The first-ever "Design Week Kyoto WI 2016" is running in Kyoto until February 28th. This event was launched to transform Kyoto, a city rich in "things" and "events" cultivated through a long history and tradition, into a more open-minded place. This week offers visitors the opportunity to actually visit workshops and ateliers that are normally off-limits. This time, our editorial team will introduce highlights selected from the more than 100 workshops and stores participating in the event. ■If you're unsure where to visit during Design Week, start here!

First, head to The Stage 8 on the 8th floor of JR Kyoto Isetan, directly connected to JR Kyoto Station. The store displays and sells approximately 40 pieces, ranging from various crafts to clothing. One item worth noting is the limited-edition item created exclusively for this store by COS KYOTO, an organization based on the concept of redesigning Kyoto by combining modern materials, technology, and people. The exhibition will feature the "Izayoi Mini Pendant" (¥48,000), a lighting fixture made with Nishijin textiles, as well as the "Hizen Yoshida Ware Polka Dot Teapot" (¥3,000 and up) and "Hizen Yoshida Ware Polka Dot Tea Bowl" (¥1,500 and up), a collaboration with Fukusen Pottery, the only pottery maker in Japan that continues to produce polka dot teapots and teacups. Other items on offer include the "Fabric Panel" (¥28,000) and "Stole" (¥27,000) from Nishijin Kasuri's Itohen Universe, and the "IRODORI Scarf" (¥30,000) from KIZOME, created by a French designer and Kyoto artisans. Experience Kyoto's unique blend of traditional and modern pieces. An information counter will also be set up on the second floor during the event, where staff will provide information on the various workshops and studios open to the public. When we asked the staff about the highlights, they suggested the KYOTO ART HOTEL Kumagusuku, an art space with overnight stays. The hotel will be opening its special exhibitions, which are usually only available to guests, to the public during the event. Also, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, UN, an office building attracting creative professionals, will be hosting the Design Market UN on the 28th, bringing together accessories, small items, and restaurants from around the world. The exhibitions by creators based in the office will also be open to the public, with the staff recommending the bottled ice flowers and flower masks by florist Yuya Maeda of edalab.

■Picking up events you'll want to visit this weekend!

And this weekend is packed with talk shows, workshops, and other events. Here, our editorial team picks out some recommended events.

[February 26th]
To celebrate the opening of the Lemon Life Design School at "MTRL KYOTO (Material Kyoto)," Kyoto native Tetsuya Chihara will host a talk show with guests Ed Tsuwaki and Leslie Kee.

[February 27th]
Kyoto furniture store "LST BOTAN" will hold a workshop where participants can make coasters using their favorite wood species, and "Yamamoto Alloy Manufacturing" will open its normally closed-off workshop to participants, offering experiences such as mirror polishing and casting.

[February 28th]
Nishijin weaving workshop "Rindoya" will hold an open house and an event where participants can have lunch meetings with artisans. Printing company "Shubisha" will hold an open house where participants can tour old printing presses and a workshop where participants can work with creators to make original notebooks using paper left over from the printing warehouse.

A variety of other events are also being held at workshops and ateliers. For more details, please check the website of "Design Week Kyoto WE2016" (www.designweek-kyoto.com). Why not witness the moment when the artwork comes to life?