Investing in Japan
Investment News
Oct. 1, 2009
Tahitian Black Pearl Producer Sets up Shop in Kobe's Pearl City
Tahiti Evolution Pearl, a Tahiti-based black pearl producer, established Mana Pearl KK
, in Kobe, Hyogo prefecture in June 2009, and commenced full-scale operations from this August.
The firm, which operates its own cultivation centers in French Polynesia, chose Kobe for its business because Kobe—nicknamed "Pearl City"—is both the center of the global pearl trade and the heart of Japan's pearl business, handling over 80% the country's pearls. Nicolas Savary, the firm's president, explained, "Setting up an office in Japan, even allowing for certain costs and complex preparations, was well worth it to have a presence in the world-famous Pearl City."
Mana Pearl gets its name from the Tahitian word "mana", or "power," suggesting the power of nature behind the creation of pearls and the natural beauty of French Polynesia infused in the pearls. Tahiti is the world's leading producer of black pearls (over 95% of the market), and all of Mana's pearls are certified by the Tahitian government, which maintains strict quality control in the industry.
The firm has started sales in Japan via a Japanese online shopping site, and plans to expand business abroad. "Online sales not only allow us to save distribution costs but also enhance the image of our products and introduce the natural beauty of Tahiti," commented Savary.
To set up its Japan office, Mana Pearl made use of JETRO's Invest Japan Business Support Center (IBSC) in Kobe, utilizing free consultations with expert advisors on various matters ranging from customs clearance and tax procedures to trademark registration. IBSC Kobe also helped the firm connect with Hyogo prefecture and Kobe city officials and learn about subsidies available from these authorities.
IBSCs are located in Japan's major business hubs (Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe and Fukuoka) and provide one-stop support and service to foreign firms seeking to set up or expand business in Japan. The centers, which provide free temporary office space, consultation with expert advisors and access to a wealth of business information, tailor support according to the specific needs and phase of development of each firm.
