- While not normally noticed, artificial flowers are in fact widely used all over the place. They are particularly popular for decorating shops, where although all sizes are used, relatively large artificial flowers are used more. In Japan, many people prefer the term "art flowers" to "artificial flowers".
- We imagine "Hong Kong flowers" (flowers made from plastic in Hong Kong) are perhaps the most well known kind of artificial flowers. Japan's imports from Hong Kong have grown rapidly since 1962, and in 1969, flowers made in Hong Kong accounted for 90% of total imports by value (JY923 million) and a 20% ad valorem tariff was imposed.
- However, long before the appearance of Hong Kong flowers, ordinary artificial flowers were traditionally made in Japan for decorating rooms and using at festivals, and artificial flower accessories were made also for personal adornment.
- Artificial flowers were imitations of real flowers and leaves made because natural flowers soon wilted and so could not be used as decorations for long. They were traditionally used for flower arrangements in Imperial Court and palaces and at Buddhist and Shinto festivals, commoners' weddings and funerals, and other events. It is known that a professional craftsman was employed by the Imperial Court to make artificial flowers between 1804 and 1818, and it also appears that specialists made artificial flowers for weddings commercially. During the Meiji period (1869-1912), Edo-style artificial flowers were used for decorations displayed at weddings and during the New Year.
- Artificial flowers were used for traditional Japanese ornamental hairpins (kanzashi), and their use spread when European women's costumes became more fashionable during the Meiji period.
- Normal artificial flowers are made using a stem or twig made of wire or vinyl material covered with waxed paper or cloth. Leaves and flowers cut from paper or cloth are folded or creased and cleverly colored, and then the necessary sheen is added.
- Artificial flower accessories are used with dresses, hats and in the hair to make the wearer's appearance more attractive. They come as large single flowers, bunches of small flowers, flowers on twigs, leaves, fruit, nuts and berries.
- Plastic flowers are made by heat treating and shaping materials such as vinyl chloride. Celluloid is avoided as it is too flammable.
- Exports of artificial flowers made in Japan began in 1910, following the exhibition of cherry blossom at the London Exhibition in 1907. In 1914, exports to the United States grew when the outbreak of the First World War halted exports to Germany. Exports stopped during the Second World War but again took off after the war, when the United States and Canada became the principal export markets. The value of exports reached a peak of JY3.2 billion in 1959, but began to fall thereafter with the emergence of "Hong Kong flowers", and in 1969 exports were worth only JY1.24 billion.
- Due to the increase in labor costs and the appreciation of the yen, exports are now extremely low, and the total value of Japanese exports in 1995 was only JY37.13 million. Japan's exports by country were as follows:
| Country |
Value (JY Million)
|
Share |
| U.S.A. |
8.34 |
22% |
| UK |
7.14 |
19% |
| China |
4.92 |
13% |
Hong Kong
|
3.58 |
10% |
| Indonesia |
2.93 |
8% |
| Taiwan |
2.73 |
7% |
| Others |
7.49 |
21% |
(Source: Japan Tariff Association)
Exports to China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Taiwan largely consisted of parts and materials rather than completed products.
- The total value of Japan's imports in 1995, however, was JY7.47726 billion. The main sources of imports were as follows:
| Country |
Value (JY Million)
|
Share |
| China |
6,479.51 |
87% |
| Philippines |
207.81 |
3% |
South Korea
|
192.29 |
2.5% |
| Taiwan |
191.59 |
2.5% |
| Thailand |
174.56 |
2% |
| Sri Lanka |
60.33 |
3% |
| U.S.A. |
53.67 |
3% |
| France |
43.76 |
3% |
| Hong Kong |
39.28 |
3% |
| Others |
34.46 |
3% |
(Source: Japan Tariff Association)
By far the most important source of imports, accounting for 87% of imports, was China. The value of imports from Hong Kong is low (JY39.28 million), but a fairly significant proportion of Chinese exports are shipments produced in China for orders taken by companies in Hong Kong. Only 13% of Japan's imports of artificial flowers are plastic, and the remaining 87% are made from other materials (e.g. wire, paper and cloth). Unit costs range from a low of less than US$1 up to around US$12 per dozen. The range of varieties is huge. Japanese import duties are 8% for plastic artificial flowers and 4.6% for those made from other materials.
- There are now few Japanese manufacturers and output is meager. Apart from two or three trading houses that have factories in China, virtually no Japanese manufacturers have expanded overseas. Japanese manufacturers have already moved over to wholesalers, and import directly, import via Hong Kong trading companies to wholesale in the Japanese market, or buy from Japanese trading companies to wholesale. Many companies also handle Christmas goods as well as artificial flowers, and it is relatively common for Japanese companies to plan and design products for OEM production by overseas makers.
- Some discount stores and department stores import directly whilst others buy from wholesalers. Artificial flowers are also widely used in culture classes (e.g. at community centers).
- In addition to use in decorating interiors, artificial flowers have also become widely used during the New Year period and at funerals. In Kyushu, concern for the environment has prompted the use of artificial flowers as "shikibi" (a kind of magnolia placed in the family Buddhist altar) and for placing on graves. Mother's Day carnations are also often artificial flowers.
- Artificial sunflowers, cosmos and lilies sell best in Japan, but surprisingly few artificial roses are sold. The strong, sharp tones favored by Americans are avoided, and more subdued, pale "European" colors are preferred. Artificial flowers with a mat finish also sell well in Japan. Chrysanthemums sell well in the Kanto region but do poorly in the Kansai region.
- Imports of artificial flowers are forecast to continue increasing in the future.
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