The Concept Japan Story

The Concept Japan story starts with founders, Katsu & Helen Ikeguchi, meeting as young adults in Adelaide, Australia and their romance ultimately leading to the melding of two cultures. They lived and worked in Japan for several years before returning to Australia to start a retail business, and subsequently the Concept Japan wholesale business and raise a family.

In December 1998, Ikeguchi Creative Life (A Japanese lifestyle and Homewares store) opened its doors to the city of Adelaide. The Ikeguchi store brought a piece of Japan to Adelaide and was an institution amongst locals for 16 years. It allowed Katsu & Helen to explore the growing wholesale side of what was to become the focus of their business.

In early 2015, the Ikeguchi store was sold to enable Concept Japan to become the prime focus as its growth had exceeded all expectations. Concept Japan was established in 2001, with both businesses being run by Helen & Katsu Ikeguchi all whilst raising a young family. It didn’t take long to realise the wholesale side of things had great potential nationally, as during the last 14 years of wholesale trade, the Ikeguchi’s had developed many long-standing relationships with their Japanese suppliers, local Japanese artists and trade people. Biannual buying trips to Japan allow for a seasonal diversification of products presented to the Australian market, largely taking place at the Australian Gift Fairs in both Sydney and Melbourne.

Concept Japan are now one of Australia’s finest and largest importers of Japanese gift and homewares. With a wide, diverse range of products ranging from traditional to modern and handcrafted ceramics, to the quirky and cute gifts Japan is known for. Concept Japan continue to break new ground in sourcing and introducing new wares from Japan while maintaining a deep connection and authenticity to the Japanese culture and all it has to offer.