The Premium Textile Japan (PTJ) 2020 Autumn/Winter and JFW JAPAN CREATION (JFW-JC) 2020 textile shows took placeamid an unprecedented downturn in the apparel market. Although the fairs started initially with relatively visitors (85%compared with the previous year) on the first day, things recovered by day two, with numerous visitors gracing both showvenues and a total of 16,800 visitors recorded over both days.

The PTJ fair was particularly successful awash with buyers who were constantly sourcing new fabrics. Equally prominentwere numerous buyers from leading apparel companies, despite recent trends suggesting a decline in this area. The stand-out feature on the occasion was the increased number of overseas buyers, following on from the previous record breaking PTJ show held in May (with over 150 buyers from 19 countries/regions).

Although no detailed breakdown has yet beenannounced, with multiple registrations from Chinese group buyers alongside other visitors from Asian countries Korea, Taiwan and Singapore as well as the States and Turkey, reflecting significant interest in Japan fabrics.The highlight of this edition was the increased no. of new exhibitors. The Turkey Pavilion made its debut as an overseasparticipation by group, while many domestic companies also joined the fair, seeking to acquire new customers to offset adecline in orders from existing clients via limited routine sales.