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Companies Selected for the Project "TAKUMI NEXT 2024" to Support the Export of Traditional Crafts

—Products from 190 Companies Across 34 Prefectures Selected Based on International Buyers' Perspectives—

JETRO is launching the "TAKUMI NEXT 2024" project, which aims to support the export of attractive crafts, traditional handicrafts, and daily necessities from various regions across Japan. This year, 190 companies from 34 prefectures were selected as "Takumi" companies that represent the next generation of craftsmanship.

"TAKUMI NEXT" collaborates with 37 overseas buyers from the United States, Canada, France, Sweden, South Africa, Australia, Hong Kong, and other countries. These buyers possess a deep understanding of the value and stories behind the products while adopting a market-in approach that aligns with the local lifestyle and needs. They are actively selling Japanese crafts through e-commerce and other channels.

Since its inception in 2019, TAKUMI NEXT 2024 marks its sixth iteration. This year, products from 190 companies, including 131 first-time selected companies from 34 prefectures across Japan, were chosen by international buyers. These "Takumi" products, including crafts and traditional items selected by overseas buyers, will be promoted internationally through social media and overseas exhibitions (such as Sweden's Formex and the U.S.'s NY NOW). The selected companies will also engage in online business negotiations with international buyers, aiming to establish concrete sales opportunities in foreign markets.

Overview of the TAKUMI NEXT 2024 Project

Target Products

Products made in Japan with high design quality, including crafts, daily necessities, stationery, furniture, accessories, tableware, dishware, cutlery, kitchenware, fashion items and accessories, and other product items.

Support Details

Online Business Negotiations: Conducting business matching with partnered overseas buyers online.
Overseas Promotion Support: Promoting selected products through the official Instagram account of TAKUMI NEXT, "Essence of Japan," which has 10,000 to 20,000 followers, as well as through JETRO's B2B platform "Japan Street" and overseas exhibitions such as Sweden's Formex and NY NOW in the U.S.

Number of Selected Businesses and Organizations

190 companies and organizations

(from JETRO's press release)

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The excellent "shodo" (calligraphy) work announcement in August at the "shodo" contest in
"Shukan NY Seikatsu" (Newspaper in NYC) which we sponsor.
We will present our Kumanofude (calligraphy brush made in Kumano, Japan) to the winners for
the Year 2024 as an extra prize.

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We will take the summer vacation from August 11, 2024 (Sun) to August 16, 2024 (Fri).

In the case if we would receive an order from our website on and before August 7, 2024 (Wed), we would ship the merchant before the vacation.
In the case if we would receive an order from our website on and after August 8, 2024, we would start shipping after August 19, 2024 (Mon).
(If you have a special request, such as engraving the name on handle, please let us know in advance for the timing of delivery.)

Before and during the summer vacation, it is difficult for us to deliver your merchandise on the specific date & time even if you would request the designated delivery date & time. Please accept it in advance.

Inquiries during the summer vacation by a telephone and/or e-mail and/or our website, we cannot respond during the summer vacation.
We will respond after August 19, 2024 (Mon). Please accept it in advance.

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The excellent "shodo" (calligraphy) work announcement in July at the "shodo" contest in
"Shukan NY Seikatsu" (Newspaper in NYC) which we sponsor.
We will present our Kumanofude (calligraphy brush made in Kumano, Japan) to the winners for
the Year 2024 as an extra prize.

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The excellent "shodo" (calligraphy) work announcement in June at the "shodo" contest in
"Shukan NY Seikatsu" (Newspaper in NYC) which we sponsor.
We will present our Kumanofude (calligraphy brush made in Kumano, Japan) to the winners for
the Year 2024 as an extra prize.

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