The Japan Fashion Week Organization (JFW) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will be exhibiting a special Japan pavilion, "The Japan Observatory," at the Milano Unica 2015AW, an Italian textile trade fair to be held from September 9th to 11th. A press conference was held on August 20th to announce the details of the exhibit. This marks the first time that a non-European country will exhibit at Milano Unica. Twenty-nine Japanese textile and related manufacturers and organizations will participate, promoting the appeal of Japanese textiles. According to Akira Kawashima, Executive Director of JFW's Textile Business, Silvio Albini, Chairman of Milano Unica, also expressed his excitement, saying, "This represents a new opportunity to build new bridges, pioneer new visions, and bring mutual benefits. We will collaborate with Japanese production companies, which are as high-quality and highly specialized as top Italian and European production companies." The venue will feature a visual design centered around Japan's iconic red and black. It will also feature a trend corner focusing on two seasonal trends proposed by JFW: "Time and Space Poetry" and "Shibu Kawaii Essence." It will also feature an index corner showcasing exhibitors' recommended materials, a business lounge, a relaxation area, and an exhibitor lounge. Furthermore, JETRO will attract buyers from leading brands that have previously visited Japan, with JETRO staff and interpreters on hand to support matching. Luxury brands such as Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta, CoSTUME NATIONAL, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, and Gucci are expected to attend.
JFW Chairman Miyake Masahiko said in his opening remarks, "I feel that the quality of Japan is being recognized internationally. I hope that everyone will take advantage of this opportunity." JFW Textile Business Steering Committee Chairman Kaihara Ryoji said, "We would like to continue to promote Japanese textiles, which combine artisanal techniques with the latest technology. We hope to create an exhibition that not only shows safety and security, but also shows our attitude of constantly developing new things, and gives people a sense of anticipation for the next season." It was also revealed that participation in the next season has been decided, and that applications for exhibitors will begin at the end of August.
Exhibiting companies include Toray Industries, Inc., Toray Synthetic Fiber Cluster (Komatsu Seiren Co., Ltd., Marui Orimono Co., Ltd., Fukui Warp Knitting Industry Co., Ltd.), SHINDO Co., Ltd., Daiichi Orimono Co., Ltd., Fukui Prefecture Textile Wholesalers Association (Asahi Kasei Intertextiles Co., Ltd., Tomita Shoji Co., Ltd., Hikari Shoji Co., Ltd., Hataoka Co., Ltd.), Yamanashi Prefecture Silk and Rayon Textile Industrial Association (Ito no Oto, Kawaei Co., Ltd., Maeda Gen Shoten Co., Ltd.), Fukuda Orimono Co., Ltd., Furuhashi Shokufu Co., Ltd., Ichinomiya Local Industry Fashion Design Center (Team GIFU, Sekikei Woolen Textile Co., Ltd., Chodai Co., Ltd., Toyama Sangyo Co., Ltd., Nakaden Woolen Textile Co., Ltd., Nikko Textile Co., Ltd., Hirano Co., Ltd., Miyata Woolen Industry Co., Ltd.), Hayashiyo Co., Ltd., Uni Seni Co., Ltd., Takisada Osaka Co., Ltd., Yagi Tsusho Co., Ltd., Kageyama Co., Ltd., A-Girls Co., Ltd., and JFW/JETRO. The main recommended materials include the lightest down jacket material (Yagi Tsusho), luxurious cut and sew material (A-Girls), and "Rainbow Silk" (Kawaei) made with multi-colored heathered yarn.
