Mori Kougei specializes in “Tsuki-ita,” a type of woodwork that involves pasting together thinly shaved paper-like veneers. Founded in 1953 in Tokushima Prefecture, Mori Kougei has since inherited the techniques and knowledge of wood and has been planning home interiors, and manufacturing and selling wooden furniture and crafts. They specialize in laminating and combining wood, making use of the b...

Fujiki Denshiro Shoten manufactures and sells traditional handicraft of kaba-zaiku in Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture, under the brand “Denshiro.” They celebrated their 170th anniversary last year, and launched three new products in the autumn of the new year. Kaba-zaiku is a type of craft that becomes more beautiful and profound with each usage. The theme “Spinning Time” is in the spirit of wanting ...

Opened in Higashiyama, Kyoto-city in July 2022, “THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel” is a hotel that prides itself based on the concept of “The Best of the City in the East of Kyoto.” At this quaint hotel, you will find yourself immersed in the traditional spirit and aesthetics of Japan.Entering the calm atmosphere of the lobby, a 15-meter art piece catches your eye with ...

Please tell us how NEXTRAD was founded.Fujimoto: In 2016, which marked the 400th anniversary of the birth of Arita ware, the first porcelain in Japan, the “Arita Porcelain 400th Anniversary Project” was promoted with the support of various people and organizations, including Saga Prefecture. The project included an exhibition at Maison & Objet and Milano Salone, collaborations with...

The travel plan “Kogei Dining” by Yomiuri Travel Service will be held in Fukuoka on 22 November 2022. Kogei Dining, which started as a project in conjunction with the Japan Cultural Expo since 2019, is based on the concept of “Kogei and Gastronomy.” This is a premium travel plan where you can enjoy first-class cuisine served in vessels created by living national treasure craftsmen, attend talks gi...

In continuation from last year, “NEXTRAD,” a team of 14 young managers and successors of porcelain manufacturing companies in Arita, Saga Prefecture, will be holding an interactive exhibition. Running from 3 to 5 November 2022, the exhibition, entitled “Go Forward 2022 – The Future of ‘14P’ Related to Porcelain Manufacturing,” will introduce the companies’ manufacturing process.B...

How did you get started as a glass artist?My father was a glassblowing artist, so I grew up in an environment where glass was around me from a young age. I was really a child who loved making things and drawing pictures. I first encountered traditional Japanese painting in the art club of my high school, and I enjoyed it so much that I became obsessed with it. I skipped classes and stayed in the c...

The Tsubame-Sanjo area is located close to the center of Niigata Prefecture. This area consists of two cities, Tsubame-city and Sanjo-city. Since the Edo period, hammered copperware in Tsubame, and swordsmiths in Sanjo have developed, making Tsubame-Sanjo a major production area for metal working. Even though industrialization has progressed in recent times, many craftsmen who inherited the tradit...

“RENEW,” an open factory event aimed at sustainable regional development will be held for 3 days from the 7 to 9 of October 2022 in Sabae-city, Echizen-city and Echizen-cho in Fukui Prefecture. Based on the concept of “Visit, Learn and Experience – A Hands-on Market That Connects with Creators,” many factories and companies will be open to the public during this event period. It is an event where ...

“Wabi-sabi” is one of Japan’s traditional aesthetic sensibilities, having grown out of Zen. Japan has long had a variety of aesthetic senses, such as “mono no aware” and “iki”, but wabi-sabi is one Japanese term that has spread worldwide, and can now be considered an international aesthetic. This sense of beauty has influenced many aspects of Japanese culture, from literatu...

Shigaraki is a town rich in nature and surrounded by mountains on all sides. Located south of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, it is a highland area at an altitude of about 300 meters, with cool summers and very cold winters. One can see tanuki or ‘raccoon dog’ figurines lined up here and there all over the town, and it is no wonder that tanuki have become a synonym for Shigaraki ware in general. Ho...

The Executive Committee for Japan Craft Week (operated by The Creation of Japan General Incorporated Association) will be holding its very first “Japan Craft Week” online from the 18 to 25 of September, 2022. This year marks its very first edition following the concept of “Connecting through Crafts,” and aims to use this period, including the autumn equinox, as a special week to be immersed into a...