IFDA Forming Japan Chapter

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/20/2008 12:00:00 AM

King of Prussia, Pa. —

The pending Japan chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) recently held its first meeting, in Osaka, with almost 90 designers and colleagues attending.

Spearheading the effort is Yasue Ishikawa, executive director for Risa Braire Co., Ltd., a custom window treatment and soft goods design firm in Kobe. She joined the IFDA New York chapter in 2006, and said she was "inspired by the IFDA's community activities, career-building opportunities and dedication to the industry."

IFDA Japan plans a designer show house in Yokohama for February, and an exhibit at a Walk-A-Thon sponsored by the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan.

"We are delighted to have new colleagues in Japan," says IFDA president Dave Gilbert. "The more we exchange ideas and information, the stronger we will be as an industry."

Earlier this year, IFDA formed a new chapter in Southern California.