A Japanese government-linked organization will help local companies export made-in-Japan crafts including stationery, furniture and accessories to overseas buyers through online channels amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Japan External Trade Organization has picked 519 items by 121 producers for this year's Takumi Next project aimed at supporting forays by Japanese craft makers into markets abroad. The word takumi means artisan in Japanese.
JETRO has established an online system by which crafts producers can access buyers and seek advice from experts in reaching out to overseas markets. It will also create videos to promote the products on social media such as Instagram.