Crazy for "Made in Japan" – Sumida’s Fashion from Tokyo’s Maker Town Showcases Modern Style in Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots House, compiled and reported

Sumida Ward is located in Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. Many Taiwanese may be familiar with its landmark, the "TOKYO SKYTREE," but actually, since the Edo period, Sumida has been known as the "town of makers" for its numerous small and medium-sized factories producing daily life tools and goods. In recent years, the area has focused on integrating innovative design elements into its long-established traditional techniques to create more modern, accessible products suited to contemporary lifestyles.


From the "Town of Makers" to "Sumida Fashion" – 400 Years of Heritage Techniques Reimagined

The history of Sumida Ward as the "town of makers" dates back to Japan’s Edo period (starting in 1600), when artisans and merchants moved alongside samurai and began making and selling various daily necessities. Thanks to its strategic location and superior craftsmanship, Sumida evolved from the Meiji era onward into a pioneer district for modern industries such as leather, matches, and textiles.

 The post-war period of rapid economic growth further solidified Sumida’s role in producing high-quality refined daily goods and parts. In 1970, the number of factories in the ward peaked at 9,703. However, as global manufacturing shifted, the number of factories gradually declined. In recent years, the opening of the "TOKYO SKYTREE" and renewed global attention on quality "Made in Japan" products have led many to rediscover Sumida’s deep-rooted manufacturing strength in daily goods and components. The area is now attracting buyers and tourists from around the world, all seeking premium-quality items.

To promote the excellent products of Sumida Ward globally, since 2012, the Sumida District Regional Planning Promotion Council has worked to establish the new "Sumida Modern" brand. Only products and food/beverage establishments that meet all five criteria—"alignment with the Sumida Modern Declaration," "contribution to the brand strength of Sumida Ward," "originality," "reliable quality," and "product philosophy, concept, and production background"—are certified under this brand. The "Sumida Modern" brand itself was recognized in 2015 with Japan’s top design award, the prestigious "GOOD DESIGN Award."
 
Eight Certified Sumida Businesses Showcase Their Charm – Buyers and Consumers Experience Maker Appeal Firsthand

This business meeting features eight companies and products certified under "Sumida Modern," including Hiroshi Glass, Tōkyū, Ninomiya Gorō Shoten, FOOTMARK, Ishii Seiko, Yamada Glass Processing, ORANGE TOKYO LTD. (all product exhibitors), and Yuzu Co., Ltd. (food/beverage). They bring Sumida Ward’s 400-year heritage of exceptional craftsmanship in daily goods to Taiwan in its original form, hoping that the outstanding quality of "Made in Japan" will win favor with Taiwanese retailers and open collaboration opportunities through face-to-face meetings with potential buyers.

To allow more Taiwanese to experience the charm of "Sumida Modern" firsthand through physical interaction, parts of the business meeting (from 3 PM to 5 PM that day) are also open to the general public. Those interested in learning more about "Sumida Modern" or "Made in Japan" shouldn’t miss this chance to engage directly with artisans and purchase favorite items at exclusive exhibition-only discount prices.

[Info]
Sumida Fashion Business Exchange Meeting
Date: Monday, October 2, 2017
          3:00 PM–5:00 PM Marketplace (Open to general consumers)
Venue: Not Just Library, 1F, Taiwan Design Center
      (No. 133, Guangfu S. Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park)
 

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