22/06/2026
Highlights from Interior Lifestyle Tokyo: Design, Craftsmanship and New Connections.
Interior Lifestyle Tokyo is a leading international trade fair for interior design and lifestyle products, showcasing upcoming trends and a wide range of offerings. In 2026, around 400 exhibitors from Japan and abroad presented their products to professionals, making the event an important platform for brands looking to enter or expand in the Japanese market.
The fair was a great experience with many inspiring talks and valuable feedback from visitors. Birch bark was a new material for many attendees, who were impressed by its cultural background, origin, and unique appearance, as well as the design language and quality of the products.
I was able to make many new contacts with potential for future collaborations, including interesting connections from the design, product development, and research fields. A big thank you goes to the support team in Japan for setting up the stand, managing logistics, and especially to my interpreter, Manami.
During my trip to Tokyo, I was also able to conduct research on the Japanese design market, traditional Japanese carpentry, and woodworking tools.
A special thank you goes to Kuopion Muotoiluakatemian Säätiö for their support.