Yamanaka Onsen (hot springs) is said to have been discovered by Gyoki, a renowned monk of the Nara period (710-794). It is a picturesque town nestled in the bosom of the Hokuriku Mountains (a region west of Tokyo on the Japan Sea side of Japan), with onsen ryokan (inns with hot springs) scattered along a valley with beautiful bridges. The famous poet Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) visited the area and w...
We want Arita’s craftsmanship to be more widely known. “Go Forward 2022 – The Future of ‘14P’ Related to Porcelain Manufacturing,” an exhibition and hands-on event driven by this desire of a group of people in the industry who go by the name “14P” to introduce this region where porcelain is made, was held from November 3 to 5, 2022.NEXTRAD, the organizer of this event, is a team of fou...
Exhibition • Event Information VOL.36
“The Rebirth of Kokura Ori: The Beauty and Essence of Stripes – The Revival of Kokura Ori That Stemmed From a Single Tear,” a special exhibition organized by the Japan Design Committee, will be held at Design Gallery 1953 at Matsuya Ginza from December 27, 2022 to February 20, 2023.Kokura-ori is a historical cotton textile that has been in production mainly in Buzen Kokura since the Edo period. Th...
Editor's Column “The Path of Japanese Crafts” VOL.3
When discussing the uniquely Japanese sense of beauty, the words “ma” and “yohaku” are indispensable, as are “wabi-sabi.” “Ma” is mainly used in theater, music, and interpersonal relationships, while “yohaku” is frequently used in art, design, and for other two-dimensional works.
Exhibition • Event Report VOL.15
The Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition is an open competition dedicated to the protection and nurturing of Japan’s outstanding traditional crafts. The exhibition features works by numerous artisans from all over Japan, showcasing the best of their skills in friendly competition and bringing together the techniques and beauty of Japanese craftsmanship. The 69th edition of the exhibition was h...
New Products VOL.7
Okawachiyama, Imari-city, Saga Prefecture, also known as the village of the secret kilns, is where the Nabeshima clan had once established its official kilns. Hataman Touen is a kiln that continues to produce porcelain ware that focuses on delicate paintings of nature motifs in the style of Imari Nabeshima, together with thin white porcelain made to enhance those decorations. In addition to tradit...
Exhibition • Event Information VOL.35
“KOGEI Art Fair Kanazawa 2022” will be held at Hyatt Centric Kanazawa in Kanazawa-city, Ishikawa Prefecture from December 9 to 11, 2022. The sixth edition this year will be centered around the theme – “KOGEI for you, here & now.” 31 galleries from Japan and abroad will participate and about 150 works by both emerging and world-renowned artists will be exhibited and sold, including contemporary...
KOGEI Topics VOL.3
The “Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Museum” exhibition organized by the “Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Festival” committee in 2021 received the Grand Prix of “Red Dot Design Award 2022,” the highest award in the Brand & Communication Design category. This award is considered one of the world’s three major design competitions. The award ceremony was held in Berlin, Germany in October 2022. The mayor of Sanjo-ci...
Things which are inherited through the ages.Numerous works that enrich life.
Craft artists who reflects their philosophy in their works.They pursue their one and only expression.
Japanese crafts manufacturers are rooted in various parts of Japan.We want to share with the world, the present situaton of Japanese crafts.
