With a highly curated selection of exhibitors and buyers, LIFE×DESIGN allowed us to gather a great deal of information about the Japanese market in a short period of time. Seeing a wide variety of products and styles in one place helped us better understand the market and consider our future brand and product development in Japan. We also felt very welcome as an overseas exhibitor. We were able to meet buyers from select shops and other stores whose philosophies matched our brand, making it a valuable opportunity for meaningful business connections.

Since spring 2024, we have entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with the Canadian bottle manufacturer AD-N-ART Inc., and we have been importing and distributing their popular “asobu” series of colorful and playful character bottles for the Japanese market. As “asobu” is a new brand in the Japanese market, it was necessary for us to build its sales channels and branding from the ground up. In this context, LIFE×DESIGN, held concurrently with the Gift Show, is one of Japan’s leading trade fairs and attracts numerous domestic and international buyers. We therefore decided to exhibit in order to explore new sales opportunities and business partnerships. As a result, over the course of the three-day event, more than 1,000 visitors stopped by our booth, and we successfully concluded new agreements with many businesses, including retailers with major stores in central Tokyo and large-scale wholesalers. We feel that the outcome far exceeded our expectations. We believe that continuing to exhibit at this event will help us gain greater visibility among buyers, expand our distribution channels, and improve brand recognition. We are committed to actively participating in future exhibitions as well.

We operate SWAY EDIT., a retail store in London specializing in Japanese-made lifestyle products.
One of the key attractions of LIFE×DESIGN is the opportunity to efficiently explore and discuss products across a wide range of categories. We can also consider products for our store after seeing them in person and gaining a deeper understanding of the stories and intentions behind the products.
Meeting such a diverse range of brands all in one place also leads to many discoveries, making it an extremely valuable experience for expanding and refreshing our storeʼs product lineup.

We operate a lifestyle store called “The Gilded Butler” in Bowral, Australia. This was our first visit to LIFE×DESIGN, and we were truly inspired by the wide range of products that beautifully combine Japanese craftsmanship with modern design. We also value the opportunity to meet exhibitors directly, discuss their products, and source products in person. We are currently introducing Japanese-made ceramics and other products sourced at LIFE×DESIGN in our store.