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International Furnishings and Design Assn. may open Japan chapter_ 2/25/2009

International Furnishings and Design Assn. may open Japan chapter
Nearly 90 attend meeting in Osaka

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. — The International Furnishings and Design Assn. may open a chapter in Japan. A pending chapter recently held its first meeting in Osaka with nearly 90 industry professionals in attendance.

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

Yasue Ishikawa, executive director for soft goods company Risa Braire, has been the main force behind organizing the new chapter. Ishikawa joined the IFDA-New York chapter in 2006, in order to increase her network of U.S. contacts while participating in industry meetings and events.

She said she quickly realized that other members of the industry in Japan would be interested too. Ishikawa said she was "inspired by the IFDA's community activities, career-building opportunities, and dedication to the industry."

Already the Japanese organization is working on Japan's first designer show house and also is pursuing civic projects. Neither is currently a common practice with design associations in Japan, Ishikawa said.