What connects Tapibel with the Japanese company MANAS Trading? A mutual appreciation for timeless design, a strong sense of family and a forward-looking, international mindset. Recently, MANAS Trading became Tapibel’s exclusive distributor in Japan, a promising partnership rooted in shared values.
Partnership in the spotlight: MANAS Trading
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Hiroko Yamakami, Marketing & Development Manager at MANAS, shares how this collaboration came about, which collections are proving popular in Japan and why she was the one to reach out to Tapibel.
A family business with shared values
The MANAS Trading story began in 1984. What started as a curtain installation business has evolved into one of Japan’s leading importers and distributors of premium interior materials – from curtains and upholstery fabrics to wall coverings, lighting and, most recently, floor coverings. Their guiding philosophy? “Living beautifully, living with style.”
Now led by the second generation, Hiroko Yamakami works alongside her older brother Yohei Saito, who oversees the company’s operations.
“We’re a family-run business, just like Tapibel. You can feel that right away. You’re working with people who share the same values and long-term vision. That makes communication open, smooth and personal.” – Hiroko Yamakami, Marketing & Development Manager
That family-oriented approach is about more than company structure – it shapes how they work together, the importance placed on quality, and their collaborative mindset. And that’s exactly where Tapibel struck a chord.
The power of colour and texture
MANAS focuses on the high-end segment of the market. Their clients, often architects, interior designers and developers, are looking for materials that are not only beautiful, but also durable and functional. In this context, carpet is becoming increasingly important.
“Carpet defines the mood of a space. It adds comfort, improves acoustics and supports the aesthetic vision. We’ve noticed our clients are more frequently requesting carpets with rich textures and calm, elegant colour palettes.” – Hiroko Yamakami
When MANAS began their search for a new carpet partner, Tapibel quickly stood out, not just because of the collections, but also their professionalism and approach.
“We wanted a European supplier offering high-quality designs with a clear vision. Tapibel caught our attention with their colour palette, textures and excellent price-quality ratio. We knew we had to explore it further.” – Hiroko Yamakami
A growing partnership: the start of something special
The first meeting took place at a trade fair in Paris. Hiroko was immediately impressed and decided to get in touch. Not long after, she visited Tapibel’s headquarters in Belgium and the spark was immediate.
“Werner and Johan were surprised that a Japanese company would reach out first and travel all the way to Belgium. But we clicked right away. Our ways of thinking are so aligned.” – Hiroko Yamakami
The collaboration is still in its early stages, but the foundations are solid. Thanks to mutual respect, transparent communication and a strong product range, both parties share a clear vision for the future. “We’re growing step by step, starting with showroom installations, building solid references and increasing visibility. We strongly believe in the potential of this partnership.”
From showroom to hotel project
To introduce Tapibel to the Japanese market, MANAS first installed their carpets in their own showroom – and it made an immediate impact. “As soon as people could touch and see the carpets, they were convinced. The look, the feel, it resonated instantly.”
Soon after, Tapibel was also used in a showroom project for a Japanese furniture brand, which sparked even more interest.
Today, MANAS distributes four Tapibel collections: Matera, Matera Primo, Soneva and Almyra. The first two are especially popular: “Matera and Matera Primo are our bestsellers. They combine soft luxury with a contemporary colour palette, ideal for both residential and hospitality projects.”
The Japanese market: different, but open to new ideas
Japanese interiors tend to be understated and harmonious – think natural materials, muted tones and refined simplicity. Tapibel’s collections fit this aesthetic beautifully.
“Our clients have a strong eye for design. They appreciate materials with personality, as long as they’re not overwhelming. Tapibel strikes that balance perfectly.” – Hiroko Yamakami
There are, of course, cultural differences between the Japanese and European markets. For example, while sustainability is a core priority in Europe, it’s still gaining momentum in Japan. MANAS sees itself as a bridge, not only between products, but also between values and aesthetics.
“We’re not just selling products, we’re telling stories,” Hiroko explains. “Tapibel helps us do that. Their carpets offer more than style. They express a lifestyle, a feeling.
Curious to learn more? Visit the MANAS Trading website for more information, or explore Tapibel’s collections to discover what elegant flooring can bring to your interior project.
