CITEM brings 19 PH enterprises to largest B2B trade show in Japan

By Aly Dela Peña

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will bring 19 enterprises specializing in sustainable home decor, fashion, and gifts to the Tokyo International Gift Show (TIGS), Japan’s largest trade show, at the Tokyo Big Sight Convention Center on September 4-6, 2024.

Representing the country under the Design Philippines banner, the participating enterprises are expected to showcase products using techniques, styles, and materials that appeal to the Japanese market. TIGS features an estimated number of 3,000 exhibitors and attracts about 200,000 local and overseas buyers and visitors.

Designers Wataru Sakuma and Stanley Ruiz will curate the Philippine Pavilion for TIGS 2024. The tandem is steering the product designs towards sustainability and functionality.

Sakuma shared that they are focusing on the enterprises’ specialty and strengths while incorporating Japanese colors and patterns that suit the market. Ruiz reiterated, “We want to showcase ‘quiet products’—common objects—with an uncommon approach.”

With the intent to strengthen Philippine trade in Japan, the country is returning to the event after its last participation in 2016. The Philippine enterprises joining the international show will also participate in FINOPINAS, a B2B exhibit organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Tokyo for Filipino designers, artists, and brands at the Tokyo Midtown Design Hub on September 2-13, 2024. FINOPINAS will be concurrent with TIGS to further promote local design and artistry.

In October, CITEM will also be staging Manila FAME, the Philippines’ premier trade show for quality home, fashion, and lifestyle products. This year’s edition is expected to showcase over 300 exhibitors and attract thousands of buyers from all over the world.

See more quality home, fashion, and lifestyle products at www.fameplus.com and visit the DESIGN Philippines booth at TIGS Autumn 2024.