After a hiatus of six years, the leading industrial sewing machine trade event JIAM 2022 Osaka is back. The four-day event gets under way today.
This would be the 12th edition of the Japan International Apparel Machinery & Textile Industry Trade Show—JIAM, in short, and has as its theme 'It all connects at JIAM – the forefront of technology and master craftsmanship'. The latest edition brings together leading sewing machine suppliers and apparel manufacturers, making it a must-attend event for textile professionals. The 2022 edition will showcase apparel manufacturing solutions catered to each and every need, combining high-level skillsets and time-tested knowledge with the latest modern-day technology.
But the last edition of the event was held way back in 2016, long before the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, not to speak of the ongoing global economic crisis. JIAM is in a good position to ascertain what's changed, and if at all there's a recovery in the segment.
A JIAM spokesperson says, "The trend is toward recovery in all regions, especially in Asia. There is a tendency for sewing for Europe and the US to be shifted from China to other Asian countries. Some sewing operations are shifting from China to other Asian countries, and some sewing operations in Asia are shifting to Central America. There is also a movement to shift sewing operations from Asia to Central America."
It is also a question of investments. Manufacturers are tight-fisted, especially given that investments need to be made in times of economic uncertainties. Therefore, investments can indicate which verticals are doing better than others. The spokesperson remarks: "There is a trend of decreasing demand for suits and other business wear and increasing demand for casualwear and sportswear. In addition, the ratio of non-apparel fields may further increase in the future. Investment in labour-saving and automated machines to cope with rising labour costs and labour shortages will probably increase further."
Turning Spotlight on Upcycling
According to Japan's Ministry of the Environment, an average of 1,300 tonnes of clothing are disposed of each day in the country. The Ministry has proposed 'sustainable fashion' as an initiative to make the industry more eco-friendly for both companies and consumers.
With this in mind, JIAM 2022 would include a special workshop on upcycling. Organised by Brother Industries Ltd, Janome Corp, JUKI Corp and JASMA, the workshop will dwell over sewing with upcycling materials. The idea is this: 'Responsibility to Manufacture, Responsibility to Use'. Visitors will be taught to sew reusable bags using upcycling fabrics from Coleman tents.
The B2C segment will also get attention. The Home Sewing Machine Zone will feature major domestic household sewing machine suppliers. Visitors will also be taught to sew “cup sleeves” using discarded items and materials from the DIY brand WHTATNOT. Another highlight will be the awards for JASMA’s '42nd Home Sewing Competition for Elementary, Middle, and High School Students.
Eleven seminars and panel discussions would also be held. Two of those are notable: 'The Forefront of Asian Apparel: 10 Years of Struggle and the Future of Japanese Garment Manufacturers' and 'Challenging the Factory Era: Opening Up Japanese and Global Markets through Manufacturing'.
Japan as a Sewing Segment Powerhouse
JIAM is organised by the Japan Sewing Machinery Manufacturers Association (JASMA), with Messe Frankfurt Japan Ltd. The show was held for the first time in 1984, and has since emerged as one of the world’s leading sewing equipment trade fairs. JIAM enjoys a strong reputation among both leading Japanese sewing machine manufacturers as well as major international manufacturers showcasing their very latest products at the fair.
Says the spokesperson: "We have a top-class market share for industrial sewing machines with automation and labour-saving functions. The strength of our products lies in the development capabilities of our manufacturers, the performance of the sewing machines themselves, and the high quality of our sewn products." And JIAM remains consistent. "JASMA has contributed to the development of sewing technology throughout the industry. The philosophy that JIAM is the place where innovative new products and solutions are introduced from Japan to the world has been consistent since the first JIAM."
For that reason, how JASMA sees things will remain relevant: "Soaring labour costs and labour shortages are expected to further increase demand for products that enable sewing that does not depend on the skill and experience of sewing operators. Along with the development of more labour-saving and automatic machines, the digitalisation of sewing machines is also expected to progress in the future."
