An abridged version of this article first appeared in the JNA May/June 2023 issue.

Japan’s pearl trade owes much of its success in the international scene to the astute leadership and guidance of Yoshihiro Shimizu, who chaired the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association (JPEA) from 2004 to 2022.

The CEO of Hosei helped propel the Japan pearl brand to the forefront of the global jewellery market through sustained marketing campaigns at its most powerful platform, the Japan Pearl Pavilion at international jewellery trade fairs in Hong Kong.

Shimizu had already amassed several accolades when he took over the reins at JPEA in 2004. He received a Chevalier Medal from President Gaston Flosse of Tahiti in July 2003, in recognition of his substantial investment in and international promotions of Tahitian black pearls since 1978. He likewise scored a first at JPEA when, in 2004, he became the first South Sea pearl trader to lead the association. Prior to his term, only Japanese Akoya pearl dealers had held the post.

Fruitful platform

As chairman, Shimizu led JPEA in establishing the Japan Pearl Pavilion at the Hong Kong jewellery trade fairs, now one of JPEA’s primary business channels, to highlight the Japan pearl brand among buyers.

This pivotal platform featured 50 to 60 Japan pearl companies at its inaugural sortie. Today, over 130 firms exhibit in the pavilion, whose expansion can be largely attributed to the exponential growth over the years in Chinese demand for high-quality pearls.

“The Japan Pearl Pavilion has become an extremely important platform for Japanese pearl dealers. Some even achieve more than half of their sales volume for the year at the Hong Kong jewellery fairs,” Shimizu revealed.

Aside from its sales platform, the Japan Pearl Pavilion also helped establish the Japan pearl brand as a reputable, reliable and premium-quality product.

“The pavilion is often among the busiest at Hong Kong trade shows. Buyers are attracted to the pearls offered by Japanese traders because our business is rooted in client confidence, continuity and trust. These pillars embody our long-term commitment to the trade,” Shimizu said.

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