Place brands and the perceived authenticity of cultural and creative goods in international markets

2018 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K17130
• Research Institution: Sophia University
• Principal Investigator: JOHNS Adam・Lucas 上智大学, 経済学部, 准教授 (00553075)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: Place Branding / Country of origin / international marketing / Regional Brand

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

Abstract for paper "Made in Japan or Made in Kyoto? Branding with place in Kyoto's traditional crafts" was accepted to the International Place Branding Association 2018 conference. This paper aimed to demonstrate the nation vs regional brand differences, and gaps in place brand identity and projected place brand image with regard to determining the authenticity of the place-branded product.
A major achievement was the successful organisation of seminar "Branding Japan" at Sophia University on 15 March 2019, which included a keynote lecture by leading authority on place branding Dr. Keith Dinnie "Brand Japan - An ICON model Perspective" and an active panel discussion among panelists from Japan Fashion Week Organization, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, destination marketing consultancies, and Japanese universities.

Current Status of Research Progress

3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.

Reason

Change in research institution and necessary changes to research plan resulted in delays in progress and had a particular impact on output/achievements in FY2018. With an additional year extension however, remaining aspects of data collection and analysis are expected to be completed within FY2019.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

Interview and observational data collection will continue throughout FY2019.
It is expected that 3 conference papers and one book chapter will be submitted, with intention to develop the former into published journal articles.

Causes of Carryover

Change of research institution and changes to research plan