Japan: 1st Organic Lifestyle Expo

Organic Livestyle Expo OLE is a trade fair organized on the concept of B2B2C which connects producers and distributors with consumers and other stakeholders.It will be held on November 18-19 at Tokyo International Forum,and is one of the first trade fairs to implement IFOAM`s Organic 3.0. OLE is supported by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

A platform for trade and consumers

The exhibitors cover a wide range of products and necessities for daily life: Food and beverages, body care, ethical organic cosmetics, textiles, household goods and much more. Visitors can also learn about the organic movement and gather information. The organizers and their supporters believe that it is very important to welcome and involve the general public to ensure a continuous growth of the organic movement and market.

Many different themes are covered, such as Taste, Nurture, Wear, Care, Heal, Live, Protect and Revive. As of mid September 131 booths in the hall have been booked by 80 exhibitors plus co-exhibitors. The outdoor space will feature over 50 shopping tents for organic farmers and distributors. Furthermore, there are 10 booths in the lobby gallery for associations and media.

Products will also be offered for sale. The exhibition criteria for OLE include Organic JAS certification, authentication of natural and organic cosmetics and textiles through various types of certification, such as Fairtrade, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), Rainforest, and MSC (Marine Stewardship Council), as well as thorough audits by first-, second, and third-party certification, with the collaboration of experts in each field in line with the concept of Organic 3.0, say the organizers.

There will be information booths providing information regarding the above certification bodies at the venue, as well as seminars regarding the certification marks currently circulating in the market, giving both industry players and consumers opportunities to deepen their knowledge about certification.

Organizer theme zones focused on native seeds and animal welfare

Theme zones designed by the organizers, with sponsor support from Radish Boya and Lawson/Natural Lawson, will feature information and companies from all over Japan related to seeds and animal welfare which are the cornerstones of organic farming for the future. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about native seeds and animal welfare they have had little exposure to, and then participate in related events where they will be able to taste the actual products in the kitchen studio.　

Many seminars and stage programs including overseas organic market trends from Organic 3.0, cooking shows (with food and beverage tastings), fashion shows, chair yoga classes, and much more will complete the first Organic Lifestyle Expo. Among others OLE will host the “Kids’ Award—My Food Painting Contest” based on food and environment themes. This event connects with OLE for increasing awareness and interest among the young generation. “Organic 3.0 | for truly sustainable farming & consumption,” a booklet translated under the supervision of IFOAM Japan will also be available at the venue.

To continue the project the next Organic Lifestyle Expo will be held on July 26-27 (Sat/Sun) 2017.