Japanese-based tile producer X-iS is working to reach a wider market through
its Tajimi Custom Tiles (TCT) brand.
Japan’s Gifu Prefecture has a long association with ceramic production. The region, noted for its natural beauty, is the source of a distinctive, light, elastic clay, ideal for ceramic manufacture. Soaring land values have had a negative impact on the industry, as landowners are keen to sell off real estate for high profits, resulting in the closure of many of the region’s clay mines. Gifu once had 60 mines, now it has only 2.
In spite of this decline, while 80% of their customer base remains domestic, the TCT brand is now making significant inroads into international markets, which may safeguard Gifu’s surviving clay mines and ensure the survival of an ancient, local tradition.
To boost the brand’s international appeal, Swiss design consultant David Glaettli works closely X-iS to create a brand combining traditional Japanese manufacturing methods with contemporary custom tile design.
The international market does present serious challenges for X-iS, including President Donald Trump’s imposition of 15% baseline tariffs on most imported Japanese goods. However, a successful presentation at Milan’s Design Week trade fair in 2022 was a key moment in bringing X-iS products to the attention of international consumers. With companies like X-iS finding new markets, it seems Gifu’s ceramic will not die out any time soon.
At Digital Ceramics Custom Tiles, we produce quality ceramic and porcelain tiles suited to a wide range of applications. If you are working on a design or refurbishment project, contact us soon and let’s discuss how our products could become a key element of your overall design.