Development of the Japanese furniture market for companies from East Westphalia-Lippe

Italian manufacturer are still regarded as a leader in terms of design and quality in Japan. Co-financed by the EU and the German state of North Westphalia the project aims at acquainting the potential of the German furniture industry using the example of four furniture manufacturers from East Westphalia-Lippe in the Japanese market and to strengthen the German-Japanese cooperation in the furniture sector. In cooperation with the JETRO Berlin and Japanese Furniture Manufacturers Association IDAFIJ the project will create market entry concepts and conduct management and training seminars including follow-up fairs in Japan.

German companies are offering many advantages for a market entry in Japan:

• Entry into the second largest market in the world with sales opportunities in other Asian markets
• Japan is regarded as a reference location for internationally successful involvement in the business
• The furniture imports to Japan are have steadily increased since 1993, while the sales of domestic manufacturers have been declined
• The Japanese market is an ideal export market opportunities for German companies, especially in the field of the upper middle-and high-price segment
• Seeking for opportunitiesin the Japanese marketin terms of quality, high functionalityand durability