The Japan Teddy Bear Association warmly welcomes teddy bear artists from around the world to participate and exhibit at our conventions.
We invite you to join us in Japan for an opportunity to meet Japanese collectors, exhibit and sell your creations, and connect with fellow artists from around the world.
About the Japan Teddy Bear with Friends Convention
The Japan Teddy Bear with Friends Convention, organized by the Japan Teddy Bear Association (JTBA), is one of the largest teddy bear events in Japan.
The convention brings together teddy bear artists, manufacturers, shops, collectors, and teddy bear enthusiasts from Japan and around the world.
In addition to the exhibition and sale of artists’ creations, the convention features a Teddy Bear Competition, charity events, and a variety of special programs.
Our convention is about much more than exhibiting and selling teddy bears. One of our most important missions is to bring people together and build connections between Japan and the world through the shared culture and love of teddy bears.
Meet Japanese Collectors
Japan has a long-established and passionate community of teddy bear collectors, many of whom collect works by artists from both Japan and overseas.
Teddy bear enthusiasts from across Japan visit our convention to discover new creations, meet artists in person, and enjoy the special experience of choosing a piece directly from its creator.
For international artists, the convention offers a valuable opportunity to introduce and sell your work directly to Japanese collectors.
Participating in the convention can also lead to new relationships with collectors, greater recognition of your work and brand in Japan, and new opportunities for future activities in the Japanese market.
International Artists Are Welcome
Artists living outside Japan are very welcome to exhibit at the convention.
We welcome individual teddy bear artists, soft sculpture and stuffed-animal artists, and other creators whose work is connected to the world of teddy bears.
Whether this is your first visit to Japan or your first time exhibiting at a Japanese event, we would be delighted to welcome you.
You do not need to speak Japanese to participate.
The Japan Teddy Bear Association will provide reasonable assistance wherever possible so that international artists can feel comfortable participating in and enjoying the convention.
What You Can Experience at the Convention
Exhibit and Sell Your Creations
You can exhibit and sell your original creations at your own booth.
This is a valuable opportunity to meet Japanese collectors face-to-face and share not only your creations, but also the stories, inspiration, craftsmanship, and artistic vision behind your work.
Enter the Teddy Bear Competition
The convention also hosts a Teddy Bear Competition for teddy bear artists.
Entries are welcomed not only from artists in Japan, but also from artists around the world.
We encourage you to take this opportunity to present your work to a Japanese audience.
Connect with Fellow Artists
The convention brings together many teddy bear artists and industry professionals from across Japan and overseas.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the convention is the opportunity to connect with fellow artists who share the same passion for teddy bears, regardless of nationality or language.
Expand Your Presence in Japan
Exhibiting at the convention is about more than simply selling your creations.
It is also an opportunity to introduce your name, work, and brand to Japanese collectors and teddy bear enthusiasts.
We hope the connections you make at the convention will develop into lasting relationships with collectors and open the door to future opportunities in Japan.
Upcoming Convention
The Japan Teddy Bear Association regularly organizes the Japan Teddy Bear with Friends Convention.
39th Japan Teddy Bear with Friends Convention
Dates
October 2 (Saturday) – October 3 (Sunday), 2027
Venue
Tokyo International Forum
Location
Yurakucho, Tokyo, Japan
Event details and schedules are subject to change.
Interested in Exhibiting from Overseas?
The Japan Teddy Bear Association welcomes inquiries from international artists interested in exhibiting at our convention.
Perhaps you would like to:
- Sell your creations in Japan
- Introduce your work to Japanese collectors
- Meet and connect with Japanese teddy bear artists
- Learn more about exhibiting in Japan for the first time
If so, please feel free to contact us.
Our international coordinator will be happy to provide information about exhibiting, applications, and participation in the convention.
International Artist Contact
Japan Teddy Bear Association (JTBA)
Overseas Coordinator
Kayoko Jennings
JTBA Overseas Coordinator
E-mail
kayoko.jennings@gmail.com
Connecting Japan and the World Through Teddy Bears
Teddy bears have a unique ability to bring people together across borders, languages, and cultures.
We want to introduce the wonderful creations of artists from around the world to teddy bear lovers in Japan—and share Japan’s own teddy bear culture with the world.
Through the Japan Teddy Bear with Friends Convention, the Japan Teddy Bear Association aims to create a place where artists, collectors, manufacturers, and teddy bear enthusiasts from Japan and around the world can meet, connect, and build new relationships.
We hope that exhibiting in Japan will bring you new encounters, new friendships, and new possibilities for the future.
We look forward to welcoming you to Japan and meeting you at our convention.
Japan Teddy Bear Association
JTBA