The 16th International Jewellery Tokyo (IJT) 2005, held from January 26 to 29 at Tokyo Big Sight, exceeded all expectations, turning in a performance that established itself as a major center of global business in Asia. With record visitor and exhibitor attendance, the buzz on the floor was that this year was the most successful yet for Asia's first major jewellery trade show of the year.

Excellent Business Results on Strength of Record Attendance::::
A record number of 1,338 exhibitors turned out on the floor to show their products at IJT 2005. 497 of the exhibitors came from overseas, representing 33 of the world's major global jewellery producing regions. The show was equally diverse in terms of the range of products displayed. Everything from the most cutting-edge designer set pieces to new cuts of diamond, from the latest product design technologies to the finest pearls was to be found throughout the five exhibition halls. The huge number of visitors to the show led to four days of heated business activity, with a new high of 34,623 registered visitors taking part in the record-breaking event. The bulk of these visitors were retailers, wholesalers and distributors, and manufacturers, representing all major Japanese regions from Hokkaido to Kyushu, as well as a significant number from Asia and the rest of the world.

Exhibitors commented on the large number of visitors who came to the show three or even four days to take advantage of the year's best buying venue in Japan. This trend contributed to increased on-site orders. "We made 50 million JPY in sales to new customers and 40 million JPY in sales to existing customers," said Hideaki Sawa, of Jewellery Murao. "Buyers coming on consecutive days meant that we could have more expansive business discussions."

A boost in the international diversity of the fair was another factor contributing to its dynamic environment. The number of overseas exhibitors shot up over last year, and the presence of the major European countries, including Italy, Germany, France, and Austria, expanded. The Asian pavilions also reported growth, with Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and Sri Lanka posting strong showings.

Mr. Aaron Shum, Chairman of Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers' Association, which organises the Hong Kong Pavilion, spoke optimistically of the success experienced by most overseas exhibitors. "On the whole our exhibitors have been reporting increased business and many have been able to meet new buyers" he said. "Show conditions generally seem improved over last year. Based on the business boost we saw this year, we will be increasing the pavilion space for next year."

The show also grew in its role as a gateway to not only Japan, but also to the entirety of Asia and the rest of the world. Many exhibitors reported business with overseas buyers, especially with buyers from the major Asian markets. Heads of major Asian retail chains were invited to participate in the Ribbon Cut Ceremony and do business, including Golden Dew Co. and Princess Jewelry from Seoul, Korea, Tony Jewelry from Busan, Korea, Se-Jong Corporation from Iksan, Korea, Beijing Shi Ji Ming Ren Jewelry from Beijing, China, Shanghai Laomiao Jewelry Co. from Shanghai, China, Luk Fook Holdings from Hong Kong, Frank Jewellery Co. from Taipei, Taiwan and Chin Pao Cheng Jewelry from Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Many exhibitors reported increasing business with Asian buyers at IJT. "Some Korean buyers we had made initial contact with in Hong Kong stopped by our booth here and signed a contract," said Rosa Signoretti, Sales Manager of Signoretti, an Italian jeweller. Philippe G. Vasseur, Director of La Peregrina chimed in, "So far we have done business with many Taiwanese and Korean customers. The quality of the buyers is extremely high - unlike other parts of the world, Asians really know their products."

New visitors to the show from far-off regions were also enthusiastic. "We came to look at makers of 3D modeling machines," said first-time visitor Alfredo Buhler of 88Findings, a Canadian firm, "and since all of the makers we want to see are here, instead of going to four different countries, we just came to IJT. We are very impressed by the quality of this truly large-scale show."

Diamond World Outshines Last Year's Initial Success::::
Diamond World first went on display at last year's IJT, and concluded as a huge success, garnering praise from all quarters of the industry. This year was no different, as the area attracted 130 diamond specialists from the world's major diamond cutting and trading centers, including Israel, Belgium and India, to display their goods. The area nearly doubled in terms of floor space, and once again the presence of the DTC and their 32 sightholders added serious credibility to the area.

IJT is the only tradeshow in the world where DTC sightholders gather under a large pavilion, a fact that attracts much attention from the global diamond professionals. Over the four days of the show the area saw a high level of activity, with exhibitors engaged in all aspects of business, from promoting the brand to hard sales. Domestic and overseas visitors involved in the diamond trade expressed their pleasure at such a comprehensive gathering of global sightholders. DTC Japan President David Rudlin proclaimed the show a success for everyone involved. "There's more excitement. The quality of the booth presentations improved dramatically [over last year], allowing the personalities and unique strengths of each sightholder to shine through." He pointed to the wide display of new marketing concepts, cuts, and quality standards as some attributes that enhanced this year's performance. "It was impossible not to be impressed by the possibilities," he said.

The positive buzz from Diamond World was in part due to a turnaround in Japanese market conditions. In 2004 diamond jewelry retail sales grew by 3%, marking the first back-to-back growth since 1991 [according to DTC figures]. The fact that the diamond market grew despite a small decline in total jewelry sales also contributed to this air of optimism that pervaded the Diamond World area.

Special Events Promote Business and Enhance Atmosphere::::
To inaugurate the 16th annual IJT, the traditional IJT Ribbon Cut Opening Ceremony was held in the main hall at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, January 26th, the first day of the show. 51 leaders from industry organisations, government representatives, leaders of overseas and domestic jewellery retail chains and retailers participated in the event. Tad Ishizumi, the president of Reed Exhibitions Japan, inaugurated the event with a warm welcome speech. The Reception Party rounded up the events of the first day, treating exhibitors, visitors, dignitaries from government offices, relevant industry figures, and other guests to festivities in the Conference Tower of Big Sight. Around 1,000 guests crowded the party venue to talk about the latest industry trends and make new contacts. The highlight of the party was the Presentation Ceremony of the 16th Japan Best Jewellery Wearer Awards. The Japan Best Jewellery Wearer Awards has been a huge draw since its inception at the very first IJT. Both trade and general media provide major coverage of this event, which helps strengthen the appeal of the jewellery industry and promote consumption in Japan. This year was no different, with a number of Japan's popular celebrities receiving awards for their glamorous public images, which the industry believes will help actively promote jewellery consumption over the course of the year. At least 161 members of the media were on hand to capture the event. Exhibitors presented these celebrities with representative pieces from their latest collections.

Providing a more educational side to the fair were the 10 IJT Seminars held January 27 and 28. The seminars, which were grouped under marketing and sales themes, have become an integral part of IJT, covering marketing, customer service, display techniques, and other topics. They offered professionals a unique opportunity to share know-how and gain new perspective on industry practices. This year's sessions were attended by a record 852 industry professionals. IJT 2006 already looks to be bigger and better than 2005. Based on this year's strong performance, management reports that the show is already booking up fast, with new applications coming in every day. To meet the increased demand for booth space, IJT 2006 will increase from five to six halls of the Big Sight East Hall Area, filling it to full capacity.