International Fair for a Better Life with Pets๏ผ opens its doors today and runs from 2 ๏ผ 5 April at Tokyo Big Sight, Hall 3. More than 230 exhibitors (Domestic: 185, Overseas: 48) from 15 countries and regions1 will showcase not only pet related products and services, but also ideas, knowledge and inspirations from around the world for a more comfortable and high quality lifestyle for pets, pet owners and potential pet owners.

The number of international exhibitors increased, including the debut of pavilions from Indonesia and Thailand. Interpets again offers Business matching programmes for international exhibitors on the first day, inviting decision-making buyers from leading wholesalers, trading houses and retailers in the pet industry in Japan.

The show this year takes place concurrently with two other pet related fairs under the same roof titled AJPET (All Japan Pet Expo in Tokyo) and offers visitors more sourcing choices in one place. One of the concurrent fairs, FCI Japan International Dog Show organised by the Japan Kennel Club, is a competition for purebred dogs. Japan Pet Fair, organised by the Japan Pet Products Manufacturers Association, showcases all kinds of live pets. Interpets, organised by Mesago Messe Frankfurt Corp. and the Japan Pet Food Association, is the only international fair among the three, and provides a platform where new ideas and business can be generated by bringing together the fields of automotive, housing, interior design, fashion, IT, electronics, leisure and hospitality.

Followed by Honda Access Corp. and Mercedes-Benz Japan Co., Ltd. which already participated at the last edition, Volkswagen Group Japan K.K. makes its debut at the show this year and presents its vehicles that enable a fun and safe driving experience with pets. There is also a showroom by housing-related manufacturers based on the concept of comfortable and stylish living with pets. The room will be equipped with interior items to provide a safe environment for pets at home, such as unique flooring coated with a special material that keeps pets from hurting themselves by slipping, as well as home fragrances to prevent odours.

A wide selection of informative seminars and interactive events will take place throughout the four days. Subjects include how to train pets, manner improvement of pet owners, techniques to shoot the best pet photos, the therapeutic benefits of pets, as well as visitor participatory pet shows and events.

The first day on April 2 is limited to trade visitors only, and is a day for securing a sound business environment. The fair will be opened to the public from April 3 onward, and exhibitors will prepare photo spots and numerous free samples for visitors to enjoy. Interpets has been focusing on realising a society where people and pets could live comfortably together, and the fifth edition of the fair guarantees to offer contents that help achieve this aim.

For more information, please visit the official website: www.interpets.jp/2015/en/