The “Craft Competition in Takaoka” was established in 1986 in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, a city famous for its production of copperware and lacquerware. As a rare comprehensive competition held nationwide, it does not restrict materials or uses. The competition gathers a wide range of works including metal, lacquer, glass, textiles, and furniture, and has help discovered many talented artists.

This year marks the 37th edition of the event, which accepts applicants every two years as a biennale. Following the Takaoka Exhibition held in October, Tokyo Exhibition will be held for the first time in several years at GOOD DESIGN Marunouchi in Tokyo, from December 18 to 27, 2025. In addition to showcasing the Grand Prix, Award winning works, and selected pieces from approximately 450 entries, the event will also feature demonstrations of the traditional craft technique from Takaoka City. These demonstrations will take place at the venue from December 18 to 21 and include techniques such as “maki-e,” a method of drawing on lacquerware using shells or eggshells, and “chokin,” which involves engraving metal using a chisel and hammer. Those were popular at the Toyama Prefecture booth at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

The exhibited works are available for purchase or pre-order, offering a valuable opportunity to experience the latest expression of craftsmanship.

◾️Judges
Katsuji Nousaku (Nousaku Corporation) *Chief judge
Kazumi Tsuji (factory zoomer)
Yuko Nagayama (Yuko Nagayama & Associates)
Koichi Akiyama (Matsuya Ginza)
Arisumi Mitamura (Tokyo University of the Arts)

◾️Awarded works
Grand Prix
“Neriage ball rainbow, prism” Aiko Sato
Object / Ceramic / 8.5 × 8.5 × 7.7 cm, 8.3 × 8.3 × 7.5 cm

Award
“blossom” Daiki Suzuki
Tableware / Cedar, brass / 21 × 21 × 9 cm

“Rainbow Structure Cabinet” Yasuhiro Suzuki
Production cooperation: Masuda Kiribako, Yamaguchi Seisakusho
Cabinet / Paulownia, leather, steel / 143.9 × 36.9 × 36.9 cm

“TRICERATOPS” Tatsuya Shimamura
Chair / White ash, paper cord / 80 × 70 × 110 cm

“Suigetsu” Keisagumi
Tableware / Glass, gold leaf, silver leaf / 6 × 6 × 8 cm

◾️Related information
“Craft Competition in Takaoka, Tokyo Exhibition”
Dates: December 18 to 27, 2025
Hours: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (Closed 5:00 pm only on last day)
Venue: GOOD DESIGN Marunouchi (Shin-Kokusai Building 1F, 3-4-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Website: https://takaoka.ccis-toyama.or.jp/craft/

*For more details, please refer to the official website