MANILA, Philippines - A Japanese design expert has urged local exporters to create designs based around the Japanese philosophy and lifestyle in order to attract more buyers from the Asian economic powerhouse.
Junya Kitagawara, who was in Manila recently to brief exhibitors of Manila F.A.M.E. International, a bi-annual tradeshow for home and fashion lifestyle products led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), said Japanese design revolves around the colors of four seasons: flower embellishments and accessories for spring, cool colors for summer, and warm colors for autumn and winter.
He also reiterated the value of space in Japan suggesting that products that can be “stacked, piled, or folded up” can have strong marketability.
Manila FAME focused on Japan as partner country. Philippine trade promotion activities in Japan generated $38 million in 2009, affirming the concrete gains from the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Agreement (JPEPA). Japanese buyers who visited Manila F.A.M.E. International in April and October 2009 contributed $1.6 million and $1.9 million sales, respectively.
Kitagawara, speaking at the Manila F.A.M.E. seminar, said the manufacturers’ aim should be to design products that connect with the consumer or target market. By studying the design philosophy early on, the design process becomes less about guesswork and is based on something the market needs.
The market’s age bracket is one important factor to consider when designing and making products, as shared by the Japanese designer. Those in their 60s and above, he said, go for the traditional while 20 to 30-year olds want simple and modern designs and are all for relaxation and comfort. Those in their 40s and 50s, meanwhile, is a mix of the young and the old, the traditional and the modern.
“The information we got from the Japanese expert really helped in letting us know what products would appeal to them. We should really know what our buyers want and through [Kitagawara] we were able to [do that],” said Nica Pagtakhan, local sales head of Lampara Trends Inc. a manufacturer of houseware and home décor.