＠OKUYAMATO ｜TOKYO LIFE×DESIGN GIFT SHOW
Regional brand power improvement project
▪︎Business purpose
Improving the regional brand power of “Okuyamato”
▪︎Participating businesses
The following six ambitious brands (business operators) have been selected that participated in all six workshops for branding and overseas market development projects in FY2020 and FY2025.
・Izuru Mokko Co., Ltd.
Mission: “Thinking about the beautiful way of life in Japan through Japanese chair making”
・MURAO FURNITURE
Mission: “Convey the joy of intuitive selection”
・morinobi LLC
Mission: “Nurture forests, protect water, and build the future”
・Skywood Inc.
Mission: “Providing a place where you can find your favorite, one-of-a-kind item in the world, and helping you realize a lifestyle that makes the most of your individuality.”
・Takanokagu
Mission: “Create your own lifestyle by making things that make use of materials”
・Morisho meiboku Co., Ltd.
Mission: “Refining traditional wood-crafting techniques and delivering a rich lifestyle full of greenery.”
▪︎Business concept
Branding the Okuyamato region through design, interior design, and culture
“Branding the Oku-Yamato region” means simultaneously enhancing and disseminating the cultural value of the Oku-Yamato region and the value of the people, products, interior (living) spaces, and services originating from the Oku-Yamato region, so that both have an impact. The aim was to create a virtuous cycle that would eventually create synergistic effects such as local employment and tourism, enriching the region.
▪︎Business content
1.Creation of a branding site to introduce Okuyamato products
We conveyed the environment, people, products, and services of the Okuyamato region.
Focusing on the interior design and design of the Oku-Yamato region, it was created in two languages, Japanese and English, to convey the characteristics of the region, the brand’s products and services, and the brand’s people.
Considering that it will be viewed by overseas buyers who are not aware of “Oku Yamato,” it is composed mainly of interviews and writings by former newspaper reporters in order to interest buyers.
Interviews and writing by professional writers can get to the bottom of the brand’s charm, characteristics, and people that you might not notice on your own, and can vividly convey a more realistic picture, allowing you to read it naturally like a conversation, creating a sense of familiarity. and foster empathy.
Also, for foreigners who are not familiar with Nara Prefecture or Nara products, we will explain the brand’s thoughts as well as how actual customers use the products and how it affects their lives. When translating, I try to understand and express the words in a way that makes them easy to read, and I try to use words that are easy to read naturally, and the length of the sentences.
2.Exhibiting at gift show exhibitions
Exhibited at the gift show “ACTIVE DESIGN & CRAFT FAIR” area
▪︎Exhibition booth configuration
We planned a booth configuration that would make it easy to see and convey the value of our products.
In order to convey the value of the brand and product, we designed a plan that was simple and easy to convey the brand’s worldview, the value of the product, and the ease of communication.
We aim to be a booth that attracts buyers in an exhibition hall filled with many brands. On top of that, we want to make sure that the atmosphere and atmosphere of the booth space, as well as the distinctive products, are clearly visible, that people enter the booth with interest, and that they are told that the products are from the Oku-Yamato area. I have a plan that will tell you the following in order.
Generally, exhibition booths have walls and display stands made of wood, but they can all be destroyed within three days. As an Oku-Yamato region that values the natural blessings of the forest, living, and the environment, we designed knock-down wooden display fixtures that are environmentally friendly and can be used over and over again without being thrown away, and that allow for flexible layout changes. I made it. By finishing with an inorganic concrete paint finish, the contrast with the expressive wood product stands out and enhances the value of the brand, product, and collection. The white walls with abundant white space give you the space to immerse yourself in the lingering feeling of beautiful value. The setup was done in cooperation with all the exhibitors and fostered a sense of unity among the @OKUYAMATO NARA team.
▪︎Logo design production/wall graphic design production
▪︎Business negotiation advice, follow-up, and interpretation during exhibitions
Business negotiations with Chinese and Taiwanese buyers
Presentation to journalists
