling
weaves, using a single design for enlargement/reduction, dealing with a small batch quantity
and/or short-term delivery, ‘trying to attract numerous visitors’, responding with eagerness.
WATANABE PILE TEXTILE CO., LTD. is now aiming to recreate a new material universe
originating from a towel category, and showcased pile fabrics made of animal fibre blends
dyed in colours originating from the nature of Japan, such as Katsunuma wine, Shodo island
olive, Tamba chestnuts and so on, for a nuanced tonality. ‘What we seek is not only business
opportunity, but also comrades. If we could form a team to create a brand for a productrange covering tops/inner to bottom wear, starting from the same material to be developed
into piles, cut and sewn, and fabrics.’
TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC., prior to their private exhibition for 2013 AW to be held in
Dec., presented their newly launched exothermic/heat retaining products ‘Cross Warm’ attheir booth, where they received a far greater total of visitors during the two-day show
compared with the 3-day show the previous year. ‘We received buyers not only from Japan,
but also from China and Korea, which proves the growth in internationality’ they evaluatedthe fair.

- Feedback from overseas exhibitors <JFW-JC> welcomed 35 overseas exhibitors this time, a dramatic increase from theprevious 20. These included 18 companies from Korea, backed up by KOFOTI (Korea
Federation of Textile Industries) with whom we, at JFW, concluded an MOU for textile
business collaborative activities, 11 companies from Taiwan, 5 companies from Thailandand 1 company from Hong Kong.
Mr. KIM, DONG-SOO, Executive Vice Chairman, KOFOTI commented ‘It is an excellent
exhibition. Although KOFOTI is capable of recruiting exhibitors, JFW excels in managing
the fair, so we would further like to improve our own event by following the JFW example.’
SSANGYOUNG SPINNING CO., INC. from Korea showcased ‘Korean paper’. ‘We havebeen producing paper yarn to sell yarns, fabrics, and items such as socks and innerwear forover 25 years. We even sell ties made of silk and paper.’ they explained, promoting theecological credentials of their products.
Ms. Judy Yang, Director of the Market Development Dept., TTF (Taiwan Textile
Federation), who adopted a coordinating stance for their participation, commented: ‘It was3

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PTJ2013A/W&JFW-JC2013Final Report

our first appearance. Although we participate in foreign shows, like in the USA/China, thescales of which may exceed that of JFW-JC, we find the quality of Japanese buyers as wellas the show itself great and excellent, and intend to continue participating next time,
hopefully in a double booth if possible, while Ms. Melodie Lin, Project Manager of Overseas
Marketing Section commented ‘We find the JC fair a perfect occasion as we can introduce
our Taiwanese collections to high-grade sourcing buyers. I find it a successful,well-established platform, which paves the way for creating global business opportunities.’
SPUN SILK WORLD CO., LTD from Thailand commented ‘Our participation was
supported by government. Although most of the production is for Japan, we decided toparticipate this time to find new customers and showcase our new items. We believe our
fabrics have higher quality and better responsive handling compared with Chinese silk.’
showing active performances to sell their products.

－ Visitors’ feedback －The venue is awash with visitors. Buyers are checking showcased products so eagerly
while the negotiation salons are fully packed. I felt a lively atmosphere’, commented Mr.
Akikazu Shimomura, Chairperson of the Japan Textile Federation. As for the newly set up<J. FACTORY> event, ‘it was a timely event, and as Japan is now in transition fromrestoration to reconstruction, I strongly felt both the eagerness and solidarity of the
Tohoku people.’ he continued.
Mr. Hiroshi Watanabe, Deputy Director-General, Manufacturing Industries Bureau, METI
(Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) stated his impressions,‘I was very impressedby the show, as I could witness the ceaseless striving to create maximum added value interms of quality and efficiency by maximizing the appeal of the strength and features ourcountry’s textile industry; generated from various textile producing regions and also how theshow provides textiles through fashion trend directions.’< J. Factory > The East Japan Reconstruction Assistance Corner
The <PTJ> fair featured <J. FACTORY>, organized by the Organization of Small &Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, targeting East Japan reconstruction andinviting a total of 25 companies from the designated area by the same organization; 14
companies in the Factory Zone (in the lobby gallery space) and 11 companies in the Textile
Zone (within the PTJ venue).
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PTJ2013A/W&JFW-JC2013Final Report

