Tokyo - a city on the edge of Asia, is increasingly an international metropolis. It was here that, in the spring of 1992, the first full - scale complex of interior design showrooms of its kinds in Japan, came into being - the TOKYO DESIGN CENTER. It functions as a meeting place for designers, manufacturers and users to enable people to incorporate design into their own lives as fully as possible. Here they can select the finest in contract and residential furniture, carpets, floor coverings, fabrics, wall coverings, lighting and accessories from Europe, America and Asia.
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The center, which is already a landmark on the Tokyo skyline, was designed by the renowned Italian architect, Mario Bellini. Taking advantage of the existing Japanese garden and the particular contours of the site, Bellini has created a unique form with an impressive passage and staircase which cuts through the building diagonally.
Within the building the GALLERIA provides a warm yet stimulating atmosphere for special events such as symposia and exhibitions. This tall elegant hall, lined with Travertine stone, has an adjoining antechamber above which is a gallery overlooking the main semi-circular space. With its versatile lighting and sound facilities, the GALLERIA is suitable for many kinds of events, including symposia, trade fairs, exhibitions or concerts. It was here that, as an opening events for the Tokyo Design Center, Mario Bellini directed a retrospective of his own work.
On the seven floors there are currently more than 15 showrooms and shops, each of which is devoted to the high quality and design excellence of individual manufacturers. Since the beginning of the project the Center has worked to assemble exhibitors with new and exciting ideas to offer.
Within the building the GALLERIA provides a warm yet stimulating atmosphere for special events such as symposia and exhibitions. This tall elegant hall, lined with Travertine stone, has an adjoining antechamber above which is a gallery overlooking the main semi-circular space. With its versatile lighting and sound facilities, the GALLERIA is suitable for many kinds of events, including symposia, trade fairs, exhibitions or concerts. It was here that, as an opening events for the Tokyo Design Center, Mario Bellini directed a retrospective of his own work.
On the seven floors there are currently more than 15 showrooms and shops, each of which is devoted to the high quality and design excellence of individual manufacturers. Since the beginning of the project the Center has worked to assemble exhibitors with new and exciting ideas to offer.
Exhibitors are inter.office, Herman Miller, Vorwerk, Hunter Douglas Japan, Nissin, Arthur Brett or Scandinavian Living, and many more. Beside this, the TDC also offers a design book store, an Italian restaurant, a café salon and a hair salon which all offer high-end services - plus a spectacular view over Tokyo down-town from its garden terrace.
The Tokyo Design Center is situated just opposite Gotanda Railway Station. It is only one hours drive from Narita International Airport and half an hour from Haneda Airport. This makes it is very easy to get to from wherever you come from. Your can also still rent showrooms for your product line.
The Tokyo Design Center is situated just opposite Gotanda Railway Station. It is only one hours drive from Narita International Airport and half an hour from Haneda Airport. This makes it is very easy to get to from wherever you come from. Your can also still rent showrooms for your product line.
Market Player Interview - 5 Answers from an Expert
The President and founder of the Tokyo Design Center is Coco Funabiki. In 1992 she opened Japan's first interior mart, the Tokyo Design Center, which has become a Mecca for interior designing and a concentrated treasure trove of well known interior brands. The Tokyo Design Center works hard for the revitalization of Japan's architectural and design fields, consistently hosting a wide range of cultural events such as design exhibitions, seminars, and symposiums.
Funabiki was appointed as a member of the G-Mark Selection Jury in 1994 and has served on selection committees for design awards, both domestically and internationally, for various design products. Since becoming managing director of the Japan Design Consultants Association (established in 1996), she has been actively involved in the innovation and revitalization of local industries within Japan as well.
1) What is the biggest achievement of your company in Japan?
We were the first to start an ‘interior- design-center’ in Japan and since then we are very keen to serve information about high quality design products to our customers in the market and the Japanese public.
2) What's the latest trend in your industry in Japan?
There is a preference for natural products lately. Even in offices nowadays you find wooden furniture quite often, which was not common in the past in Japan.
3) Describe briefly what makes Japanese customers satisfied and what keeps them buying
Being surrounded by an overflow of goods, Japanese consumers tend to select products after the following algorithm: 1) the cheaper one is taken only if it functions best 2) when the customer really cares for the product itself then the price is generally less important than the product’s functioning.
4) What do you think is EASIER/HARDER in your industry in Japan than in other markets?
Easier: Since quality control is thoroughly done during the distribution process, we are able to always properly deliver a product to our customer.
Harder: Japanese consumers are very demanding of every detail, so when they received the product they tend to make complaints about even tiny flaws, so quality is most important.
5) Please give one advice for companies entering the Japanese market
Tie up with an experienced market partner who has in-depth information and a wide-spread network and gain advantage of this knowledge for your brand and products in Japan.
Funabiki was appointed as a member of the G-Mark Selection Jury in 1994 and has served on selection committees for design awards, both domestically and internationally, for various design products. Since becoming managing director of the Japan Design Consultants Association (established in 1996), she has been actively involved in the innovation and revitalization of local industries within Japan as well.
1) What is the biggest achievement of your company in Japan?
We were the first to start an ‘interior- design-center’ in Japan and since then we are very keen to serve information about high quality design products to our customers in the market and the Japanese public.
2) What's the latest trend in your industry in Japan?
There is a preference for natural products lately. Even in offices nowadays you find wooden furniture quite often, which was not common in the past in Japan.
3) Describe briefly what makes Japanese customers satisfied and what keeps them buying
Being surrounded by an overflow of goods, Japanese consumers tend to select products after the following algorithm: 1) the cheaper one is taken only if it functions best 2) when the customer really cares for the product itself then the price is generally less important than the product’s functioning.
4) What do you think is EASIER/HARDER in your industry in Japan than in other markets?
Easier: Since quality control is thoroughly done during the distribution process, we are able to always properly deliver a product to our customer.
Harder: Japanese consumers are very demanding of every detail, so when they received the product they tend to make complaints about even tiny flaws, so quality is most important.
5) Please give one advice for companies entering the Japanese market
Tie up with an experienced market partner who has in-depth information and a wide-spread network and gain advantage of this knowledge for your brand and products in Japan.
