The JPEA was established with clear and strategic objectives:        

• to prevent unfair trade practices;  
• to establish order and transparency in exports;
• to promote the common interests of its members.

Through these actions, the association contributes to the sound and sustainable development of Japan’s export industry, strengthening its international competitiveness. Its activities include access to trade insurance instruments, the sharing of market information, and international cooperation-essential elements in a highly specialized sector such as pearls.  

In Japan, export associations such as the JPEA play a crucial role. Formed by companies that export specific product categories-from automobiles to textiles, and pearls - these organizations work to create an orderly and reliable framework for foreign trade, safeguarding both producers and destination markets. Their contribution is instrumental in positioning “Made in Japan” as a global hallmark of excellence.   

Alongside the JPEA operates the Japan Pearl Promotion Society (JPPS), founded in 1956 as an incorporated association and the successor to a voluntary organization that had been active since 1949. The JPPS’s mission is to promote research, education, and the development of the pearl industry, fostering its progress and prosperity.   

The JPPS serves as a unifying body for all segments of the supply chain-from cultivation to export-and for over half a century has supported the growth of Japanese pearl trade. Its Class I Members include the leading cooperatives and federations in the sector, among them the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association itself, while Class II Members include approximately 30 companies comprising traders and operators who share the association’s objectives. The JPPS is chaired by President Tetsuya Fujita.  

Together, the JPEA and the JPPS embody the soul of the Japanese pearl: a perfect fusion of tradition, ethical rigor, and an international outlook. From Kobe to the rest of the world, these institutions continue to ensure that every Japanese pearl is not only a precious jewel, but also a symbol of a productive culture founded on excellence, transparency, and respect for the market.  

As of April 2025, the JPEA comprises 135 member companies, all active in pearl exporting and processing. This network represents a concentration of expertise, artisanal tradition, and technological innovation, ensuring the highest standards throughout the entire supply chain. The complete list of members attests to the diversity and robustness of the business ecosystem that underpins the global success of Japanese pearls.