"En"
Editor's Column “The Path of Japanese Crafts” VOL.8

VOL.1-8
Update
VOL.1-9
Update
VOL.1-26
Update
VOL.1-20
Update
VOL.1-32
Update
VOL.1-4
Update
VOL.1-10
Update
VOL.1-3
Update
VOL.1
Update
We share a variety of information and perspectives on Japanese crafts, including exhibition information and interviews.
Editor's Column “The Path of Japanese Crafts” VOL.8
KOGEI Topics VOL.9
Featured Exhibitions & Events VOL.26
Featured Exhibitions & Events VOL.25
Shizuoka
Sep 1 – Oct 17, 2023
MOA MUSEUM OF ART
Sep 12 – Nov 26, 2023
Mitsui Memorial Museum
Sep 29 – Oct 29, 2023
ATELIER MUJI GINZA
Sep 30 – Nov 26, 2023
Tomo Museum of Art
The beauty of Kogei in everyday life. We share a variety of information and perspectives on Japanese crafts, including exhibition information and interviews.
In Japan, there is a word “縁” (en), which is used to describe not only connections between people but also the ties and relationships among various aspects of life. It is a word deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy and thinking.The concept of en is derived from the Buddhist term “縁起” (engi), which is an abbreviation of “因縁生起” (innen shoki). Engi signifies the ide...
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as MUFG), one of the world’s leading financial groups based in Japan, has initiated the “MUFG KOGEI Project.” The aim of this project is to embrace and cultivate the innovation required in changing times while preserving Japan’s traditional crafts culture and techniques. MUFG actively engages in social contributions related to the prese...
From September 16 to 25, 2023, the “Utsuwa no Aki (Pottery in Fall) vol.04” event will take place at Nagato Yumoto Onsen in Yamaguchi Prefecture. This event, which began in 2020, features eight artists from all five Fukawa kilns in the neighboring village of Sonose. It provides an opportunity to experience the traditions of Fukawa kilns and the culture of Hagi ware at a hot spring resort in the fa...
Initiated in 2020 with the goal of developing a wider art area in the three Hokuriku prefectures of Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui, while also showcasing the charm of crafts both domestically and internationally, GO FOR KOGEI is now in its fourth edition. This year, it will take place from September 15 to October 29, 2023, at three areas along the Fugan Canal, spanning from the center of Toyama to To...
Featured Exhibitions & Events VOL.24
“ECHO TOMORROW FIELD – Food and Art” organized by the non-profit organization TOMORROW will be held from October 7 to November 26, 2023, at multiple venues in Tango and Kinosaki. This event is planned around 3 main themes: art works that highlight the history of Tango, an area historically associated with cinnabar production; innovative efforts to transform industries primarily centered around ric...
Exhibition • Event Report VOL.20
From June 28 to July 3 in 2023, the third solo exhibition by Ikuko Ogawa was held at Mitsukoshi Main Store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, marking a return after four years. Ikuko seamlessly blends the distinctive features of Edo and Satsuma styles of kiriko faceted glasswork, creating exquisite glass artworks. The exhibition showcased a total of 160 pieces, ranging from small obidome (kimono sash clips) an...
KOGEI Topics VOL.8
Marikoshuku, a historic post-town flourished with travelers for centuries as a key location along the Tokaido road, has opened a new establishment called “mariko craft inn IZUMIGAYA.” Nestled in the naturally rich countryside setting, this renovated 100-year-old traditional Japanese house consists of 5 buildings. The development was undertaken by Design Office Sozosya, a company specializing in ur...
KOGEI & Me VOL.32
Kenji Matsuura, a native of Chiba Prefecture, is a glass artisan responsible for product development at Sugahara Glassworks. He became fascinated with glass when he started attending glassmaking classes as an engineering student, and joined Sugahara Glassworks, a local glass manufacturer, after graduating from university.For Kenji, glass is, in his words, a “fascinating material that I never...
Editor's Column “The Path of Japanese Crafts” VOL.7
When discussing the aesthetics of Japanese craftsmanship, there are several essential aspects that cannot be overlooked. One of these is the concept of “Yo-no-bi.” Although commonly translated as “the beauty of everyday things,” the phrase literally means “the beauty of use,” and refers not only to the beauty of the crafts themselves, but also to a beauty inherent in their ...
KOGEI Topics VOL.7
Kane no Sanzun is a private hotel that opened in 2021, located in a renovated traditional Japanese residence in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. Its primary aim is to promote a deeper understanding of Takaoka copperware by incorporating it into daily life through hands-on usage and immersive experiences. The hotel is a meticulously restored 100-year-old minka (traditional townhouse) located in Kanaya-m...
Exhibition • Event Report VOL.19
An exhibition of works by ceramic artist Hitoshi Morimoto from Bizen, Okayama Prefecture, was held at SORA Gallery in Himonya, Tokyo. This was Hitoshi’s second exhibition at SORA in three years, and his first solo show there following a joint exhibition earlier. Approximately 300 pieces were showcased, including tableware, sake ware, tea ware, and flower vases. The flower vases were adorned with b...
Editor's Column “The Path of Japanese Crafts” VOL.6
“Zen” is a widely known word overseas, similar to wabi-sabi. Owing to the influence of Steve Jobs, it is one of the Eastern spiritualities that continues to pique the interest of people in the Western world. When you hear the word “Zen,” often the first thing that comes to mind is “Zazen,” or seated meditation. Zen is short for “Zen Buddhism,” origin...
Featured Exhibitions & Events VOL.23
“Révélations,” the international fine crafts and creation biennial organized by Ateliers d’Art de France, is coming back for its 6th edition. The event for the contemporary creation sector has started in 2013 and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. It will be taken place from June 7 to 11, 2023 at the Grand Palais Éphémère in the heart of Paris, facing the Eiffel Tower. For 5 day...
Editor's Column “The Path of Japanese Crafts” VOL.5
As you learn more about the Japanese sense of beauty, you will come to realize that the Japanese people possess at their core a fundamental shizenkan, or “view on nature.” Japanese people find the falling cherry blossoms beautiful, not simply because of their beautiful colors or scenery, but because seeing that makes them feel the impermanence of the world, as if everything is in a state of flux. ...
Featured Exhibitions & Events VOL.22
The exhibition of the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize 2023 will be held from May 17 to June 18, 2023, in New York. The 30 finalist’s work for the prize will go on display in Isamu Noguchi’s Studio at The Noguchi Museum. The venue was at the center of Noguchi’s artistic practice in the United States during the last decades of his life. The space has not been open to the public before, and the LOEWE FO...
KOGEI Topics VOL.6
Gato Mikio Co., Ltd. was founded in 1908 as a woodworking factory in Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture, a region known for its wood turning production. With excellent planning and sales capabilities, the company has actively developed products that combine traditional techniques with quality design to spread the charm of Yamanaka lacquerware both domestically and internationally.The “Gato Mikio ...
Things that I noticed and feltvisiting the region of production, breathing the local airseeing the same scenery as the craftsmen.
VOL.1-8
Update
VOL.1-9
Update
VOL.1-26
Update
VOL.1-20
Update
Passing on the feelings of craftspeople towards their crafts.Along with the best piece to cherish for life.
VOL.1-32
Update
From Japan to the world.Awareness through Kogei.
VOL.1-4
Update
VOL.1-10
Update
This column introduces various craft production regions around Japan.
VOL.1-3
Update
VOL.1
Update