Natuzzi have opened their first two leather galleries in Japan, in Osaka and Tokyo.

Their new leather collection and gallery concept will be part of the Sofa Studio shops.

The company aim to consolidate their presence in the Asian region through a series of strategic moves to be taken in Japan throughout the year 2003.

Valeria Lanzillotta, Asia Pacific sales director, says: ‘These openings represent a crucial step forward in the investments the company is making to increase the Natuzzi brand awareness. Japan is strategic to Natuzzi not only for commercial reasons. The Japanese taste for high design and quality is renowned, and we will treasure the indications we receive from this market in terms of style and trends. Furthermore, we are delighted to cooperate with the ‘Sofa Studio’ retail chain; our partner Kosuga, a very prestigious name in the furniture market, is and will be an invaluable help.’

Kyoshiro Kosuga, president of Nat-Japan and Sofa Studio executive, adds: ‘I am very pleased to work with Natuzzi and to take part in the company’s strategy to better establish the Natuzzi brand in Japan. I am confident that Sofa Studio and Natuzzi can very effectively cooperate to present beautiful new products to the Japanese market.’

Founded in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi, Natuzzi SpA design and manufacture a broad collection of leather-upholstered residential furniture. As Italy’s largest furniture manufacturers, Natuzzi are global leaders in the leather segment, exporting their innovative, high-quality sofas and armchairs to 95 markets on five continents.