“The Rebirth of Kokura Ori: The Beauty and Essence of Stripes – The Revival of Kokura Ori That Stemmed From a Single Piece of Fabric,” 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...

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.

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...

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...

“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...

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...

Mori Kougei specializes in “Tsuki-ita,” a type of woodwork that involves pasting together thinly shaved paper-like veneers. Founded in 1953 in Tokushima Prefecture, Mori Kougei has since inherited the techniques and knowledge of wood and has been planning home interiors, and manufacturing and selling wooden furniture and crafts. They specialize in laminating and combining wood, making use of the b...

Fujiki Denshiro Shoten manufactures and sells traditional handicraft of kaba-zaiku in Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture, under the brand “Denshiro.” They celebrated their 170th anniversary last year, and launched three new products in the autumn of the new year. Kaba-zaiku is a type of craft that becomes more beautiful and profound with each usage. The theme “Spinning Time” is in the spirit of wanting ...

Opened in Higashiyama, Kyoto-city in July 2022, “THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel” is a hotel that prides itself based on the concept of “The Best of the City in the East of Kyoto.” At this quaint hotel, you will find yourself immersed in the traditional spirit and aesthetics of Japan.Entering the calm atmosphere of the lobby, a 15-meter art piece catches your eye with ...

Please tell us how NEXTRAD was founded.Fujimoto: In 2016, which marked the 400th anniversary of the birth of Arita ware, the first porcelain in Japan, the “Arita Porcelain 400th Anniversary Project” was promoted with the support of various people and organizations, including Saga Prefecture. The project included an exhibition at Maison & Objet and Milano Salone, collaborations with...

The travel plan “Kogei Dining” by Yomiuri Travel Service will be held in Fukuoka on 22 November 2022. Kogei Dining, which started as a project in conjunction with the Japan Cultural Expo since 2019, is based on the concept of “Kogei and Gastronomy.” This is a premium travel plan where you can enjoy first-class cuisine served in vessels created by living national treasure craftsmen, attend talks gi...

In continuation from last year, “NEXTRAD,” a team of 14 young managers and successors of porcelain manufacturing companies in Arita, Saga Prefecture, will be holding an interactive exhibition. Running from 3 to 5 November 2022, the exhibition, entitled “Go Forward 2022 – The Future of ‘14P’ Related to Porcelain Manufacturing,” will introduce the companies’ manufacturing process.B...