Tokyo International Gift Show

Hawaii Pavilion at the 76th Tokyo International Gift Show

September 4-6, 2013 Tokyo International Exhibition Center, Tokyo, Japan

The trade show is the largest international trade show in Japan featuring exhibits promoting personal gifts, consumer goods and decorative accessories. The show was established in 1967 and is held twice a year in the Spring and Autumn at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight). The show is supported by the U.S. Commercial Service and draws 2,500 companies in 4,100 booths. The Autumn 2012 show drew 190,000 buyers and this year, show organizers anticipate over 200,000 buyers.

About the Hawaii Pavilion

DBEDT will organize an island of 20 booths for up to 40 Hawaii companies to create a Hawaii Pavilion. The Hawaii Pavilion will be located in the East Hall of the Tokyo International Exhibition Center. DBEDT will identify and contract with a decorator to design the Hawaii Pavilion with a theme representing a Hawaiian sense of place. Companies will be responsible for setting up and decorating their area with their sample displays in keeping with the theme. A limited number of Japanese interpreters will assist companies during show hours.

Eligibility

Companies interested in participating in any of the STEP activities must:

Meet the federal requirements of an ‘eligible small business concern’ (meet size standards, one year in business, profitable, understand costs associated w/exporting, have export plan);

Certify that the company is not barred from receiving federal funds;

Be registered in good standing with the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Business Registration Division; and

Have a current general excise tax license with the State Department of Taxation.

Participant eligibility requirements:

For purposes of implementing this program, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) operationally defines the term ‘eligible small business concern,’ as an entity that:

1. Complies with SBA size standards found at 13 C.F.R. Part 121

2. Has been in business for not less than the 1-year period ending on the date on which assistance is provided under a STEP grant;

3. Is operating profitably, based on operations in the United States;

4. Has demonstrated understanding of the costs associated with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers, including the costs of freight forwarding, customs brokers, packing and shipping; and,

5. Has in effect a strategic plan for exporting.