From April 20 to 25, 2024 an exhibition of ceramic artist Kenta Nakazato’s works was held at Kakiden Gallery in Shinjuku, Tokyo.This marked the second time for Kenta to hold a solo exhibition at this gallery, following his debut solo show there in April the previous year. That 2023 event was also his first solo exhibition in Tokyo, and since then he has steadily expanded his presence through...

The LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize, launched in 2016 by LOEWE Creative Director Jonathan Anderson, is an international annual award that recognizes the importance of craft in today’s culture and honors working artisans whose talent, vision and innovation set standards for the future. This year, the LOEWE FOUNDATION announced the 30 finalists for the seventh edition of the Craft Prize. The finalists’...

Maruhiro Inc. has released the “Enceladus Sobachoko” under its own brand “BARBAR” on March 22, 2024. Maruhiro is a ceramic manufacturer that produces tableware and interior items of Hasami ware, a traditional craft of Nagasaki Prefecture. Hasami ware is manufactured under a division of labor, with each production process being operated by different companies. Maruhiro acts as a producer that reque...

The Japan Ceramic Society, a public interest incorporated association, has announced the winners of the 2023 Japan Ceramic Society Awards. The Japan Ceramic Society Awards are presented to the most outstanding artist of the year with the Japan Ceramic Society Award, and the Gold Prize is given to veteran artist who has made significant contributions to the ceramic art world or to artist who has al...

The term “mujo” refers to the concept that things are transient, not eternal. When expressed as “shogyo mujo” (literally, “all things are impermanent”), it signifies the transitory nature of all phenomena. “Mujo-kan” (“view of impermanence”), on the other hand, is a philosophical perspective on life, contemplating the nature of existence and the ever-changing aspect of all ...

Since its founding in 1816 as a producer of metal pots or yakan in Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture, Gyokusendo has been producing items using the hammering technique of copperware. In recent years, Gyokusendo has actively engaged in industrial tourism, allowing visitors to experience the charm of craftsmanship in the production area.Following the Tsubame flagship store in Tsubame City, Niigata P...

The Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Store, founded in Kyoto in 1909, procures, refines, blends, and colors lacquer sap. As well as handling the sales of lacquer art materials and tools. The store has developed its own lacquer with superior weather resistance, which has been employed for the restoration of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties such as the Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Himeji Cas...

Artisans who work with glass every day have created new designs, striving to enhance the beauty of glass. These new creations, designed to seamlessly blend into daily life and add a touch of color, have resulted in the birth of 17 series this year.“Hasande hasande” is available in two plate sizes and a small bowl, featuring a beautiful design created by the unevenness of the surface that plays wit...

From February 21 to 26, 2024, an exhibition of woodworking artist Shingo Tsukuda’s works was held at the Yokohama Takashimaya Art Gallery, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. Shingo, who exhibits in various galleries, holds exhibitions at Nihonbashi Takashimaya and Yokohama Takashimaya almost every other year, and this exhibition marked his third solo exhibition. Born in Nagahama, Shiga Prefectur...

The exhibition “Mastering the Art: Exploring the Cultural Messages Connoted in Japanese Works” will be held from March 20 to 24, 2024. It will showcase works by holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasures) and artists who preserve craft techniques to pass on to the next generation. The venue is the Former Imperial Guards Headquarters in Kitanomaru Garden, Chiyoda C...

“Shibui” is one of Japan’s traditional aesthetics, expressing a deep-seated charm. Although commonly used to describe flavors, as for tea or wine, the term is versatile and finds its way into everyday language, describing not only taste but also colors or expressions, such as color is “shibui colors” or “wearing a shibui expression.”The kanji character “渋” (shib...

On November 17 and 18, 2023, the event “Go Forward 2023” was organized by “NEXTRAD,” a team of 13 kiln owners from Imari and Arita in Saga Prefecture working to ensure a sustainable future for the Arita ware industry. The event aimed to raise awareness about the craftsmanship of Arita ware and the current situation and challenges faced by the industry. It featured exhibitio...