There were 94 exhibitors at the 74^th edition of the Tokyo Leather Fair including six from Italian leather companies. Visitor numbers were up by 6% compared with the previous edition, boosted by a higher number of visitors from the footwear sector (10.7%). Despite this, the focus of the fair is traditionally on leather goods.

The fair featured trends for summer 2007 and the most sought-after items included heavy casual leather, kip, sole leather and printed denim. In terms of textiles, silk designs, natural cloths and crochet-look perforated cotton created great interest. The Italian designers that attended confirmed positive movements in the leather sector in Japan, with buyers focusing on novelties and quality items.

Japan is the second largest importer of Italian bags, belts and cases with imports increasing by 19.6% in 2005. Although Italian exports of finished hides moderately decreased in volume, their value appears to have increased. However, suede leather has shown an increase in quantity of over 300% and sole leather has remained stable.

Accessories and synthetic material have grown in terms of value and quantity, whereas components have recorded a drop of 25.7%.