On Wednesday, September 3, Japan’s largest trade show, the Tokyo International Gift Show, had an impressive opening at the Tokyo Big Sight. Held twice a year in spring and in autumn, this September marks the commemorative 100th edition of the event. The success that has granted the Gift Show its long life is once again on display. Tokyo International Gift Show Autumn 2025 features over 3,000 exhibiting companies from across the globe, and the booths fill every available space in the Big Sight, alongside the concurrent 18th LIFE x DESIGN show, the 20th LIVING & DESIGN total interior show, and the 38th Gourmet Show. Reporters from Japanese MICE media outlet POP Inc. spoke with exhibitors to learn about the newest products hitting the market.
Featuring a powerful international presence, the Gift Show hosted a plethora of regional pavilions, such as Taiwan, Vietnam, India, and Hawaii. The Guam Pavilion in particular, however, stands out amongst the competition thanks to its high-quality products and feeling of solidarity between exhibitors.
The Guam Pavilion is co-sponsored by the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) and the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA). WUSATA offers programs that support newly exporting companies that produce unique value-added products. Companies chosen to promote their wares in Japan are those whose culinary products cater to the niche of Japanese “omiyage” culture, or small souvenirs to be given as gifts. Furthermore, the Tokyo International Gift Show was specifically elected over similar food exhibitions due to the higher quality items being presented at its Gourmet Show.
The Coconut Tree Company produces coconut candy that is entirely handmade from locally-grown ingredients. These spherical candies come in fashionable gift boxes which are perfect for sharing. Several flavors are offered, and Operations Manager Sash Santos recommended the new wasabi flavor, which has been introduced to intrigue the Japanese palette.
Coconut Tree Company Instagram: @thecoconuttreecompany
Local Jerk Guam, LLC is introducing its dinanche chili paste, a cuisine unique to the Chamorro culture in Guam. Composed of Donne Sali peppers mixed with hand-cut vegetables and coconut milk, Local Jerk makes a spicy and tangy dinanche that pairs great with marinades, soups and all kinds of meat and seafood. Similar to The Coconut Tree Company, all ingredients are sourced from Guam farmers, and even the jars and packaging are manufactured locally.
Local Jerk Guam homepage: https://www.localjerkguam.com/
Hailing from another island in the same ocean, Kuleana Rum Works is a Hawaii-based organic rum producer that has won a multitude of awards. In particular, 3 of the 4 rums available for tasting at their Gift Show booth received gold medals for best in their class at this year’s World Spirits Competition. Pacific Regional Sales Director Art Deakins spoke on the company’s choice to attempt to penetrate the Japanese market. He noted that there is a want of high-end rums in Japan, and considering that Kuleana rums are a great fit for whiskey and Scotch whiskey drinkers, he believes the brand is perfect to introduce the whiskey-loving Japanese populace into the world of rum. Furthermore, participation in the Gift Show was recommended to Kuleana by the Hawaii County government itself. As of now, the rum is only available in high-end department stores such as Takashimaya, added Deakins, so the next step is to break into restaurants and cocktail bars in order to reach a wider audience.
Kuleana Rum Works homepage: https://kuleanarum.com/
Continuing on to South Korea, Handrix is developing an original whiskey aging bottle. Featuring two distinct oak sticks that achieve either a toasting or a charring flavor, users simply pour their desired whiskey into the Handrix bottle, insert the aging stick, and seal the cap. After allowing one to three weeks depending on the blend, the whiskey will be reborn with a deeper flavor and scent. Additionally, the manufacturer also produces whiskey chilling stones that come in two options: natural granite stones that preserve flavor and stainless steel stones that quickly chill drinks.
Handrix crowdfunding page: https://www.wadiz.kr/ja/funding/349812
Based in southern China, Guangzhou Diller Daily Necessities Co., Ltd. manufactures high-quality reusable water bottles for every occasion. Their gift show booth focuses on their popular Diller bottle line, which consists of insulated water bottles, tumblers, coffee mugs, and food jars, kids water bottles, plastic and glass water bottles, and sports bottles. All these are made from premium materials and created through eco-friendly production that minimizes environmental impact. Product Manager Phoebe Lee explained that Diller bottles also offer complete customization: anything from printing of logos for corporate promotion to entirely new bottle designs based off customers’ specifications.
Diller homepage: https://www.dillerbottle.com/
The 100th Tokyo International Gift Show will run until Friday, September 5, and admission is free of charge to all industry professionals.
