- Approximately \166,600,000,000. worth of furniture was imported into Japan between Jan. to Sep., 1995.
Details are as follows.
Finished wooden furniture
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\86,100,000,000. -
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Rattan furniture
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\11,100,000,000.-
|
Metal furnituire
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\31,500,000,000.-
|
Other furniture
|
\5,200,000,000.-
|
Furniture parts
|
\32,700,000,000.-
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- Approximately \105,700,000,000.- worth of wooden furniture was imported during fiscal year 1994.
From Asian countries
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\75,200,000,000.
|
From European countries
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\23,200,000,000.
|
From North America
|
\7,000,000,000.
|
From other countries
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\300,000,000,
|
Country:
Thailand
|
23,900,000,000.
|
Chinese Taiwan
|
13,500,000,000.
|
Indonesia
|
10,200,000,000.
|
China
|
8,600,000,000.
|
Malaysia
|
8,300,000,000.
|
Singapore
|
4,000,000,000.
|
Korea
|
4,000,000,000.
|
Hong Kong
|
1,300,000,000
|
Philippines
|
500,000,000.
|
(From Furniture News)
- Due to an increase in residences such as ÔMansionsÕ (apartment), and a decrease in storage space, the demand for marriage furniture (such as Japanese style drawers, wardrobe, a chest of drawers, and dresser) has declined. Instead, system storage closets tend to be built-in, reducing sales. In addition, demand for new and replacement articles of furniture has declined, and without someone to take over the business, many such retailers have had to close down shop.
- Since the great Hanshin earthquake in Jan Õ95, mush importance have been placed on safety of furniture, much earthquake-resistant furniture being produced .The durability of such furniture, however, is doubtful, as the possibility of it falling over during and earthquake is high particularly should the floors and walls be insufficiently reinforced.
- Since the Product liability law was enforced on July 1, 1995, big retailers such as department-stores and supermarkets have endeavored to ensure that makers take full responsibility for complaints and problems related to their products. So far, there have been many cases where consumers have complained to makers and received compensation, even if they were injured through incorrect usage of the product. (eg: falling when moving furniture)
- Regarding wooden furniture, technical guidance from Japanese furniture makers is necessary, because wooden furniture needs to be suitable for the Japanese climate.
(Wooden furniture can severely wave during humid times of the year.)
- Red sandalwood, ebony and lauan are imported mainly from South East Asia.
- Nowadays, Buddhist alters and fittings are manufactured in Thailand, Indonesia, China, and Brazil, and exported to Japan. Many Japanese Buddhist alter makers have factories within the Asian region.
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