Seminar

Special Seminar: Discussion about the future of Akoya pearls through genomics: A genomic discussion between Dr. Takeuchi, young pearl farming entrepreneurs, and pearl researchers

Overview

Akoya oysters create beautiful pearls, but the annual production of Akoya pearls has reduced from 70,000 kg to 20,000 kg over the past 20 years due to various factors. Dr. Takeuchi’s research focuses on strengthening oysters against diseases and environmental changes through genomic studies. In this seminar, Dr. Takeuchi, a pearl farming entrepreneur, and a sustainability-focused researcher will discuss the significance and prospects of this research.

Speakers

  • Takeshi Takeuchi
    Chief Researcher, Japan Pearl Promotion Society
  • Yusuke Chikazawa
    President, Kitamura Pearls Co.,Ltd.;
    Board Member, Japan Pearl Exporters' Association
  • Online presentation
    Takashi Atsumi
    Mie Prefectural Fisheries Research Institute, Aquaculture and Environmental Research Division, Chief Researcher and Division Manager.
  • Facilitator: Yukio Tasaka
    Executive Director, Japan Pearl Promotion Society

About the Seminar

Seminar Title Discussion about the future of Akoya pearls through genomics
A genomic discussion between Dr. Takeuchi, young pearl farming entrepreneurs, and pearl researchers
Time Monday, June 9, 2025, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location Seminar Hall of Kobe International Exhibition Hall 3
* No online participation; archived recordings will be available later.
Capacity 100 participants
Fee Free
Language Japanese (Simultaneous interpretation available)

Join the seminar here!
Until the day of the event

Global pearl market and the allure of JAPAN PEARL

Overview

The global pearl jewelry market is projected to grow from $13.2 billion in 2024 to $34.6 billion by 2033 *. Key drivers of this growth include the increasing appreciation for pearls' beauty and rarity, heightened interest in ethical production processes, and the purchasing power of emerging markets.
For this seminar, renowned KOLs from around the world will discuss about “trends in the global pearl market” and “unique appeal of JAPAN PEARL”. Professor Yuko Yamashita(Graduate School of Business Administration, Department of Business Administration, Hitotsubashi University), the Chairperson of the Sales & Marketing Committee at the Council for Strengthening Collaboration of the Pearl Industry, will attend as the moderator.

*https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/pearls?srsltid=AfmBOorxKrlEOLe0aP9lNrk3WMHX01abURh3w2MBLIZip_GWkU3GJ44k

Main topics (tentative):

  • The positioning of Akoya pearls as their rarity increases amid the growth of the global jewelry market.
  • The value of pearls for today’s buyers
  • Uses of pearls with changes in lifestyle (formal vs. casual).
  • How to respond to changes in sales channels.
  • The relationship between sustainability and customer value

Speakers

  • Jeremy Shepherd
    President of CPAA (the Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.)
  • Tevai Humbert
    3rd generation aquaculture entrepreneur in French Polynesia
  • Helena Blanchet
    luxury jewelry consultant
  • Tatsu Kuramoto
    President of Kuramoto Pearl Co., Ltd.
    Vice President of the Japan Pearl Exporters' Association
  • Moderator: Professor Yuko Yamashita
    Professor of Graduate School of Business Administration, Department of Business Administration, Hitotsubashi University

About the Seminar

Seminar Title Global pearl market and the appeal of JAPAN PEARL
Time Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location Seminar Hall of Kobe International Exhibition Hall 3
*No online participation; archived recordings will be available later.
Capacity 100 participants
Fee Free
Language Japanese and English (Simultaneous interpretation available)

Join the seminar here!
Until the day of the event