NIHON HOMESPUN CO., LTD, exhibiting in the Textile Zone and a constant exhibitorin the PTJ, explained that they acquire new deals with several companies every time they
participate. ‘This fair is an important platform for our company; one which allows us to
showcase our newly developed products, which is also what visitors expect to see, we
suppose. This time we attained the greatest number of deals’ According to the planning
manager, Kuniko Kikuchi, the tendency for people to source high-quality but reasonably
priced products, seemingly original and previously unseen, seems amply reflected in the
numerous buyers this time. We consider the link-up with the newly established <J. Factory>
event to have been successful; exhibiting alongside sewing companies to promote ourstrength and originality and thus achieve a fruitful result. We sincerely hope such joint
promotional activity will also be continuously provided in future.’
IWATE MORIYA CO., LTD., which participated in the Factory Zone, commented‘Buyers to the <J.Factory> were lucid individuals, with sound judgement, retaining their own
sensibilities and clearly aware of the importance of premium and distinguished quality.’
He continued ‘We strongly felt that the JFW serves as a core; facilitating a horizontal link
between the upstream, midstream and downstream of the textile fashion industry to realize
a truly global fashion business of which Japan can be proud.’‘We have confidence in our quality at sewing factories in Japan, and would like many
people to witness that capability. If domestic factories were to disappear from Japan, there
would be no more ‘made in Japan’ either. By taking this opportunity, we would like to achieve
more collaborative works between textiles and sewing technicity (of sewing).’ He alsomentioned, ‘We have previously experienced product shows, but always felt that ourstrength (technicity) can be more efficiently promoted via the PTJ or JFW-JC show, which
attracts so many material creation professionals, which we reaffirmed by participating once
again in the <J . Factory> this time’
Indeed, the Japanese sewing industry has survived hard times, dealing with even themost difficult products to be sewn. Sewing factories have accepted a whole range of work,with even complicated fabrics, without complaining, to complete garments over past years,
even as fabrics evolve in many aspects, Such accumulated hard work has generated
unrivalled technique, helping distinguish end products from overseas production, where theimportance of mass production outweighs that of quality itself.

If such sewing capability

and textiles could be unified, a new stage would appear where innovative creation blooms.
Voices reflecting such hope and possibility were heard around the venue, demanding the‘Continuation of the J. FACTORY project for next time.’
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PTJ2013A/W&JFW-JC2013Final Report

Business matching programmeContinuing from previous shows, a business matching programme with VIP buyers was
executed at the <PTJ> fair. These VIP buyers included companies, Sanyo Shokai Ltd.
(allegri /EPOCA /EPOCA UOMO), Ito-Yokado Co., Ltd. (‘MADE IN JAPAN’ Project Team),
Takashimaya Co., Ltd. (Crossmedia Business - Catalogue Sales Div.), alongside designers’
maisons, ‘everlasting sprout’ (Keiichi Muramatsu), ‘HISUI’ (Hiroko Ito), ‘SOMARTA’ (Tamae
Hirokawa), ‘THEATRE PRODUCTS’ (Akira Takeuchi/Tayuka Nakanishi)
Takashimayac Co., Ltd.
Michiyo Suzuki, Deputy Manager, Crossmedia Business, Catalogue Sales Div.
Fuminori Nagai, Section Manager, Crossmedia Business, Catalogue Sales Div.
This was our inaugural participation. We met 3 fabric makers in this matching programme
and found uncompromising fabrics, full of story nature. Our division is tasked with non-store
retailing of mixed media via channels including Internet, catalogue and TV shopping, while
the products we sell are almost like PB, meaning if we take up knits, then we source fromyarns to manufacture factories. We also procure fabrics and seek products ‘made in Japan’
for added value, which is sought out and largely supported by our department store clients.
Although the homogenization of shop front products has become problematic, we still doour utmost to go and source upstream to provide products with originality, as we also
consider it our role to preserve Japanese traditions as a department store, and would like tosurvive alongside those textile producing regions. We feel that textile regions anddepartment stores should further collaborate in future.
□HISUI - Hiroko Ito / Designer Although this was the first time we had participated in this matching programme, I was
satisfied to have joined it and was able to meet with 4 companies. Initially I was looking forjacquard and found more variation in their booths after the meeting. I decided that it was
the right approach this time, as we tend to lose track of what we want in huge shows,where it is impossible to visit all booths, and encountered a company with which I would
like to work. I think it is very significant to discuss with producers/suppliers directly,
although I sometimes purchase fabrics from a trading company. Many fabrics come from
China in the actual market, despite concern at a gap between samples andmass-produced fabrics and while we feel safe with Japanese fabrics. I would request thatfabric makers further develop their own features.
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PTJ2013A/W&JFW-JC2013Final Report□everlasting sprout- Keiichi Muramatsu / Designer -We met with 5 companies, and were interested in some of the fabrics we saw. It was niceto be seated in a separate space for negotiations, although still within the fair venue, as we
could ask several questions freely and calmly.

