Today is the opening day of a three day ALPS OUTDOOR SUMMIT event in Matsumoto, Japan. The event was organized by friends from Zane Arts, REISEN hutte, Matsumoto Brewery, and a few others.
I was asked to help translate for a few presentations from international guests on Saturday and Sunday and am here from today to prepare. Day 1 of the event is designed to be a time where each of the “brands/craftsman” can meet with each other and the media to learn about each other and better understand the needs and market in Japan.
The first day ended with Mr. Murata giving a kanpai (cheers/toast) with all the brands/craftsman. It was a fun time to gather and I feel it was a successful first day that will lead to some needed changes to the outdoor market in Japan.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything globally, the outdoor market was struggling to grow in Japan. The issue in Japan with outdoor gear is pretty simply in my opinion. The supply has been too high for too long and the market too small. This only leads to a supply heavy market where brands end up having to discount items below their real value and in turn that has a negative impact on the overall outdoor gear market.
During the pandemic and subsequent shutdown I think everyone had a long time to think about what is really important to them and began to make changes to lifestyle.
I will write again tomorrow about my experience and what the event was like.