By Christine Lim
NAGASAKI (Japan), Sept 7 (Bernama) – Maruhiro Inc., a ceramics trading company based in the Nagasaki prefecture, Japan, is keen to expand to Malaysia.
International sales manager, Sojiro Yamaguchi said Maruhiro is already a household name of 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 told Bernama during a recent visit to “Hiroppa”, a lively art-imbued private park, with flagship stores and playground, constructed by Maruhiro.
The visit was organised by the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) Nagasaki, and also Jetro Kuala Lumpur.
Maruhiro, based in Hasami, a town in Nagasaki, produces and distributes ceramic household products — including tableware and home décor — through its online store, wholesale outlets across Japan, its flagship store in Hasami, and a sister shop in Fukuoka.
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 technique, with craftsmen segregated and specialising in different parts of the production process, such as clay making, moulding, bisque and pottery.
However, the small town’s ageing population has had an impact on production, as some items have had to be discontinued due to the lack of supply.
“But some young people have returned to Hasami and participate in the ceramics production industry that has existed for over 400 years,” added Yamaguchi.
— BERNAMA
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