Special feature on iichi! The reason why over 30's, skilled handmade artists and craftsmen gather at iichi as "Quality Oriented Market"!
Special feature on iichi! The reason why over 30's and skilled handmade artists and craftsmen gather at iichi as a "quality-oriented market"!
Hello!kanahina Hello!😊
This time, we would like to introduce a marketplace that offers creative handicrafts that add color to the lives of adults, under the slogan of "good, small craftsmanship.iichiiichi, a marketplace offering creative handicrafts that add color to adult life under the slogan "good, small craftsmanship.
First, we will discuss the background of the operation andQuality Oriented Handmade Marketand the functions of the site.
In the latter half of the presentation, we will explain our user base, apps, and community initiatives.
🛍What kind of service is ️ iichi?
iichiwas born in July 2011 and incorporated in 2012. Launched as a Hakuhodo Group venture, iichi has since built a community-based market that emphasizes dialogue between makers and buyers with the mission of "making daily life more comfortable.
It is a platform that delivers the "value" of craftsmanship that is distinctly different from mass consumption.
iichiis the perfect place to find unique handicrafts, handmade items, antiques, and other items that add color to your life.🌟
🗂️ Wide range of genres handled
The site offers a wide variety of genres, from accessories and fashion goods to tableware and kitchenware, interior goods, artwork, kids and baby items, as well as food, antiques, and vintage items. The site is designed to allow users to search for pieces in more than 20 categories according to the individuality of the creator.
🏢 Management Company & Scale of Operations
Company Name | iichi corporation |
---|---|
Location of Head Office | 2-6-20 Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture |
Establishment | August 1, 2012 |
Main Business | Operation of a marketplace for handmade goods, antiques, and food products |
As of the end of 2023, there will be approximately 180,000 registered stores and 770,000 works.
By 2024, the number of works will further expand, attracting a total of approximately 30,000 domestic and international makers and over 1 million visitors per month.
⚙️Site functions that support "small and good
1. favorite & restock notification
Register the pieces you want and you will be automatically notified when they are available again after they are sold out. You will not miss the information about the maker's new works, semi-orders, and so on.
2. direct messages
Direct message to the maker for any questions or concerns before or after the purchase. You can get your own one-of-a-kind item through careful communication, including size adjustments and material changes.
3. access analysis & event notification
Exhibitors can use access analysis to visualize the number of views and responses to each store and piece. Notices of offline exhibitions and other events can also be posted on the site, increasing the number of fans both online and offline.
🎯 Why is it supported by adults in their 30s and older?
Quality materials, long-lasting design, and the story of the creator. ......The adult generation seeks more than just "things.
iichihas a strong sales of high-priced items, with users in their 30s, 50s, and even 60s and 70s.
It is a community-type market that has succeeded in differentiating itself as a "quality-oriented market" that fits mature lifestyles.😊
👨🎨 Presence of male artists and users
The general handmade market is dominated by women,iichiis a market dominated by women, but many male craftsmen specializing in woodworking, leatherworking, and metalworking participate in iichi. The designs and proposals are suitable for male customers as well, and are supported by those who are looking for practical goods such as furniture and tools.
I have tried to imagine what kind of people are registered in the site, male or female, and here is what I came up with.✨
👨🔧 Male persona: Kentaro Sato (35 years old, woodworker)
-
Profile.
35 years old, Male / Living in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Produced and sold wooden works in his home and studio / Formerly worked for a construction-related company before setting up his own business -
Lifestyle and Values
Prefers "lifelong products that become more durable the more you use them." On weekends, he draws plans and updates SNS, and on weekdays, he devotes himself to manufacturing in his workshop. -
Reason for using iichi
- Brand power and ability to attract customers, even at a high commission rate
- To be stimulated by a community with many male craftsmen
- Developing overseas fans with Pinkoi & WorldShopping BIZ
-
Main Functions
Restock notifications / access analysis / crafts days event notifications -
Recommendations
A place where professional-quality products are lined up, giving your brand a sense of credibility.
The message function has improved customer satisfaction."
👩🎨 Female persona: Misaki Yamamoto (age 42, leather craft artist)
-
Profile.
42 years old, Female / Living in Tama City, Tokyo
Company employee, leather craft class instructor, handmade artist / iichi exhibitor for 5 years -
Lifestyle/Values
I run a class after work and create works at home on weekends. She is also particular about interior design, believing that "handmade crafts tell a story. -
Reason for using iichi
- To reach out to quality-conscious users in their 30s to 50s.
- Increase brand awareness through publication in "iichi Tsushin
- Increase repeat customers with push notifications
-
Main Functions
Favorite registration / Message function / App-only coupon distribution -
Recommendations
It can be used to advertise classes and leads to more applications than social networking sites."
