Mr Ackerman could be found as often at a houseware convention as at a photonics conference.

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Meguro, whose main street is lined with houseware boutiques and antique shops, is known as Tokyo's design district.

BBC: Seeing Tokyo along the Yamanote Line

The buisness is divided into two segments, houseware and personal care.

FORBES: Stock of the Week: Buy This Neglected Consumer Brand Treasure Trove

Houseware and personal care each grew, 6.0% and 9.2% respectively.

FORBES: Stock of the Week: Buy This Neglected Consumer Brand Treasure Trove

Analysts worry that the brand is not yet established enough to stretch easily across new categories, which include houseware and accessories such as perfume and shoes (where most luxury-goods groups make their money).

ECONOMIST: Face value