The industrial tourism event “RENEW” aimed at sustainable community development will be held from October 6 to 8, 2023. The hosting location, the Echizen Sabae area of Fukui Prefecture, is a region where traditional crafts such as Echizen lacquerware, Echizen washi paper, Echizen forged blades, Echizen cabinet, and Echizen ware, as well as local industries like eyeglasses and textiles,...

Started in 2019 as an art festival that promotes the charm of “Kutani ware,” a traditional craft from Komatsu and Nomi in Ishikawa Prefecture, “KUTANism” returns this year with the theme “Tracing the Colors of Kutani.” The program focuses on the distinctive use of vibrant color schemes, a characteristic feature of Kutani ware. By touring the places introduced with KUTANism guidebook in hand, visit...

In Japan, there is a word “縁” (en), which is used to describe not only connections between people but also the ties and relationships among various aspects of life. It is a word deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy and thinking.The concept of en is derived from the Buddhist term “縁起” (engi), which is an abbreviation of “因縁生起” (innen shoki). Engi signifies the ide...

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as MUFG), one of the world’s leading financial groups based in Japan, has initiated the “MUFG KOGEI Project.” The aim of this project is to embrace and cultivate the innovation required in changing times while preserving Japan’s traditional crafts culture and techniques. MUFG actively engages in social contributions related to the prese...

From September 16 to 25, 2023, the “Utsuwa no Aki (Pottery in Fall) vol.04” event will take place at Nagato Yumoto Onsen in Yamaguchi Prefecture. This event, which began in 2020, features eight artists from all five Fukawa kilns in the neighboring village of Sonose. It provides an opportunity to experience the traditions of Fukawa kilns and the culture of Hagi ware at a hot spring resort in the fa...

Initiated in 2020 with the goal of developing a wider art area in the three Hokuriku prefectures of Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui, while also showcasing the charm of crafts both domestically and internationally, GO FOR KOGEI is now in its fourth edition. This year, it will take place from September 15 to October 29, 2023, at three areas along the Fugan Canal, spanning from the center of Toyama to To...

“ECHO TOMORROW FIELD – Food and Art” organized by the non-profit organization TOMORROW will be held from October 7 to November 26, 2023, at multiple venues in Tango and Kinosaki. This event is planned around 3 main themes: art works that highlight the history of Tango, an area historically associated with cinnabar production; innovative efforts to transform industries primarily centered around ric...

From June 28 to July 3 in 2023, the third solo exhibition by Ikuko Ogawa was held at Mitsukoshi Main Store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, marking a return after four years. Ikuko seamlessly blends the distinctive features of Edo and Satsuma styles of kiriko faceted glasswork, creating exquisite glass artworks. The exhibition showcased a total of 160 pieces, ranging from small obidome (kimono sash clips) an...

Marikoshuku, a historic post-town flourished with travelers for centuries as a key location along the Tokaido road, has opened a new establishment called “mariko craft inn IZUMIGAYA.” Nestled in the naturally rich countryside setting, this renovated 100-year-old traditional Japanese house consists of 5 buildings. The development was undertaken by Design Office Sozosya, a company specializing in ur...

Kenji Matsuura, a native of Chiba Prefecture, is a glass artisan responsible for product development at Sugahara Glassworks. He became fascinated with glass when he started attending glassmaking classes as an engineering student, and joined Sugahara Glassworks, a local glass manufacturer, after graduating from university.For Kenji, glass is, in his words, a “fascinating material that I never...

When discussing the aesthetics of Japanese craftsmanship, there are several essential aspects that cannot be overlooked. One of these is the concept of “Yo-no-bi.” Although commonly translated as “the beauty of everyday things,” the phrase literally means “the beauty of use,” and refers not only to the beauty of the crafts themselves, but also to a beauty inherent in their ...

Kane no Sanzun is a private hotel that opened in 2021, located in a renovated traditional Japanese residence in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. Its primary aim is to promote a deeper understanding of Takaoka copperware by incorporating it into daily life through hands-on usage and immersive experiences. The hotel is a meticulously restored 100-year-old minka (traditional townhouse) located in Kanaya-m...