Sales doubled with the feature article.
⭐ Summary of evaluation and reputation
I wanted you to know more about iichi, so I have summarized it in a nutshell from the reviews seen online on my end💖
-
The quality of the work is overwhelmingly high
Many customers are satisfied with the quality of the carefully crafted one-of-a-kind pieces by professional artists and craftsmen, which can be used for a long time after purchase. -
Restocking notifications so you don't miss out on the pieces you want!
Popular items that are sold out are instantly caught by "Restock Notification". It is popular because it saves you the trouble of checking back again and again. -
Secure transactions with the message function
You can consult directly with the maker before and after the purchase, so confirming the size and material is smooth. Less trouble for beginners. -
A wide variety of genres to pinpoint your taste
A wide variety of items, from accessories to furniture, food, and antiques. Many customers say they enjoy searching for pieces that match their tastes. -
The application is intuitive and easy to use
Push notifications and feature articles are well read. Even those who are not accustomed to smartphone operation can easily check out works. -
Smooth international order handling
Agency service by WorldShopping BIZ eliminates language barriers and delivery problems, and is highly appreciated by overseas users. -
The commission fee is high, but understandable.
Some are surprised at the 20% commission, but many artists agree that it is reasonable for the quality and ability to attract customers. -
Offline events are fun!
The experience of actually being able to touch the works at the Asakusa Gallery or at the "crafts days" that tour throughout Japan has been well received as an attraction that cannot be experienced online. -
Well worthwhile reading content
The "iichi News" and seasonal features delve deeply into the stories of the makers. Some customers say they become even more attached to the work when they learn the background of the piece. -
Depth of Category Search
While you can find a wide variety of works in more than 20 subdivided categories, it may take some time before you find what you are looking for. -
Access analysis is useful
Detailed browsing data for exhibitors has been well received and directly linked to marketing improvements. -
The gallery experience is valuable
The peace of mind of being able to check the feel and color at a physical store in Asakusa encourages online purchases. -
Courteous customer support
Customers say that the replies to their inquiries are prompt and friendly, and that they can consult with the company without worry even when they have problems. -
Well-developed community of writers
Regular study sessions and exchange events are available to share skills and help make friends from beginners to professionals. -
Seasonal campaigns are fun!
The limited coupons and special campaigns linked to the app are popular for their savings and excitement. -
Reliability of the review function
Many real voices of buyers are received, and they are highly evaluated as helpful in selecting artworks. -
Variety of payment methods
Stress-free with a wide variety of payment methods including credit card, PayPay, and convenience store payment. -
Smooth delivery procedures
Customers say the process from packaging and shipping notification to receipt is smooth and reassuring. -
Wide range of price range
From small items costing a few hundred yen to artwork costing hundreds of thousands of yen, there is a wide range of choices to suit any budget and purpose. -
Friendly to novice artists
Easy-to-understand instructions and guides for exhibiting your work allow even first-time artists to open a store without hesitation.
📱 Expand your experience with the official app
- Push NotificationNew arrivals: Catch new arrivals and messages instantly!
- What to readiichi Tsushin": Seasonal features and interviews with the makers of iichi products.
- New Discovery FunctionRandom display: Unexpected encounters with works of art
- Exclusive coupons: Special measures such as first-time 500 yen off, seasonal campaigns, etc.
Supported OS: iOS 15.3 or later / Android 11 or later recommended.
Many users have actually commented, "It runs crisply and can be operated without stress," and "I can catch new works immediately with push notifications," and the intuitive smartphone-centered UI design has been highly evaluated.
Every time the app is opened, seasonal specials and recommended works jump out at you, making you want to check it again and again. As a result, the app contributes significantly to the rate of return visits and repeat purchases.
As of August 2025, the app boasts a high satisfaction rating of 4.7 / 384 in the Apple Store.
💰 Listing Plan & Commission Details
Exhibitor Registration | Free of charge |
---|---|
Sales Commission | 20% of sales (15% for antiques and food) |
Bank transfer fee | Approx. 160 yen (55 yen depending on the bank) |
While the fees are certainly higher than those of a typical marketplace, they are offset by iichi's unique brand power and reliable reach to a carefully selected user base.
With many opportunities to pick up works through regular feature postings and SNS campaigns, customers seeking professional quality have commented that they are satisfied beyond price, and that iichi is a place where the value of one-of-a-kind items is duly appreciated.
As a result, the site supports the stable attraction of customers and the continuous acquisition of fans, an advantage that leads to long-term sales growth and encourages the growth of artists and stores.
🌐 Global Expansion & Collaboration
Since 2016, we have partnered with Pinkoi, one of Asia's largest design markets, to introduce at once to Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other Asian countries the unique works produced by Japanese craftspeople.
