"Gifu PREMIUM" July Issue Now on Sale! Regional Report: Keihanshin Edition, Tradition and Innovation, Sega/Loire, Furoshiki Feature, and More

Business Guide Inc., which organizes events such as the "Tokyo International Gift Show" (*1), released the July 2026 issue of its specialized magazine for the gift business and retail/distribution industries, "Gifu PREMIUM," on Wednesday, July 1st.

The cover feature presents "Regional Report: Western Kinki Three Prefectures Edition," covering six specialty gift shops in Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo. It highlights their initiatives, including the development of original products, proposals utilizing local resources, EC utilization, and calligraphy services.

The series "Tradition and Innovation" focuses on "Tokyo Crafts" and "Town Factories." It introduces product lines and business initiatives that adapt traditional crafts and artisan skills, as well as the technologies of factories that have supported Japan's economy and manufacturing, to the lifestyles of contemporary consumers.

Additionally, the issue features furoshiki (wrapping cloths), exploring their expanding potential as tools for conveying fashion, sustainability, disaster preparedness, and brand worlds. It also includes interviews with Mr. Kajimura, president of Loire, which develops "Memorica," and Mr. Justin Scalpone, managing executive officer leading Sega's IP business. This issue is a must-read for those involved in gift distribution.

*1: Japan's largest international trade fair for personal gifts and household goods (*2)

*2: Company's own research (Research Month: February 2026), based on results from the previous event (101st Tokyo International Gift Show Spring 2026, held February 4-6, 2026) - 2,789 exhibitors, 226,166 visitors.

Featured Topics

Cover Feature: Regional Report - Western Kinki Three Prefectures Edition: Reading the Evolution of Gift-Giving Culture in Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo

This regular regional report on gift shops covers the Kinki region for the first time in approximately one year. We interviewed six specialty gift shops in Kyoto Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, and Hyogo Prefecture.

The report details each store's unique initiatives, such as original products using traditional vegetables and proposals utilizing local resources like Senshu towels, original picture books, photo puzzles, and "calligraphy services for gift envelopes."

<Companies Featured (in order of appearance)>

Salad Kan Takatsuki Hattori Store / Shimizuya Sake Shop, Yumegift (Osaka Prefecture); Mokuson Net, Fujiyoshi (Kyoto Prefecture); Kikuya, Daimaru (Hyogo Prefecture)

Series "Tradition and Innovation" Part 4

This installment covers the "Tokyo Crafts" project, now in its 12th year, and "Town Factories." It showcases initiatives that create and deliver products suited to modern life by leveraging traditional crafts, artisan skills, and manufacturing technologies that have supported the Japanese economy.

<Companies and Organizations Featured (in order of appearance)>

Tokyo Metropolitan Government / Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Corporation "Tokyo Crafts" Project and its product development companies, Machikoba Products (operated by Makers Link), Machipro Town (operated by Session Crew, OYASSAN&CO.), BIRTH LAB (operated by Takagi Building)

Exploring the Potential of Furoshiki in the Modern Era: From Environmental Consideration to Fashion and Disaster Preparedness

We analyze the potential of furoshiki, which is gaining attention, through interviews with leading furoshiki manufacturers and stores that incorporate furoshiki into their gift wrapping and event planning.

<Companies and Organizations Featured (in order of appearance)>

Yamada Sen-i (Musubi), Sankei, Lush Japan, Loft

Sega's Transmedia Strategy

Sega is advancing its "transmedia" strategy, expanding IP touchpoints from games to video, merchandise, stores, and events to diversify fan engagement. We interviewed Mr. Justin Scalpone, Managing Executive Officer and Head of the Transmedia Division, about the current status and future prospects of the company's IP strategy.

Memorica Attracts Attention from Major Retailers!

We spoke with Mr. Masaya Kajimura, president of Loire, who declared, "Loire will become the Memorica company," about the current state of Memorica and his management strategy.

Other Contents

This issue is packed with content, including Daiwa's new "Souvenir Gift" service, renovations to the confectionery floor at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, a report on the Fukuoka Gift Show/Fukuoka PI Show held in June, and coverage of noteworthy products, shops, and events.

Publication Information

Gifu PREMIUM July 2026 Issue

Release Date: July 1, 2026 (Wed) *Electronic version: July 10, 2026 (Fri)

Price: 1100 yen (1000 yen excluding tax)

Sales Channels: Official website, major bookstores, Fujisan Magazine Service, Amazon Kindle, etc.

Details here (Gifu PREMIUM Official Website)

https://www.giftbook.co.jp/premium/

Subscription Application

Order now using the form below

https://www.giftbook.jp/form/purchase/index.htm

→ Please select "Saw it on PR TIMES" when applying.

Advertising Space Available

We will propose the optimal plan tailored to your product. Please feel free to contact us.

Contact: Advertising Sales Department TEL: 03-3843-9854

Main Features for Upcoming Issues

・August 2026 Issue (Scheduled Release: August 3, 2026 (Mon))

Series Tradition and Innovation: Kiryu City, Gift Demand Driven by "Menpa" (Wooden Lunch Boxes), Year of the Zodiac, Calendars, Diaries, Lucky Charms, Year-End and New Year's Goods

・September 2026 Issue (Scheduled Release: September 1, 2026 (Tue))

102nd Tokyo International Gift Show Autumn 2026 Buyer's Guidebook, Hands Feature

Target Audience

This publication is read by individuals involved in the broad gift market and distribution.

・Major gift wholesalers, gift shop owners, executives, and sales representatives

・Department store, mass retailer, and specialty store managers, buyers, and MDs

・Leading manufacturers' owners, development staff, and sales representatives

・Sales promotion, marketing, and advertising personnel

・Construction, architecture, real estate, and renovation industries

・Embassies, government agencies, and public organizations

Inquiries

Business Guide Inc.

Sales Promotion Department Contact: Sugihara

TEL: 03-3843-9854