Japan Expands Presence in Chicago

GDA Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 2/14/2013 3:02:22 PM

CHICAGO - JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) has expanded to two pavilions at this year's International Home + Housewares Show, taking place March 2-5, 2013 in Chicago..

Following a successful year of participation during last year's show, 19 Japanese companies will showcase product in the South and North Halls this year-everything from hand-crafted wood and iron products to unique storage items, high-tech accessories, as well as some green, sustainable products.

JETRO first sponsored the 2012 pavilion to help the companies devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami recover and rebuild. "Last year's Pavilion proved so successful that JETRO again felt it would be helpful not only for these companies but other Japanese firms as well to introduce their products to North American buyers," said Mio Kawada, executive director, JETRO New York.

Of the 19 participating companies, 13 will be represented in the Dine + Design Expo, and 6 in the Clean + Contain Expo. Notably, this includes 11 companies who hail from the affected area hit by the 2011 disaster, 5 of which also participated in the inaugural Pavilion in 2012.