Since discussing with factory staff is also

important, I travel to Hamamatsu, Sumida in Tokyo, or textile regions in Aichi. I believe it iseasier to convey more things to clients when factories are behind the creation. Moreover, if
there is story nature, this helps us sell our garments for some added value. This also
requires sensibility on the part of fabric makers, which would be all the more important in ourcreation, as conversation facilitates mutual understanding.

Although designers are often

said to have concerns over small batch order placements, such problems can be solved
after searching for ideas somehow, if we can plan and sell according to conditions. We hopeto establish a mutually understanding relationship.

Info. exchange meeting with buyers invited by JETROOn Nov. 22, the day after <JFW-JC> and <PTJ> shows ended, an info. exchange
meeting for 9 overseas buyers invited by JETRO (from China and Korea) and 7 Japanese
exhibitors was held, with the objective of acquiring honest and open opinions by buyers to
be exploited for further business and/or fair participation.
Most buyers who participated in the exchange meeting this time were young designers
who are locally evolving brands, as well as business experts who already have businessexperiences with Japanese companies to date. In terms of fabrics, ‘made in Japan’, highquality and development capability were all highly evaluated. Conversely, when it came toprice issue, ‘expensive’ was heard by the majority,
due to the exchange rate issue caused by a strong Yen alongside the problem of theminimum quantity batch, namely the fact that it was too large. A design requirement also
emerged, namely the fact that solid fabrics outweigh the solid, with design/pattern proposals
with greater added value demanded, reflecting the importance of distinction in design for
China/Korea.
Feedback from the Japan side was ‘adjustable’ based on their requirement for small
batch/price issues, seeking potential via discussions. Since the market goes beyond Japan,
there will be an increasing need to reinforce mutual communications to further promotefabrics to overseas markets.

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PTJ2013A/W&JFW-JC2013Final Report

The 6th <FORM PRESENTATION> Display presentation by 8 groups
Garments created by participants from 8 groups in the 6th <FORM PRESENTATION>
were displayed at the lobby gallery. Under the theme, ‘New age ecological fabrics’ andfocusing on the topic ‘What is the ecology required by textiles?’, which can be the basis of
the fashion industry, this event, which was intended to cultivate human resources, seeking
creativity for enlightenment, was executed through <tencel> and <modal> ecological fabrics.
A total of 42 groups from 14 fashion related schools participated under the fashion theme‘Theatre VI-S-TA’ (la mode du theatre), after having applied to the jury held in October.
Subsequently, 8 groups were selected by the jury, who participated in tours of textile regions
to create garments in collaboration with sponsored fabric makers. These groups included:‘Cryin Sympathy’ (Ueda College of Fashion), ‘Procter’ (Osaka Mode Gakuen), ‘MOB’(Chubu Fashion College), ‘TETRA’ (Dressmaker Gakuin), ‘tone’ (Bunka Gakuen University),‘LABO’ (Bunka Fashion Graduate University), ‘no name’ (Bunka Fashion Graduate
University), and ‘ai maeyama’ (Bunka Fashion College).

