[RFP] Craftsmanship New York - Chugoku Region Lifestyle Goods Export Development Program

Jul 21, 2026

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Craftsmanship New York

Chugoku Region Lifestyle Goods Export Development Program

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.   Subject: Craftsmanship New York — Chugoku Region Lifestyle Goods Export Development Program

2.   Term of Contract: Contract start date to March 12, 2027

3.   Closing Date for Application: August 3, 2026

4.   Content of Contract: As indicated in the Program Specifications (Attachment 1)

 

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

  1. Qualification Requirements
    1. Prospective candidate(s) engaged in the project must satisfy the conditions stated in the Program Specifications (Attachment 1).
    2. NOT under the circumstances of being denied participation due to unethical and/or unlawful activities by either JETRO or the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) from previous procurement offerings.
    3. Prospective candidate(s) must meet the following minimum specifications:
      1. Organization with demonstrated experience in business matching, or Japanese lifestyle goods market development
      2. Proven track record in the United States market, particularly in New York
      3. Established network of buyers, retailers, galleries, or other relevant channels in the lifestyle goods sector

  2. Preparation of Application
    No oral, telephone, or facsimile submissions will be accepted. All costs of preparation shall be borne by the Applicants. The proposal document or presentation submitted by the applicant should include the following.
    1. Project Implementation
      1. Implementation structure (arrangement of personnel in charge and each responsibility)
      2. Operating procedure, method, and proposal on how to complete all tasks of the project in an effective manner and enhance project outcomes
      3. Plan for the Domestic Pre-Meeting, including approach to buyer introduction and communication coordination before and after the session
      4. Proposed venue(s) in New York for the pop-up business meeting (retail store, gallery, or similar location where local buyers and consumers are likely to gather)
      5. Plan for outreach and awareness activities, including target channels and approach to achieving at least 20 buyers or 50 visitors per session
      6. Operational structure for on-site management of the pop-up business meeting
      7. Proposed implementation plan for the Pop-Up Business Meeting, including:
        1. Objectives and approach for B2B and B2C activities
        2. Proposed event structure (joint or separate B2B and B2C activities)
        3. Proposed scheduling (same-day or separate-day implementation）
        4. Reasons for the proposed structure based on market conditions and buyer purchasing cycles, and consumer demand
        5. Confirmation that the proposed plan can be implemented within the contract budget

    2. Experience and Capabilities of the Organization
      1. Experience with similar projects in business matching or lifestyle goods market development
      2. Buyer and retail network in New York and the United States
      3. System to manage personal and confidential information

    3. Project Implementation Skills of Assigned Personnel
      1. Profiles of each assigned project personnel
      2. Relevant expertise in lifestyle goods, interior products, fashion, or related sectors

        Upon submission, the applicant agrees to having received, viewed, and accepted the pricing structure outlined in the Cost Guide (Attachment 2).

  3. Budget
    Maximum Budget: USD 15,000 (inclusive of all costs and expenses)

  4. Delivery of Application
    All application documents (see below) shall be sent to the following e-mail address by July 23, 2026.

    Required to submit:
    1. Business Proposal — 1 copy
    2. Quotation for Craftsmanship New York — Chugoku Region Lifestyle Goods Export Development Program — 1 copy

    Attn: Motoi Hotta, Shuhei Oku
    E-mail:  Motoi_Hotta@jetro.go.jp,  Shuhei_Oku@jetro.go.jp
  5. Language of Application
    English or Japanese

  6. Evaluation of Application
    Screening of application documents by JETRO New York and JETRO Hiroshima.
  7. Announcement of Tender
    The tender result will be announced to bidders by email. Given the nature of the bidding process, JETRO will refrain from providing feedback on the results.

  8. Contact
    Attn:  Motoi Hotta, Shuhei Oku
    E-mail:  Motoi_Hotta@jetro.go.jp,  Shuhei_Oku@jetro.go.jp


APPLICATION ATTACHMENTS

•   Attachment 1:  Program Specifications (Scope of Work) ＜PDF＞ (153KB) 

•    Attachment 2:  Cost Guide ＜Excel＞ (20KB)