The 107th Tokyo Leather Fair, held on May 23-24, 2024, showcased the latest trends and innovations in the leather industry, attracting approximately 3,500 visitors. The event, which exclusively featured Japanese companies, provided a platform for industry leaders to present their cutting-edge products and share insights into the future of leather manufacturing.
Exhibitors and Participants
This year’s fair exclusively featured Japanese companies, highlighting the nation’s rich heritage and advancements in leather craftsmanship. Organizers announced that the next exhibition, scheduled for November 21 & 22, 2024, will take place in Japan, featuring participation from not only Japanese companies but also companies and vendors from Europe, expanding the fair’s global reach.
Exhibitor Highlights: Innovations in Leather
Kotobukiya Co., Ltd. A veteran in the leather industry with about 60 years of experience, introduced a groundbreaking material called Origami. This unique leather, strained to a thickness of just 0.5 mm and treated with oil, mimics the delicate, foldable nature of paper while retaining the tactile qualities of leather.
The company collaborated closely with a leather manufacturer to overcome the challenges of creating a thin yet structurally stable material. The result is a versatile product that maintains its shape and evolves beautifully over time.
Sanyo Leather Co., Ltd. A prominent leather manufacturer based in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, showcased their innovative Aerial leather.
This cordovan-style glass leather features a “water-based top coating” that eliminates the need for lacquers, significantly reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and PM2.5 particles.
This environmentally friendly approach also enhances the safety and health of workers handling the material.
Leather Contest and Award-Winning Innovation
The fair also hosted the prestigious leather contest “Kiwame no ichisozai,” (“The ultimate material”) where exhibitors competed for the title of best leather innovation. The top honor was awarded to KIBI & CO., LTD, Tokyo Branch, for their Lamb Grove Tailoring. This product combines the softness and elasticity of wool sheep leather with the durability of baseball glove leather, creating a unique material that offers comfort and resilience.
Regulatory Updates and Environmental Initiatives
A significant focus of the fair was on the evolving standards and regulations within the leather industry. In March of this year, the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) imposed restrictions on the use of the term “leather,” limiting it to products made from genuine animal-derived materials.
This move aims to address the growing confusion among consumers due to the increasing presence of synthetic and plant-based materials labeled as leather. The fair featured an explanatory session to educate attendees on these new regulations and their implications for the market.
To conclude, the 107th Tokyo Leather Fair highlighted the Japanese leather industry’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. From innovative materials like Origami and Aerial leather to regulatory updates ensuring market clarity, the event underscored the dynamic and evolving nature of the industry.
As the leather industry continues to evolve, events like the Tokyo Leather Fair play a crucial role in fostering innovation and collaboration. With the next fair scheduled to feature participation from European companies and vendors in Japan, the global leather community eagerly anticipates further advancements and insights from this prestigious event.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the organizers of the 107th Tokyo Leather Fair for providing detailed information and insights that made this coverage possible. for more information visit – https://tlf.jp/english/
