NAGASAKI: Maruhiro Inc, a ceramics trading company based in Hasami, Nagasaki prefecture, Japan, is keen on expanding to Malaysia.
International sales manager Sojiro Yamaguchi said Maruhiro is already a household name in both traditional and contemporary ceramic craft in Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea.
“We also have strong market presence in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the United States,” he said during a recent visit to “Hiroppa” here, a lively art-imbued private park, with flagship stores and playground built by Maruhiro.
The visit was organised by the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) Nagasaki and Jetro Kuala Lumpur.
Besides its flagship store in Hasami and a sister shop in Fukuoka, Maruhiro also produces and distributes ceramic household products through its online store and wholesale outlets across Japan.
Hasami has a population of about 14,800, where approximately 600 to 700 people are employed in the ceramics industry.
“We are open to any kind of business relations with Malaysia, either through an online platform or wholesale shops.
“Hasami town continues to produce goods that are in demand both in Japan and abroad. Despite rising material and production costs, demand has remained steady,” said Yamaguchi.
Hasami is well-known for its porcelain industry, particularly its unique and efficient production techniques, with craftsmen specialising in different processes, such as clay-making, moulding, bisque and pottery.
However, the small town’s ageing population has left an impact on production, and some items have to be discontinued due to the lack of supply.
“But some young people have returned to Hasami to participate in the ceramics production industry that has existed for over 400 years,” added Yamaguchi. Bernama
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