On November 21, 2024, CIFF Guangzhou successfully hosted its first-ever promotion event in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the InterBiz Club Global Tour. With over 70 esteemed representatives from Japanese furniture and furnishing associations, trade organizations, import agencies, retail chains, design firms, and media outlets in attendance, the event facilitated direct and meaningful exchanges to strengthen collaboration and development within the home furnishing industries of China and Japan.

According to data from China Customs, the total value of China’s trade in goods for the first ten months of this year reached RMB36.02 trillion, an increase of 5.2% year-on-year. Among this, exports amounted to RMB20.8 trillion, growing by 6.7%, while imports totaled RMB15.22 trillion, with a 3.2% increase. Notably, the export value of furniture and its components hit RMB390.45 billion, a year-on-year growth of 8.8%, showcasing the stability and resilience of China’s foreign trade. Additionally, starting November 30, 2024, China will implement a visa-free entry policy for citizens of 38 countries, including Japan, allowing entry for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, and exchanges — ushering in new opportunities for international collaboration.

A Star-Studded Event with Industry Leaders

The Tokyo promotion event saw the participation of several prominent Japanese industry leaders and influential figures, including:

     •    Eiichi Nukina, Chairman of Japan Office and Institutional Furniture Association (JOIFA)

     •    Hiroko Machida, President of Machida Interior Design Academy

     •    Chrys Kikuchi, Secretary General of  International Building Materials Forum

     •    Akinari Ii, Representative of Japan Wood Products Export Association

     •    Toru Otabe, President of Kagu Shimbun

     •    Mitsuhiro Arakawa, President of Kazama Yokohama

     •    Kenji Takeda, Representative Director of Amico Inc.

     •    Tsuyoshi Sadayama, Representative Director of Mountain View

     •    Katsuya Yamauchi, President of K Studio Tokyo

     •    Fumiaki Sato, CEO of Values Corp

     •    Kimiko Okumura, President of Alfa Spazio

At the event, Mr. Zhao Wei, representative of CIFF Guangzhou’s organizer, delivered a comprehensive presentation about the latest developments of CIFF Guangzhou. He announced that the 55th CIFF Guangzhou, set to take place on March 18–21 and March 28–31, 2025, will center on the theme “Powered by Design.” The exhibition will focus on new products, technologies, models, ecosystems, and drivers of innovation, aiming to become a powerful platform for professionals in the home furnishing industry to access global resources and markets. Japanese professionals from the furniture and decoration industries were sincerely invited to attend and explore this vast business opportunity in Guangzhou.

Strong Endorsements from Japanese Industry Leaders

Mr. Osamu Okada, President of Japan Furniture Industry Development Association (JFA), conveyed his support for CIFF Guangzhou through a message delivered by Mr. Toru Otabe, President of Kagu Shimbun. He expressed high recognition for CIFF and encouraged Japanese enterprises to take advantage of this international platform to expand their global reach.

Mr. Eiichi Nukina, Chairman of Japan Office and Institutional Furniture Association(JOIFA), praised CIFF Guangzhou’s Office and Commercial Space, which is held annually from March 28–31. He highlighted the exhibition’s reputation as the world’s largest trade show for office and commercial furniture, offering cutting-edge solutions and showcasing global trends in workplace design. Mr. Nukina expressed his eagerness to attend the 2025 event.

Ms. Hiroko Machida, President of Machida Interior Design Academy, shared her enthusiasm for CIFF Guangzhou’s emphasis on design leadership, which is reflected in the participation of over 4,700 leading brands. She expressed her hope for future collaborations with Chinese furniture brands and designers, emphasizing the importance of interior design in enhancing the quality of living spaces.

Mr. Chrys Kikuchi, Director of International Building Materials Forum (IBMF), reflected on his positive experiences during business visits to China, praising the country’s strong international trade environment, hospitality, and scenic beauty. He expressed his commitment to fostering closer ties between the Chinese and Japanese industries.

Professor Miyuki Nakaoka from the University of Kitakyushu, who has a PhD in economics and has studied in China, also attended the event. She shared her research findings on China’s home furnishing and construction markets, offering valuable insights into consumer preferences, renovation opportunities, and the enormous potential of the Chinese market.

Strengthening Partnerships Through Industry Visits

In addition to the promotion event, the CIFF Guangzhou delegation visited major Japanese furniture distributors and importers, including Tokyo Interiors, ASPLUND, Taishodo, SII, and Fuji Boeki. High-level executives and key buyers expressed strong interest in CIFF and applauded its innovative “8+365” online and offline trade matchmaking services. Both sides agreed to further communication and confirmed plans to meet again at the 55th CIFF Guangzhou.

The delegation also visited flagship stores of Japan’s top furniture retailers, such as NITORI, the country’s largest furniture retailer, and IDC OTSUKA, a high-end retail chain. These visits offered valuable insights into the Japanese market, where the concept of “total home solutions” has begun to take shape. Retailers like NITORI and IDC OTSUKA are pioneering curated showroom spaces, showcasing furniture alongside appliances and offering integrated interior design services—many of which feature products made in China.

CIFF: A Bridge to the Future

The successful Tokyo event marks another milestone for CIFF’s InterBiz Club Global Tour. With growing international support and an ever-expanding vision, CIFF Guangzhou continues to serve as a bridge connecting the global home furnishing industry to the thriving Chinese market.

Join us at the 55th CIFF Guangzhou in March 2025 and be part of the innovation and collaboration shaping the future of the home furnishing world.