TOKYO FIBER began in 2007 with the aim of communicating the hidden strengths of Japanese fibers to the world. For the '09 exhibition, seven major chemical fiber manufacturers contributed, bringing together a full lineup of state-of-the-art fibers. This time, the particular feature is an active effort to use 3D forming approaches with the fibers. Many of the exhibits use molding technology, employing heat and other techniques similar to those used for plastics and metals. This exhibition opened in Milan, Tokyo, and Israel, and had a significant impact worldwide. The exhibition is also being reproduced as part of the "Designing Design - Kenya Hara 2011 China Exhibition," generating further interest and debate.