The 17th International Jewellery Tokyo (IJT 2006) will open its doors to its biggest show ever at Tokyo Big Sight on January 25

to 28, 2006. Already the largest trade show for jewellery and gemstones in Japan, IJT will continue its grand record of success by welcoming 1,500 exhibitors, the largest figure ever, from both Japan and abroad. This is an increase of approx. 160 companies from the previous year.

IJT is long established as the leading venue for effective on-site jewellery business in Asia, regularly generating strong on-site sales figures for its many exhibitors. With proven business results and the healthy state of the Japanese economy, IJT 2006 looks to be an even more vibrant platform for companies the world over to succeed in the Japanese and Asian markets.

With a proven record for delivering attractive business opportunities to its international participants, international exhibitor numbers at IJT continue to increase. IJT 2006 will bring 600 top companies from 35 countries to Tokyo, approx. 35% of IJT's total participation.

Japan is the world's second largest jewellery market, and there is strong consumer demand for foreign products. Thus, its past track record has proven that IJT is the most effective platform for international companies to gain a foothold in this highly lucrative market.

The importance of this show can be seen by the number of country pavilions installed by Italy, Germany, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Belgium, Thailand, India, Australia, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Korea. Furthermore, individual exhibitors come from around the world, including Australia, China, Poland, USA, UK and Singapore - to name just a few. Large numbers of Japanese companies as well as many niche SME's also have high expectations for IJT 2006. Participants from Japan include world-renowned pearl companies such as Tasaki, Takahashi, Rokko, etc.

"Diamond World," IJT's special highlight, opened in 2004 and functions as the major venue for direct business negotiations between world diamond suppliers and Japanese buyers. Japan is the world's second largest diamond market, and the spectacular success of the first Diamond World has ensured this area's rapid expansion. Exhibitors come from all the prime diamond-cutting and trading centres, such as Israel, Belgium, India, and other leading areas. Answering to strong market demand, these companies offer extensive ranges of diamonds of various cut, colour, clarity and size, new cutting techniques, rare diamonds and exquisitely designed diamond jewellery.

The "DTC Sightholder Booth," found exclusively at IJT, features approximately 30 worldwide sightholders, and will again return as a major part of Diamond World in 2006, with an even larger presence than before. For 2006, DTC has increased their booth size by approximately 23 percent.

Big diamond players continue their presence at IJT, such as the leading of Russian diamond corporation Alrosa, which holds 99% of the Russian diamond mining market, as well as Canada's BHP, and many more famous names. The enthusiasm for Diamond World is reflecting faster than expected growth in the Japanese market. Diamond companies also recognise that a share of the Japanese market is essential for establishing a share of the world diamond market.

The extensive range of exhibits attracts large numbers of quality buyers to IJT. Industry professionals from all over Japan regard IJT as an important sourcing venue, with 36,000 slated to visit the show in 2006. Within this figure, 2,500 are expected from overseas. IJT attracts buyers from all over the world, particularly from nearby Asian countries, such as Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippines. These buyers take advantage of the ideal proximity of Japan, helping to save both travel time and costs. IJT is the prime centre for highly reputed Japanese and international products, which feature unique designs that fit Asian tastes.