TOKYO—Organizers reported a slight uptick in visitors from Japan, Asia and other parts of the world to the recently-concluded IOFT 2008 optical show which was held here Oct. 1 to 3. Some 15,811 buyers, compared to 15,717 at last year’s fair, toured the 21st edition of the exhibition which featured a record-breaking 493 exhibitors (461 at IOFT 2007) from 22 countries/regions participated.

In addition, show organizers announced that they have moved the traditional timing of the show for next year, reporting that IOFT’s 2009 edition will be held Tuesday, Oct. 27 through Thursday Oct. 29, “due to the great numbers of requests gathered from the visitors and exhibitors.” IOFT Show Director, Kenji Okabe said, “By changing the date, we are expecting more buyers than ever to visit IOFT from throughout Japan as well as from around the world. For overseas buyers, since there will be no overlapping with any other international optical fair, it will be a great opportunity for them to seek and experience new frames and technologies of Japan and the world.”

Regarding the recent IOFT, Yoshiko Takahashi of Show Management, reported, “I heard so many satisfied voices when walking around the venue. It is of course due to the quality and quantity of the exhibitors and buyers, but there is also one other factor. We are trying to make IOFT more stylish and in design for the coming years and this year was our first step. We changed the carpet, cooperated with design interior company, TIS TOU to make the stylish lounge, even changed the music. People participating at IOFT yearly noticed these changes and heard many positive comments. We are still in the early stage of the change, but we will be making IOFT a more high-quality optical fair than ever before, believing that it will link to the vitalization of the global optical industry.”

This year, IOFT had six special categorized exhibit zones such as Eyewear Accessories (new), IT Solution (new), Luxury Collection, Fukui Zone, Shop Design and Boutique.

This year’s trade visitors included chain stores, retailers, manufacturer, wholesalers, distributors, importers, exporters, overseas buyers as well as various other optical industry professionals and several hundred members of the international press.

Besides its “Best Dressed Eyes” contest, which recognizes celebrities, leaders and politicians for their eyewear choices, the IOFT also presented its annual 2009 Eyewear of the Year (EOY) Awards in a presentation ceremony on Oct. 1. From 353 entries (compared to 265 in 2007), honors were bestowed on three products in each of five categories, with Grand Prix winners in each.

Grand Prix winners included: Mens: Washin Optical, Blend-BM008; Ladies: Nico Design Vanni-Stratos V1798; Sunglasses/Sports: Glassick Co. Ltd, Natty Eight; Luxury and High-End: l.a eyeworks for Bangalore; Function and Technologies: Strada Del Sole 15.