After celebrating the 120th anniversary last year, pearl leader Mikimoto, Japan, continues to maintain the momentum while gearing up to creating new values. Sasaki Yoshihiro, assistant general manager of Mikimoto Shanghai shared with Hong Kong Jewellery the recent pearl market situation and the projects lining up.
HKJM: Hong Kong Jewellery
SY: Sasaki Yoshihiro
HKJM: The economy in Japan is steadily recovering. What is Mikimoto’s short-term plan for the local market?
SY: Besides sustaining our No.1 status in the pearl jewellery segment, we are looking into the development of precious stone jewellery. Meanwhile, we will continue to maintain the momentum by having different crossover projects. For instance, the Mikimoto x Hello Kitty collection shows our determination of creating new values.
HKJM: Every high-end jeweller is targeting the Mainland China market. What is Mikimoto’s plan for it?
SY: Horizontally, we are expanding our network in major cities such as Beijing and Tianjin where new shops can be found at Beijing Oriental Plaza and Tianjin Hisense Plaza. Vertically, we will take a more aggressive approach in developing high jewellery in order to meet customers’ satisfaction.
HKJM: How about the US and European markets? SY: Both markets are important for us. In the United States, started from the Fifth Avenue in New York, we are reaching out to other important regions including Las Vegas, Beverly Hills and Costa Mesa. For Europe, we have stores in prime locations such as Paris Vendome, London and Harrods in the United Kingdom.
HKJM: What are the challenges facing the pearl jewellery market?
SY: Many jewellery brands are seeing the huge demands for pearl jewellery and started to get into the business. We see it a healthy competition. We are proud to have the finest pearls, sophisticated design and exquisite craftsmanship.
HKJM: Can you give me an update on the status and development of Mikimoto’s pearl farms?
SY: Our laboratory has invented the ‘shell-lingual’ device which can observe the biological reaction of the oysters and detect temperature changes and red tide. We have also developed the ‘zero emission’ pearl farm to ensure the cultivation is carried out in an environmental-protective way. All by-products related to the cultivation of pearls are reused as pharmaceutical products, fertilizers, etc.
HKJM: Can you tell me more about the collaboration with Hello Kitty?
SY: Creating new values is our focus in 2014. The crossover project aims to impress the world with the history and characteristics of both brands. It also reinforces Mikimoto’s determination of creating new values. Both brands have the same characteristics of being well-loved by mothers and daughters for many generations. The new collection sets to extend such a feature to all ladies around the world. The new high-jewellery pieces fully display Mikimoto’s expertise in design with a playful twist.
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