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.

> English version site of “BECOS” mail order of traditional crafts and Japanese products

Carefully selected modern and stylish products

■ 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.
Media "BECOS Journal" that stimulates the curiosity of adults

New

New

Featured articles

Hiroshima

Art

The Most Beautiful Museum in the World: Simose Art Museum Wins UNESCO’s Prestigious Versailles Prize!

--

Food

[ Kimuraya (department store)]Snowman’ is available only during the Christmas period. Japanese Stollen, made with traditional sake-type dough and Japanese ingredients, is on sale again this year.

December sees the arrival of a number of Christmas breads. The Snowman with his cute smiling face is a sweet loaf with two different flavours: pudding cream and chocolate cream. It is a heartwarming treat with flavours that both children and adults can enjoy.

Also back this year is the popular Japanese Stollen, which was a big hit last year. This is a special cake that can only be tasted at Kimuraya, using Japanese-inspired ingredients such as persimmons, figs and koshi-an (sweet bean paste). Please take this opportunity to try Kimuraya’s limited edition Christmas bread.

Hiroshima

Art

ZIPANGU Contemporary artists who have run through the Heisei era” Takashi Murakami x Sueo Mizuma dialogue: ‘Beyond the Theory of Artistic Entrepreneurship’ / Interview with Mr. Mizuma: ‘Rediscovering the Value of Japanese Culture by the Japanese People

The Hiroshima Museum of Art is hosting the exhibition “ZIPANGU: Contemporary Artists Who Defined the Heisei Era” (November 2, 2024 – December 22, 2024). This showcase brings together works by some of the most prominent figures in Japan’s contemporary art scene, including Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, Makoto Aida, Yoshitomo Nara, Chiharu Shiota, Izumi Kato, Akira Yamaguchi, and Miwa Komatsu. The exhibition has already garnered significant attention, exceeding 10,000 visitors.

HYAKKEI covered the dialogue between contemporary artist Takashi Murakami and Sueo Mizuma, the curator of this exhibition, held at the RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima. We also conducted an exclusive interview with Mr. Mizuma.

The discussions centered on the aspirations behind the ZIPANGU exhibition and offered forward-looking insights, not only into Japan’s art world but also into the rediscovery of value within Japanese culture by its people.

Hiroshima

Travel

Culture

Two types of autumn-only red seals, ‘Chrysanthemum and Tanzaku’ and ‘Autumn Leaves and Candles’, are now available at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima, a World Heritage island.

Two types of paper seals made exclusively for autumn, ‘Chrysanthemum and Tanzaku’ and ‘Autumn Leaves and Candles’, have been available since Monday 9 September at Daisho-in Temple on the World Heritage island of Miyajima. Quantities are limited and will run out as soon as they are gone.

Pick Up

Pick Up