Local customers have been very impressed with the detailed Japanese sense of beauty and the warmth of one-of-a-kind pieces that cannot be found anywhere else.
Furthermore, in 2021, WorldShopping BIZ will be introduced to create a system that allows overseas users to place orders without any language, payment, or delivery barriers.
Since the creators can communicate only in Japanese as before, orders are actually pouring in from Europe and North America, and the company is constantly receiving comments of delight that it has created fans beyond national borders. The appeal of iichi is spreading even further through global expansion.
🤝 Community deepens through offline measures
- Experience actual textures and colors at the permanent gallery store in Asakusa
- Face-to-face interaction between makers and users at "crafts days" that travel throughout Japan
- Support for networking at study sessions and exchange events for makers
The Asakusa Gallery Shop is permanently open, so you can actually hold the warmth and color of the materials in your hands, which is difficult to convey online.
Regularly themed exhibitions are held, and seasonal works are lined up, so there is always something new to discover no matter how many times you visit.
Crafts days" tour major cities throughout Japan, allowing local users to directly interact with the makers, who usually only communicate with each other through their screens.
Through workshops and talk sessions, the backgrounds of the works and the secret stories behind their production are shared, and requests for purchases and semi-custom orders are actively made on the spot.
In addition, study sessions and exchange events for makers provide an opportunity to learn from professional instructors and veteran artists about photography tips, marketing of works, and know-how on overseas sales.
Exchanging ideas with like-minded peers improves the cohesiveness and skills of the entire community while providing creative stimulation.
📣 SNS & Fan Community
- X (formerly Twitter)Twitter: Approx. 22,000 followers check events and new releases.
- Instagram: Seasonal specials and customer case studies through visual posts
- Offline study sessions and online forums for creators to promote skill sharing & interaction
❓Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q.1iichiHow do I register an exhibit on iichi?
-
A.1
After registering as a member, go to "Create a Shop" on "My Page" and enter your store name, profile, and bank account information, then register your work and it will be published after the review is complete.
-
Q.2How much is the sales commission?
-
A.2
20% of sales are charged for the standard plan, and 15% for select stores such as antique and food stores.
-
Q.3How much is the transfer fee for sales?
-
A.3
A flat fee of approximately 160 yen (55 yen for PayPay Bank) is charged for bank transfers.
-
Q.4What is the restocking notification function?
-
A.4
This is a function that allows you to register sold-out pieces as favorites and receive an e-mail notification when they are re-listed.
-
Q.5How do I use the message function?
-
A.5
Questions before and after an order or semi-custom consultation can be directly exchanged with the maker from the "Message" tab on My Page.
-
Q.6Do you accept orders from overseas?
-
A.6
A proxy purchasing company handles orders, payment, and delivery for overseas users through WorldShopping BIZ.
-
Q.7What operating systems are supported by the official application?
-
A.7
We recommend iOS 15.3.1 or higher for the iOS version and Android 11.0 or higher for the Android version.
-
Q.8How can I use the app-only coupons?
-
A.8
Select an applicable coupon from the list of coupons in the app and check "Redeem Coupon" on the payment screen.
-
Q.9What is your cancellation and return policy?
-
A.9
Due to the nature of handmade items, as a rule, returns and exchanges are not accepted. Please check with us by message before purchase.
-
Q.10What are the opening hours of Asakusa Gallery?
-
A.10
We are open all year round, but our hours may change depending on the content of the exhibition. Please check "Event Information" for the latest information.
-
Q.11How do I use the event notification function?
-
A.11
You can make an announcement on the site by registering the date, time, location, and summary of the event in the "Event Information" section of My Page.
-
Q.12What are the rules for posting photos of my work?
-
A.12
Please use high quality photos taken by yourself to convey the actual colors and textures of your work. Avoid watermarks and logos.
-
Q.13What is the difference between commission plans?
-
A.13
There are different commission rates for select stores: 20% for the standard plan and 15% for antiques and food.
-
Q.14How do I work with Pinkoi?
-
A.14
If you activate the Pinkoi linkage from "External Linkage" in the store settings on My Page, your works will automatically be listed on Pinkoi as well.
-
Q.15What is iichi News?
-
A.15
iichi Tsushin is a reading content that delivers seasonal specials, interviews with makers, etc. It can be viewed on the iichi app or on the website.
🎉 Summary: iichi offers a "quality everyday life" for adults.
iichiiichi is a platform that connects adults in their 30s and older with skilled craftspeople, based on the concept of "valuing the background of craftsmanship and connecting makers and buyers from the heart.
It enhances the user experience through both online and offline mechanisms, and is building a market that extends both domestically and internationally.
If you are looking for a special item to accompany you in your daily life, please visit us!iichifor a special item that will be a part of your life.😊