Latest pearls gather in "Kobe, City of Pearls"! 100 pearl companies to exhibit at "The 30th Kobe International Jewelry Fair, Pearl Hall*¹" held from 5/14~

RX Japan G.K. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Executive Officer and President: Takeshi Tanaka) will host "The 30th Kobe International Jewelry Fair," Western Japan's largest*² jewelry exhibition, for three days from May 14 (Thursday) to May 16 (Saturday), 2026, at the Kobe International Exhibition Hall. The "Pearl Hall," symbolizing "Kobe, the City of Pearls," will feature 100 pearl companies.

Many of the pearls distributed worldwide are concentrated in Japan, and Kobe is one of the world's leading pearl processing and accumulation centers, where a significant portion of the sorting and processing takes place. Numerous pearl processing businesses line the streets of Kobe.

Although pearl exports plummeted to 7.6 billion yen after 2019 due to mass deaths of Akoya oysters and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, strong demand, particularly from the Chinese market, has led to a surge in demand and a shortage in supply. Exports increased to 41.1 billion yen in 2025*³. Currently, the market is expanding towards a target export value of 47.2 billion yen*⁴ by 2030.

At the "Pearl Hall" of this exhibition, a lineup unique to the city of pearls will be realized, ranging from the highest-grade "Kobe Pearls" selected by skilled artisans to rare, one-of-a-kind pieces not usually found in the market. The latest pearl jewelry, attracting attention from both domestic and international visitors, will be gathered in one place.

■ Highlights and featured exhibition products of "Pearl Hall" (partial excerpt)

1. Japan's Pride, the Pinnacle of "Akoya Pearls"

Japanese Akoya pearls are considered to have the most beautiful "teri" (luster). The exhibition will feature masterpieces selected by Kobe artisans, including high-priced large pearls (8mm or more) and "undyed" pearls that have not undergone processing.

Juugatsuhan Co., Ltd.
Akayo Necklace Tennyo

Among Akoya pearls, "Tennyo" is a title given only to those that have passed the extremely strict examination of the Pearl Science Lab (PSL) and are recognized for their highest-grade "teri" (luster). Although the supply of Akoya pearls is currently difficult, "Tennyo" pearls, selected from tens of thousands, are pearls that perfectly combine a strong luster that reflects scenery like a mirror and a faint, cherry-blossom pink "interference color." Comes with a PSL (Pearl Science Lab) appraisal certificate.

St. Pure Co., Ltd.
Nagasaki Iki Produced Undyed Akoya Pearl

St. Pure directly collaborates with [Uemura Pearl Farm] in Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, and handles only Akoya pearls that meet the highly rare conditions of "undyed" and "koshimono" (aged pearls). They consistently source high-quality pearls directly each year and maintain an integrated management system from processing. They can issue "certificates of origin" for all products, offering Akoya pearls with assured quality and high transparency.

2. Overwhelming Presence: "South Sea Pearls (White Lip and Black Lip)"

White South Sea pearls shimmer with glamorous gold and silver, while Black South Sea pearls captivate with their mysterious peacock colors. A wide range of items will be showcased, from large, investment-grade loose pearls to creative jewelry.

J&C Co., Ltd.
White South Sea Pearl "Aurora Venus" 15.2mm Ring

White South Sea pearls, grown from large mother-of-pearl shells, are characterized by their large size, exceeding 10mm, and the profound luster from their thick nacre layers. This piece is an exquisite item that has earned the "Aurora Venus" highest quality rating, using a rare 15.2mm large pearl. 2.39ct diamonds quietly enhance the deep luster unique to White South Sea pearls.

Juugatsuhan Co., Ltd.
South Sea Gold

Among "South Sea pearls," "South Sea Gold," rarely born from the gold lip of the Pinctada maxima oyster, possesses a natural golden color, not dyed, combining glamour with high asset value. This product features a rich, warm champagne gold color and an elegant, velvet-like texture. This luxurious design, making a statement at the ear, is a sophisticated piece for adults that further enhances an outfit.

3. Unique Individuality: "Mabe Pearls and Keshi Pearls"

Keshi pearls with their unique, one-of-a-kind forms, and Mabe pearls with their distinctive volume, will be featured in the latest designs for fashion-conscious individuals who want to express their individuality and for Generation Z.

Excellent International Co., Ltd.
[TASAKI] Pearl Diamond Brooch

This is a playful monkey motif brooch by TASAKI, Japan's representative high jeweler. The K18 yellow gold monkey, with its delicate fur meticulously expressed, gently holding a high-quality pearl shining with 8.5mm of "teri," exudes an intelligent brilliance and elegance, a true sculptural beauty. The carefully selected materials unique to TASAKI and the exquisite craftsmanship, felt the moment you hold it, make it a masterpiece worthy of being a lifelong treasure.

Emeria Trading Co., Ltd.
Horse Conch

This is a playful monkey motif brooch by TASAKI, Japan's representative high jeweler. The K18 yellow gold monkey, with its delicate fur meticulously expressed, gently holding a high-quality pearl shining with 8.5mm of "teri,"