From the Philippines to the world: Local manufacturers make waves in Japan

Aug. 17, 2010 - PRLog -- Designs and raw materials were the focus of this year’s participation at the recently concluded Interior Lifestyle exhibition held in Tokyo Big Sight, Japan. Eight Filipino manufacturers of home lifestyle products showcased their best wares to the discerning Japanese market with the two elements as the Philippines’ competitive edge.

“The market is very interested in new materials and design,” says Pete Delantar, CEO of Nature’s Legacy Eximport, Inc., a manufacturer of home accessories using recycled materials. This works well for Filipino manufacturers as he adds that materials manipulation and design are among the strong suits of Philippine-made products.

Takayoshi Nagashima, President of AIK Co., Ltd, a company that publishes The Home Living, agrees, saying, “The Philippines continues to produce creative pieces using indigenous materials as well as manipulations of raw and recycled materials that are aligned to the global trend of eco designs.”

Nature’s Legacy was among the three local companies chosen by the ASEAN-Japan Centre to be part of the ASEAN Pavilion, which is composed of other manufacturers from ASEAN member countries. Nature’s Legacy was joined by Filipino manufacturers Catalina Embroideries (lamps, cushion covers, mirrors, wall décor, vases) and Maze Manufacturing Co., Inc. (wrought iron furniture, home accessories).

After being part of the ASEAN Pavilion for several years now, the Philippines debuted its first country pavilion last year. This year’s Philippine Pavilion participants were Craft Mill, Inc. (gift items, storage organizers, furniture accents), First Binhi Crafts, Corporation (natural rustic baskets, topiary ornaments), Kalikasan Crafts (iron-based lamps and décor), Lightworks Resources, Inc. (resin-based wall art and décor), and TN Philippines, Inc. (resin/fiberglass-based lamps and décor).

“[Our] products [were] well-received especially [our] new collections of woven newspapers and recycled plastics. The Japanese market is looking for eco-friendly products,” shares Aurelio Caronan , General Manager and owner of TN Philippines.

First time participant Kalikasan Crafts was also able to get new business leads through the show. “Our products were widely accepted by the Japanese market first because [they] can relate to and identify with the difficult process of manufacturing our products— all Filipino-made products for that matter. The Japanese appreciate the application of difficult techniques. The sizes of the products we brought to the exhibition also fits the Japanese home,” explains owner Celia Jiao. “Philippine-made products have a good edge because our products have more depth and character,” she adds.

Best sellers from the Philippine contingent were wall art as well as gift items and storage organizers using recycled materials. Vases, containers, and lamps were also a hit as these are suitable for flower arrangements, mood lighting, and organizing which the Japanese are known for.

Interior Lifestyle is the leading design-oriented trade event for the Japanese interior market. The fair serves as the top trend pool for kitchen, dining, gift items, home accessories, as well as home textile.

Aside from being a country sell for the Philippines as a reliable source of products and services, the Philippine participation to Interior Lifestyle also serves as a preview to Manila F.A.M.E. International, a bi-annual tradeshow for home and lifestyle products scheduled on 18-21 October 2010 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. On it’s 52nd edition, the trade show continues with the evolution to establish itself as Asia’s Boutique Show with this year’s theme focusing on Japan as partner country, the Philippines’ second largest market.

The Tokyo participation as well as Manila F.A.M.E. International are projects organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry.

For more information, visit www.manilafame.com, or contact Manila F.A.M.E. Secretariat at (632) 833.1258/ 831.1265 or email manilafame@citem.com.ph.

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The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is an export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry.