KOGEI STANDARD Japanese Crafts Online Media

“GO FOR KOGEI,” an initiative that aims to promote the charm of crafts from the Hokuriku region, will celebrate its fifth edition this year. The event will be held from September 14 to October 20, 2024, in the Iwase area (Toyama, Toyama Prefecture) and the Higashiyama area (Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture). Yuji Akimoto, who has been the executive director and curator since 2021, will continue in hi...

Throughout this series, we have introduced the traditional Japanese aesthetics crucial to conveying the allure of kogei or Japanese crafts. Moving forward, to contemplate the future path of Japanese crafts, we will reconsider the value of crafts in light of global social issues and questions. First, I would like to explore the concept of fudo, which is deeply intertwined with the origins of Japane...

How did you come to bamboo as a material, and what is its appeal?I have always loved the tea ceremony, a culture with a uniquely Japanese spirituality. The tea ceremony utilizes meticulously crafted tools to offer a hospitality that embodies the spirit of “ichi-go ichi-e,” or a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. One of the reasons I chose bamboo was my awareness of environmental issues. Growing up in t...

Tsugaru lacquerware, a traditional craft of Aomori Prefecture, is known for its painstakingly thorough process of applying and polishing lacquer repeatedly, earning it the nickname “baka-nuri” (foolish coating). The film “Tsugaru Lacquer Girl” explores human relationships through the lens of Tsugaru lacquerware, set in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. The protagonist, Miyako, works ai...

Shitsurindo, a manufacturer based in the Kawada area of Sabae, Fukui Prefecture, one of Japan’s leading lacquerware production areas, has been engaged in the production and sale of Echizen lacquerware. Founded in 1793, the company has a long history and in 2023, the 230th anniversary of its founding, was certified as a purveyor to Daihonzan Eiheiji temple, which is also located in Echizen. In addi...

The sound of the tea whisk ceases, and a bowl of tea is placed before you by the host. The steam softly rising from the bowl, the faint aroma of matcha powdered green tea wafting through your nose. In the serene moment before taking a sip, there is always a tea bowl between the host and the guest.Sen no Rikyu, who established the art of the tea ceremony, taught the principles of “Wa, Kei, Se...