KOGEI STANDARD Japanese Crafts Online Media

“Maison&Objet,” the international trade show for interior and design, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024, will take place at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in France from January 16 to 20, 2025. Since its launch in 1994, Maison&Objet has been held twice a year in January and September, as a leading international exhibition in the fields of decoration, design and lif...

On October 30, 2024, I visited the town of Wajima in the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture. This was my second visit since September of the previous year, but the town’s landscape had changed drastically since then. Upon arriving at the airport, I noticed that there were strange bumps all over the parking lot. The view from the car as I headed into the city was far more grim than I had imagined. ...

The successive heads of the Kobeigama Kiln have each produced remarkable works, continuing the kiln’s legacy. As the eighth generation head of the kiln, how do you approach this tradition? Additionally, could you share how this history influences the ceramics you create today?The first generation head of the kiln, Kobei Kato, established a nobori-gama or climbing kiln on the slopes of this mountai...

Born into the Mikawachi ware lineage of the Hirado Kohsyo Danemon Kiln, Taiyo Nakazato naturally aspired to pursue the path of ceramics, and from a young age was expected to become the next head of the kiln. “When a successor is born, all the relatives celebrate and rejoice. Perhaps because of that environment, I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in this field.”During his stu...

Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture is globally renowned as the birthplace of Wajima lacquerware, a traditional Japanese craft. Following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024, local artisans lost their workshops and tools, making it difficult for them to continue their craft. In response, Wedgwood, a British Royal Warrant brand with 265 years of history rooted in craftsmanship, artistry an...

Fukui, recognized as one of the leading manufacturing hubs in Japan, is home to traditional crafts such as Echizen lacquerware, Echizen washi paper, Echizen forged blades, Echizen cabinetry, and Echizen ware. In addition, it is also known for its thriving local industries, including eyeglasses and textile production. The industrial tourism event “RENEW,” which aims to promote sustainable community...