Rooted in Craft: DESIGNPhilippines Returns to Tokyo International Gift Show 2026
An exhibition grounded in nature, culture, and community sums up DESIGNPhilippines’ TIGS 2026 participation.
By Aly Dela Peña
The Philippines is poised to return to the Tokyo International Gifts Show, considered the biggest in Japan, on September 2-4, 2026. It will be held in Tokyo Big Sight and will host about 3,000 exhibitors for its 102nd edition.
The Center for International Trade Exhibitions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will bring together 19 manufacturers under the DESIGNPhilippines banner. The selected brands will demonstrate the country’s proficiency in transforming natural materials such as abaca, capiz, pandan, pineapple, and rattan into home decor and houseware, fashion accessories and wearables, and premium gifts.
The autumn edition of TIGS is considered as the Philippines’ third participation in recent years, after its comeback in 2024. The delegation follows the theme “Rooted”. According to Creative Directors Wataru Sakuma and Stanley Ruiz, who have been DESIGNPhilippines’ consistent mentors for the Japanese market, the theme highlights contemporary design that draws strength from local materials, cultural heritage, and community craftsmanship. These three pillars–nature, culture, and community–are embedded in each of their designs.
“This is a promising platform for our homegrown brands,” said CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo. “We want to keep the momentum after last year’s warm reception and acceptance. I’m confident that our 19 exhibitors for this TIGS can provide the requirements of the Japanese market for our sustainability, fine craftsmanship, and design prowess.”
Blurring the lines of Philippine and Japanese values and craftsmanship
The Creative Directors study the likeness of Philippine and Japanese artistry. Monozokuri, literally “making of things,” is a Japanese philosophy that puts value in the skill, dedication, and process of creation. On the other hand, Bayanihan, or a spirit of communal unity and cooperation, is a fundamental Filipino core value that is seen in the way artisans come together to shape each piece of a collection. Both principles are married in “Rooted.”
The designers believe that amid the globalized, digitalized, and automated world, more and more people are searching for products that feel genuine, connected, and meaningful.
Meanwhile, according to a survey by Statista in 2024, buying durable products was the most common sustainable shopping behavior among consumers in Japan. The Philippines embraces a practice of resourcefulness in their craft by making use of waste materials or byproducts to create something new.
Premium Box Corporation, a manufacturer of bespoke handmade packaging, repurposes its scraps by creating paper mache home decor and is joining the Philippine delegation.
Shells and mother of pearl are upcycled by Island RKOC, a brand that creates handmade tiles and accessory products. Their shellcraft include embellished tableware and kitchenware.
Meanwhile, Green Inc. uses rattan and other Philippine indigenous materials to create storage and organizers, decor, and home accents. They even captured the attention of Germany-based trade show Ambiente, which awarded them the Ethical Style recognition.
Also joining is Obra ni Luzviminda, a 2024 Good Design Award winner for their Obra Ceramics. It’s a set of stackable, multifunctional, and hand-painted ceramic pieces that doubles as functional dinnerware or ornamental decor.
The Philippines’ TIGS participation is made in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Tokyo.
Other co-located shows during TIGS are The Gourmet Show, TIGS Living & Design, and TIGS LIFE X DESIGN.
The 72 sqm Philippine pavilion at TIGS is located at West4-T52-04 open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
CITEM is the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It is the organizer of Manila FAME, the Philippines’ premier trade show for quality home, fashion, and lifestyle products. Its next edition is set on October 15-17, 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City.
Book a meeting with Philippine exporters at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/3xVNWUu8bg.
Learn more about the participation at https://fameplus.com/trade_fairs/tokyo-international-gift-show-2026.
