Junko Gennami: When Japanese Design meets Hong Kong

In Japan, it is not rare to find a craftsman who focuses on one craft over all his/ her life. The Japanese phrase “shokunin kishitsu (craftsmen’s spirit) refers to such devotion to perfection, which are presented in the Japanese designs. JG International Consulting Limited, founded by Junko Gennami, Arts & design consultants, exclusively represents Japanese design brands. Through the meticulous products, Japanese craftsmen’s spirit is well shown to Hong Kong people.

The Japanese Craftsmanship

Junko was studying Art and Business in the United Kingdom in 2011 when the 311-earthquake hit Japan. "In that circumstance, I don't want to be too far from my hometown. I also wish to introduce the beauty of Japan to people overseas," she recalled. As a city in love with Japanese culture, with English as one of the commonly used languages, Hong Kong has become Junko’s destination.

Expertizing in art and design, providing high-quality designs has become the best way for Junko to introduce her hometown. With an extraordinary artistic sense, she acts as a consultant and represents various Japanese products. Whether it is the scented papers that present different seasons by shapes and scents, or the light weighted earrings made of paper and gold, all the products have fully demonstrated the scrupulous attentiveness of Japanese designs.

The Hong Kong Uniqueness

While Hong Kong designers may flock to the mature Japanese design industry, Junko discovers the distinctiveness of Hong Kong: "Japanese are cautious to avoid making mistakes. What is interesting about Hong Kong is, everything is acceptable, no matter Chinese, Western and Japanese things. People are willing to change too. So, designers, you can just go and innovate boldly.”

There is no need to follow the path of others. Giving full play to our own cultural advantage, we will create the future of Hong Kong design.

Junko Gennami

Director of JG International Consulting Limited/ Founder of Art & Crafts Studio

In 2011, Junko started her own business in Hong Kong, and based on her past experience, she developed a business model to introduce Japanese traditional culture, design and art in Hong Kong. After studying architectural interior design in the UK and working as an interior designer for a hotel architectural design firm in Japan, she returned to the UK to study art & business and then started her own business in Hong Kong. HAKO by KUNJUDO and IKUE by TANT are both represented by JG International Consulting limited.