Each and every handcrafted item brings joy to daily life. The Ginza Handicraft Direct Sales Center (open until September 14th) has opened at Matsuya Ginza, bringing together handcrafted tools from all over Japan. Now in its seventh year, the Ginza Handicraft Direct Sales Center is a popular event not only for its collection of regionally-sourced handicrafts, but also for its direct sales by artisans, designers, and other creators. Many artisans and workshops offer a wide variety of items, including pottery, porcelain, lacquerware, bamboo baskets, stencil dyeing, woodworking, washi paper products, stationery, blown glass, leather goods, shirts, accessories, and furniture. Hinako Matsuda, Matsuya Ginza's Japanese tableware buyer and in charge of the Ginza Handicraft Direct Sales Center, says, "This year, we're focusing on everyday items and more. In other words, we're incorporating a wide variety of fun tools and playful creations that, while not essential, enrich daily life." True to their name, the ceramic artists and kilns that dominate the Ginza Handicraft Direct Sales Center are exhibiting tableware brimming with playfulness. The collection includes works that are a joy to admire, such as Maeno Naofumi's rimmed plates with designs that bring a smile to your face, Okada Takato's adorable, colorful, and patterned scraped-off bowls, and Abe Taichi's captivatingly shaped pitchers. Also noteworthy are Suzuki Minoru's decorative flowerpots, and Saito Juro's pitchers, which can be used as flower vases. These flowerpots and vases not only add color to tableware but also add a touch of color to your life. Speaking of more playful pieces, Toyonaga Morito's Ryukyu papier-mâché series and noconoco's expressive stuffed toys are also eye-catching. We also want to draw attention to the makers and workshops participating in the Ginza Handicraft Direct Sales Center for the first time. Ojiro Kakumonoten, a first-time exhibitor from Oita, will be showcasing beautifully designed bamboo crafts such as "square lunch boxes" and "shell bags." Also making their long-awaited debut are knotting-woven chair mats by knotting weaver Masako Ono, who enjoys a nationwide following, and chairs and tables by woodworker Yukifumi Matsumoto. The participation of renowned shops will also liven up the Ginza Handicraft Direct Sales Market. Kurumi no Ki, a charismatic shop from Nara, will be exhibiting a range of items, from food and clothing to shelter. Matsunoya, a hardware store that will be participating from the very first exhibit, will demonstrate the process of making original tote bags using a sewing machine in front of its store. During the exhibit, there will be a host of fascinating events, including a coffee seminar by a coffee roaster from Okayama and workshops on slipware painting. There will also be an eat-in corner where you can enjoy amazake (sweet sake) and sake lees milk soft serve ice cream made by Fukumitsuya, a long-established sake brewery in Kanazawa.
[Event Information]
"Ginza Handicraft Direct Sales Store"
Venue: Matsuya Ginza, 8th floor Event Square
Dates: September 9th - 14th
Time: 10:00 - 20:00 (closes at 17:30 on the last day)
