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EXHIBITING AT THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW WITH OSAKA COMPANIES
1/29/2010


The Annual Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show this January (7-10) attracted about 2,500 exhibiting companies and 120,000 visitors from around the world. With the low state of the economy, there were fewer exhibiting companies and a general tendency for setting smaller booth areas compared to past years. On the other hand, it was also the year that saw the largest number of new exhibitors (300), and there were more visitors this year compared to January of 2009.

There were global Japanese companies such as Panasonic, Sharp and Sony along with LG, Microsoft and Samsung displaying their latest flat screen TV and 3D systems in their enormous booths in the main Central Hall. According to the person we spoke to at the Panasonic booth, the purpose of the event was to make an even better impression of their brand. With such an elaborate display, visitors would forget the state of the economy and be drawn to learn about the latest technology.

For the City of Osaka, Chicago Office, this was our fourth consecutive show. Our display was placed within the cooperative booth between JETRO Osaka and the Osaka Prefecture, alongside three up-and-coming companies from the City of Osaka.

Chuo Electric Works Ltd. exhibited at this show for the third time with President Hatano in attendance. Despite the economy, they have not downsized and are continuing to hire new graduates, choosing an active management path. They have been exhibiting both nationally and internationally over the years. Their main product is their LED line, and although U.S. market entry is only beginning, Mr. Hatano seems assured by the more solid feedback he received during this year's show.

Yashima Dengyo brought their LED control system, which included an energy storage system that guaranteed 90% electricity savings from past systems. President Hashizume came to exhibit for the first time in light of Yashima Dengyo's market research, which showed that their product was better suited for the U.S. market than for the Japanese market. With a serious interest in entering the U.S. market, Mr. Hashizume also seemed pleased with the contacts that he made through this exhibit.

ASCO, another Osaka company, makes LED back ground images for pitching machines,so that there is a sense of reality for the batter, as if he is batting against a live pitcher. Although they have 99% market share in Japan, they have only started looking into the U.S. market. This year, they decided to exhibit, knowing how their product would stand out at CES.

With unique products and systems, it was nice to see Japan well represented among numerous Korean, Chinese and Singaporean companies.


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