The Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries will sequentially open pop-up stores under the name “Atelier DENSAN” in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom (London), and Switzerland (Lausanne), beginning in November 2025. These pop-up stores aim to introduce a diverse range of traditional Japanese crafts — including ceramics, lacquerware, textile art, and Japanese paper — to overseas markets. They will also serve as test-marketing sites to assess local receptivity and broaden awareness of the beauty and value of these crafts.

All featured items are certified traditional crafts designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. To receive this designation, products must meet several criteria, such as the use of traditional raw materials, production methods rooted in long-standing techniques, and the requirement that the main manufacturing processes be performed by hand. At each venue, visitors will have the opportunity to experience Japan’s renowned, high-quality craftsmanship firsthand — feeling the warmth and authenticity of handcrafted work.

The Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries, which serves as the organizer, was established in 1975 with support from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The organization promotes traditional craft industries throughout Japan and operates the gallery shop “Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square,” a hub that connects production regions with consumers. The Atelier DENSAN project in Europe is being carried out for the first time in a year, following its previous event held in Paris, France (Saint-Germain-des-Prés) in 2024. As global interest in Japanese craftsmanship — deeply rooted in history and regional culture — continues to grow, the activities of Atelier DENSAN, which introduces Japanese traditional culture to audiences worldwide, are attracting increasing attention.

“Atelier DENSAN Pop-Up Stores” — information

Hong Kong
Venue: ARTS & CRAFTS STUDIO (H401, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen street, Central, Hong Kong)
Dates: November 1 to December 31, 2025

United Kingdom
Venue: Wagumi (1.09, Oxo Tower Wharf Barge House Street, London)
Dates: November 4 to December 23, 2025

Switzerland
Venue: AOI Japanese Lifestyle & Fashion Concept Store (10 Bourg Street, 1003 Lausanne)
Dates: November 15, 2025 to February 14, 2026

The Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries website:
https://kyokai.kougeihin.jp

Atelier DENSAN Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/atelier_densan