Sourcing at Japanese Trade Fairs: Tokyo International Gift Show and How to Follow Up

Short answer: Trade fairs are one of the best places to meet Japanese makers in person, because many small companies that never sell online exhibit there. The Tokyo International Gift Show, held twice a year at Tokyo Big Sight, is the largest for gifts, homeware and lifestyle goods. The visit is the easy part; the deal depends on the follow-up, which most exhibitors will want in Japanese.

The Tokyo International Gift Show

The show is held in spring and autumn at Tokyo Big Sight. According to the organiser’s post-show report, the February 2026 edition had 2,789 exhibitors and over 226,000 visitors. The autumn 2026 edition was announced with around 2,880 exhibitors. It covers gifts, homeware, tableware, stationery, textiles, crafts and more, and is open to trade visitors only. Check the organiser’s site for the next dates and registration.

Before you go

• Register in advance as a trade visitor.
• Know what you want: categories, price range, quantities. Makers ask straight away.
• Bring business cards. Card exchange is still expected in Japan.
• Have a way to explain your brand quickly: a one-page sheet or photos on your phone.
• Plan by hall. The show is large; regional and craft zones are where many small makers are.

At the stand

• Ask whether they take orders from overseas, and whether they do name imprinting, private label or OEM.
• Ask for the minimum order and whether prices are ex-works.
• Photograph products only with permission.
• Note the stand number and the person you spoke to on the back of their card.

The follow-up is where deals are made

After the show, makers receive many enquiries. The ones that get answers are clear, polite and in Japanese, and arrive within a week or two:

1. Remind them who you are and what you discussed.
2. List the products by their reference numbers.
3. State quantities, destination and when you need them.
4. Ask for a written quote with minimum, unit price, lead time and payment terms.

If you cannot go

Many exhibitors also take enquiries afterwards. If you have seen products from the show online, or have a maker’s card from a colleague, I can contact them in Japanese and bring back their figures in writing. Send a brief, or read working with Japanese makers.