“GO FOR KOGEI,” is a project that promotes new perspectives on crafts by transcending traditional categories, with a focus on the Hokuriku region. The event will be held from September 13 to October 19, 2025, marking its sixth edition since its launch in 2020. Over the years, it has presented exhibitions and events staged in historic townscapes, shrines and temples that embody the region’s culture, along with symposiums that foster dialogue on contemporary issues and the future possibilities of crafts. This year, under the theme “The Attributes of Kogei: How Can We Reframe Craft?,” — inspired by the words of Soetsu Yanagi, who pioneered the Mingei (folk art) movement about a century ago — GO FOR KOGEI will explore the diverse ways of living shaped by artists and craftspeople as they engage deeply with materials and techniques.

The events and exhibitions will be held in two culturally rich areas: the Iwase district in Toyama Prefecture, which retains its history as a port of call along the Kitamaebune sea route, and the Higashiyama district in Ishikawa Prefecture, home to the celebrated Higashi Chaya teahouse district, one of the Kanazawa’s most popular destinations. Artworks by 18 artists will be thoughtfully installed to harmonize with the landscapes and architectural character of each region, inviting visitors to experience the works while strolling through the historic streets and buildings. In addition to viewing the exhibitions, a variety of experiential programs are planned, which connects the local food culture and everyday life with the distinctive qualities of craft — for example, enjoying a tea ceremony in a large wooden barrel tearoom or dining experience on local ingredients presented on tableware created by participating artists.

Each area is compact enough to be explored on foot, and travel between them is convenient by train or car, making it possible to enjoy the event even as a day trip from the Tokyo area. Encountering works that transcend categories such as art, design, and architecture offers visitors an opportunity to reconsider the meaning of “craft” from a fresh perspective and to reflect on the aesthetics and values we share in modern society.

◾️Artists
Ari Bayuaji, Atelier Yamanami, Collective Action, Yuki Hayama, Keigo Kamide, Takuro Kuwata, Yuma Matsumoto, Shiro Miura & En-Kai Project, Shuji Nakagawa, Saeborg, Ikuya Sagara, Kai Sakamoto, Chiaki Shimizu, Tokuko Shimizu & Miho Shimizu & Øyvind Renberg, Tomoko Taka, Noritaka Tatehana, Kie Terasawa, Ayano Yoshizumi

◾️Related information
“GO FOR KOGEI 2025”
Dates: September 13 to October 19, 2025 (Wednesday is closed)
Opening hours: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm (Last entry 4:00 pm)
Venues: Iwase area (Toyama-city, Toyama Prefecture), Higashiyama area (Kanazawa-city, Ishikawa Prefecture)
Website: https://2025.goforkogei.com/

◾️Tickets
Event Passport
General admission: JPY2,500 (Advance purchase: JPY2,000)
University / Vocational students: JPY2,000 (Advance purchase: JPY1,800)
• Advance ticket is available for purchase until September 12
• Event Passport provides one-time entry to all exhibition venues during the event period
• One-Day Ticket for specific areas is available for purchase during the event period

*For more details, please refer to the official website