Forum - With the themes, ‘Overseas market development’ &‘Ecological fabrics’ Leading industry lecturers discussed the state of current Japanese textiles and markets,
centring on updated information and themes. This occasion featured seminars on topics
such as ‘overseas market development’ related to the PTJ special exhibition, ‘East Japan
Reconstruction Assistance Corner’, as well as the theme of ‘ecological fabrics’ foracademic-industrial collaboration.
In a seminar related to <J. Factory>, the coordinator of its corner, Mr. Takashi Kataoka(Takashi Kataoka Design Office) lectured on ‘Why ‘Made in Japan’ now ?’ while Mr. Koji
Shimada (Representative Director, Institute of business development Co., Ltd.) discussed‘Overseas market development: Here is the business chance for Japan products’;
introducing actual sales network development case examples.
In the <FORM PRESENTATION> related seminars, Mr. Steve Jones, Head of Sales, Asia
Pacific, Lenzing Fibres held a lecture on ‘New colours on Lenzing Modal’, while Mr. Andreas
Dorner, Global Marketing Director, Lenzing Fibres discussed the ‘Importance of Lenzing
Supply chain marketing’.

<PIGGY’S SPECIAL> - Pigskin fashion show The <PIGGY’S SPECIAL> show, a constant pigskin fashion event at the JFW-JC fair,
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PTJ2013A/W&JFW-JC2013Final Reportorganized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Tokyo District Conference of theTanning Industry, was held on Nov. 20 & 21, targeting efforts to increase demand for pigskin,which is the only such product in Japan usable for leather materials as a self-sufficient
by-product.
Collaborated brands, ’ DRESSEDUNDRESSED’ expressed the Japanese beauty ofsimplicity via the theme of <Japonism>, while Atsushi Nakashima, who won the DHL Awardat the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo’ held in October (organized byJFW) presented a collection under the theme <Crossed culture>, featuring dresses
resembling origami (folding paper)or kirie (cutout pictures), suggesting new potential for
pigskin usage.
This show event, appointed by Tokyo District to fashion schools in Tokyo, is a perfectplace for students to express and present what they learned at school. The way the students
played the models was also very well received, attracting a large number of audiencearound the young.

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PTJ2013A/W&JFW-JC2013Final Report■ Premium Textile Japan 2014 Spring/Summer (Textile business negotiation salon)
The Premium Textile Japan (PTJ) was launched, targeting efforts to provide a businessmatching platform where top domestic and overseas buyers and suppliers converge, andnow celebrates its 5th anniversary. The fair is widely acclaimed by buyers as an active,
animated event, which has firmly established its presence. Most visitors comprise appareldesigners and MDs who are decision-makers for fabric procurement, making the fair a realbusiness-oriented negotiation salon. A productive and in-depth business related programme
coordinated by the organiser, such as business matching, also adds to the appeal of this key
event.
It is the only premium textile salon which provides authentic brands and products;
striving to invite textile buyers of high-end brands, not only from domestic markets but also
those from overseas, such as Asia centring on China. We will start recruiting exhibitors from
Jan. 2013, for the 5th edition of the PTJ fair to be held in May at the Tokyo International
Forum, targeting further completion.
Dates: May 8 – 9, 2013 (Wed. – Thu.) (10:00-18:00)
Organiser: Japan Fashion Week Organization
Visitors: Buyers and invited visitors only < Admission:
Exhibitors:

free >

Strictly selected companies having passed documentary inspections
as well as fabric samples.

No participation by group/association permitted – unless regional brands are included.
Participation fee:

JPY 500,000 (incl. tax) / 1 standard booth: 8 sqm. (W4m x D2m= 8 ㎡）

Scale (No. of standard booths) planned: 80 standard booths< Schedule >Feb. 15, 2013 (Fri.):

Application deadline

Feb. 22, 2013 (Fri.):Announcement of exhibitors

End/Feb., 2013:

Announcement of JFW Textile Trend 2014 Spring/Summer

Beg./Mar., 2013:

Briefing of the fair to exhibitors (in Tokyo)< Future programmes of next fiscal year >■ JFW JAPAN CREATION 2014
■ Premium Textile Japan 2014Autumn/Winter< Dates > Nov. 20 – 21, 2013 (Wed. – Thu.)< Opening hours > 10:00 – 18:00< Venue > Tokyo International Forum / Hall 1 & 2 (5,000 sqm.)

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