Editor’s Note
This article announces the inaugural Yamanashi Jewellery Fair (YJF), an international trade show highlighting the region’s unique craftsmanship through collaboration between industry, academia, and government.
Organized by Informa Markets Japan Co., Ltd. in collaboration with the Yamanashi Crystal Jewelry Association (hereinafter referred to as the “Suihokyo”), the “Yamanashi Jewellery Fair (hereinafter referred to as YJF)” will be held from April 12 to 14, 2023. This international jewellery trade show aims to showcase the unique characteristics of the jewellery production region through the integration of industry, academia, and government.
The inaugural YJF is expected to feature approximately 150 companies and artisans from Yamanashi Prefecture, known for their sophisticated techniques. The fair will gather companies, technologies, and products that can only be encountered at the Yamanashi Jewellery Fair. There is also high anticipation for the concurrent events that incorporate the unique charm of Yamanashi Prefecture as a jewellery production hub, offering numerous attractions not typically experienced at urban exhibitions. The Japan Jewellery Fair held in Yamanashi in 2021 attracted about 6,000 visitors from across Japan, leading to active business negotiations. With the easing of travel restrictions this year, participation from both domestic and international buyers is anticipated.
Official website for Yamanashi Jewellery Fair 2023:
Crossfor Co., known for the global hit “Dancing Stone,” has developed a new “Silky Touch Tennis Chain.” The factory tour will offer the first public viewing of the manufacturing site for this attention-grabbing tennis chain, known for its soft and smooth texture, produced using world-class pressing machines. On the day, visitors can also see other main product lines besides the tennis chain.
Structured around the theme “From the History of Jewellery to the Present and Future.” To represent “History,” exhibits stored at the Yamanashi Traditional Crafts Museum will be displayed. To represent the “Present,” there will be technical demonstrations by professional craftsmen belonging to the Gemstone Polishing Division, Precious Metal Craft Division, and Crystal Art Carving Division of the Yamanashi Crystal Jewelry Association. Works by students from the Yamanashi Prefectural Gemstone Art College, who represent the “Future,” will also be exhibited. This is a rare opportunity to see all of Yamanashi’s proud jewellery-related information in one place by simply visiting. *Gemstone polishing and processing demonstrations are scheduled to be held at the “Yamanashi Gem & Craftsman Pavilion.”
*Demonstrator information below:
[Precious Metal Processing]
・Kazari Kobo Fukazawa: Mr. Toshihiko Fukazawa *Master Craftsman (Contemporary Master Artisan)
・Koike Seisakusho: Mr. Yukio Koike *Master Craftsman (Yamanashi Master Artisan)
・Jewellery Furuya: Mr. Takao Furuya *Master Craftsman (Contemporary Master Artisan)
[Crystal Art Carving Processing]
・Kobo Tanaka Co., Ltd.: Mr. Yasuharu Tanaka *Master Craftsman (Contemporary Master Artisan)
・Takuma Gemstone Carving Co., Ltd.: Mr. Koji Takuma *Master Craftsman (Yamanashi Master Artisan)
[Gemstone Polishing Processing] *To be held at “Yamanashi Gem & Craftsman Pavilion”
・Jewellery Craft Fukasawa: Mr. Yoichi Fukasawa *Master Craftsman (Yamanashi Master Artisan)
・Mima Precious Stones Co., Ltd.: Mr. Yasuhiro Iguchi *Master Craftsman (Yamanashi Master Artisan)
[Precious Metal Processing Consultation Corner]
Pearl Hands Co., Ltd.: Mr. Kenichi Imazawa and several others
A special exhibition is planned that comprehensively covers the design power, technical capabilities, and future-oriented development of Yamanashi jewellery, featuring works by Yamanashi companies that have won the JJA Jewellery Design Award, outstanding works by students of the Yamanashi Prefectural Gemstone Art College, and displays of Koshu Precious Stone Cut Glass. A bus stop near the museum will be set up along the route of the circulating bus connecting the Yamanashi Jewellery Fair venue and Kofu Station, allowing visitors to easily stop by on their way back to Kofu Station.
・April 12, 14:30-15:30
Title: A Must-See for Jewellers! Latest Information on African Mines ~Past, Present, and Future~
Speaker: Mr. Kapil Mital (Representative Director, Mithals Co., Ltd.)
Moderator: Ms. Keiko Shirasu (Jewellery Ambassador)
・April 12, 16:00-17:00
Title: What is GIA’s Field Gemology?
Speaker: Mr. Makoto Miura (Senior Staff Gemologist, GIA Tokyo, Japan Colored Stones)
・April 13, 12:00-13:00
Title: The Charm of Japanese Gemstones
Speaker: Mr. Yasushi Takahashi (Professor, Yamanashi Prefectural Gemstone Art College)
・April 13, 15:00-16:00
Title: “How to Distinguish” Similar Gemstones: Identification Tips You Can Use Today
Speaker: Mr. Ikuo Atsumi (Chairman, Colored Stones & Pearls Committee, Gemstone Identification Group Council (General Incorporated Association))
・April 14, 12:00-13:20
Title: Amazing Productivity Boost! What is the Jewellery CAD Adopted by Major Brands?
Speakers: Mr. Chikara Morimoto (CAD Instructor, Japan Jewellery Academy)
Mr. Tatsuki Suzuki (President and Representative Director, Suzuki Mine Co., Ltd.)
Mr. Maxime THIFINAU (3Design Product Manager, GRAVOTECH.inc.)
Seminar details available here:
https://www.informa-japan.com/yjf/seminar/index.php?_ga
During the Yamanashi Jewellery Fair 2023, “Long-Distance Shuttle Buses” from Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Shin-Osaka to the venue, as well as “Circulating Shuttle Buses” between Kofu Station and the venue, will operate simultaneously. All services are free for visitors, ensuring comfortable access to the venue. Reservations can be made via the “Yamanashi Jewellery Fair 2023” official website.
Details on various shuttle buses available here:
https://yamanashijewelleryfair.com/yjfbus/
*This event is a B2B trade show for industry professionals. Persons under 18 years of age are not permitted to enter.
Name: Yamanashi Jewellery Fair 2023 (YJF2023)
Concurrent Event: WeChat Live Streaming & Matching *Hosted by JETRO Yamanashi Trade Information Center
Dates: Wednesday, April 12 to Friday, April 14, 2023, 10:00–18:00 (*Until 17:00 on the final day)
Venue: i-messe Yamanashi (Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture)
Organizers: Informa Markets Japan Co., Ltd., Yamanashi Crystal Jewelry Association
Supporters: Yamanashi Prefecture, Kofu City, Kofu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan Jewellery Association (General Incorporated Association), Platinum Guild International (Japan) Co., Ltd., All Japan Watch, Jewellery & Eyewear Retailers (Cooperative Association), Jewellers Japan Co., Ltd., Japan Gold Chain (Cooperative Association), Japan Pearl Promotion Association (General Incorporated Association), Japan Jewellery Designer Association (Public Interest Incorporated Association)