A site selling more than 4000 kinds of Japanese traditional crafts opens an English version
2020.11.09
Aiming to revive the Japanese traditional craft industry, which is declining due to the aging of craftsmen and the shrinking domestic market, we decided to support the development of overseas sales channels. We provide contact points with consumers living overseas for small and medium-sized manufacturers and brands that have difficulty in owning an EC site.
In the future, we plan to handle foodstuffs such as rice, soy sauce, and sweets, as well as alcoholic beverages such as sake and shochu.
KAZAANA Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President: Kentaro Kashimura), which discovers the Made in Japan brand and disseminates it to the world, is an EC platform that handles Japanese crafts on Monday, October 19, 2020. The English version site of “BECOS” has been opened. We will provide a mechanism for Japanese craftsmen to easily sell traditional crafts that match modern lifestyles to overseas residents.
■ Aiming to revive the traditional craft industry, which is declining due to the aging of craftsmen and the shrinking domestic market
In recent years, the Japanese traditional craft industry has been declining due to the aging of craftsmen, the shrinking domestic market due to the declining birthrate, and the delay in digitization. What is even more chaotic is the new coronavirus, which has been rampant since winter.
With the disappearance of foreign tourists who purchased Japanese products as souvenirs, Japan’s manufacturing is at stake.
Therefore, “BECOS” decided to support the development of sales channels with an overseas perspective, aiming to revive the Japanese traditional craft industry. We have opened a new English version site in order to provide opportunities for small and medium-sized manufacturers who have difficulty in owning an EC site to open stores and connect with consumers living overseas.
In pursuit of reliability in terms of payment and usability, the site uses the world’s largest EC platform “Shopify”, which is used in more than 1 million stores in 175 countries around the world.
■ Selling Made in Japan tableware and miscellaneous goods that combine tradition and modernity
“BECOS”, which means “Beautiful Crafts Online Store”, handles more than 4,000 products by more than 100 stores carefully selected from all over Japan. Items range from modern tableware, miscellaneous goods, interior goods, and fashion that naturally fit into modern life.
We offer a variety of options such as mizuhiki, high-quality Japanese paper, and wrapping with furoshiki so that you can use it not only for yourself but also as a gift, and about 50% of your orders are for gifts.
Store owners can ship products overseas simply by sending the products to the “BECOS” warehouse in Tokyo. The shipping fee is a flat rate of US $ 35 worldwide. You can choose the settlement currency from dollars or euros.
We have kiriko, Japanese knives, tatami mats, etc. that are popular overseas.
■ We are also considering handling special food rice, sake, craft experience kits, etc.
In the future, with the aim of further expanding the lineup, we plan to handle ingredients such as rice, soy sauce, and sweets, as well as alcoholic beverages such as sake and shochu, which are produced by discerning producers. In addition, we are planning to sell new products such as production experience kits that allow you to experience traditional Japanese crafts while you are abroad.
Also, as with the Japanese version of “BECOS,” we are preparing to operate our own media in the English version. By posting interviews with craftsmen, secret stories about the production process and development, and commentary on traditional crafts and products, we will convey the appeal of manufacturers and brands that are not well known overseas and strongly back up product sales.
Proposing wrapping unique to Japan using furoshiki, mizuhiki, high-quality Japanese paper, etc.
