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A major Sri Lankan gem and jewellery fair will be part of the proposed 'Sri Lanka Show' to be held in Japan in September next year to mark 50-years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Japan.

The Sri Lanka show is focused on the country's rich heritage, culture and handicrafts. It will be organised by the Sri Lanka mission in Tokyo supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).

The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery show to be held in the Hilton, Tokyo will be organised by Nilam Alawdeen, Partner, Sri Lanka Jewellery Ltd.

On an invitation by Mr. Alawdeen, two Japanese resource persons: Kazuo Ogawa, President of Taj Enterprises, Tokyo Japan and Managing Director, Atal Parekh addressed a recent seminar on "Designing Jewellery for the Japanese Market" organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.

EDB, Chairman, Felix Yahampath said that Sri Lankan jewellers should organise a suitable collection for the show.

"The Japanese market is very important to Sri Lanka as nearly 55 percent of Sri Lankan's precious stones are exported to Japan. With the interest in gems, a considerable interest has been generated in jewellery as well. Japan being a difficult market to penetrate, it requires a concerted effort over a period of time to strengthen Sri Lanka's position in the Japanese market," he said.

He thanked Mr.Alawdeen for his assistance in organising the show and obtaining the services of the experts to address the seminar.

"This will be a good opportunity for Sri Lankan jewellers to present their collections with an identity of their own. One of the major drawbacks in Sri Lanka jewellery industry is not having an identity of their own. They are mostly based on the tastes of the European market", said Kazuo Ogawa at the seminar.

"Lankan jewellery will have an important place at the celebrations and we look forward to seeing the Sri Lankan identity from Japanese eyes", he said adding that 'Sri Lanka has a wide array of natural stones which can be used in the making of jewellery'.

Mr. Ogawa made a video presentation on the designs made by the South African designers for the Japanese market. "Sri Lankan designers could get an idea how the South African identity has influenced the Japanese market. Similarly, the designers of Sri Lanka could draw inspiration from the rich culture of Sri Lanka to produce jewellery with a distinct Sri Lankan identity," he said.

The celebrations will also have a fashion show for the apparel sector which may display jewellery on models. Fashion shows are a helpful way to create an impression of a country's identity, philosophy, culture, resources and designs.

"The Japanese market is gradually recovering from the recession and exports to Japan are also picking up. Sri Lankan jewellers should target the high income group. There is more potential among the slightly high-age group. They go for famous brands. Japanese are very sensitive and quality conscious. Sri Lanka should draw up a new plan to focus on high quality. This could help build a Sri Lankan identity not only in Japan but also internationally, he said.

Mr. Alawdeen explained the proposed programs of celebrations. Atul Parekh also made a presentation on designing for the Japanese market.

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