The 72nd Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition will be held at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store from September 3rd. This free exhibition brings together approximately 550 works showcasing the current state of traditional crafts, offering a rare opportunity to experience a wide range of works, from selected works to new works by Living National Treasures.

Japan Crafts Council President's Award: Various Crafts
Glass Jubako "Orihana" (Weaving Flowers)
Kaori Izumi
Courtesy of MITSUKOSHI
The Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, which began in 1954, has a history of over 70 years. Its existence goes beyond being a mere exhibition space, and it continues to shed light on the path that Japanese crafts have taken and the possibilities for future expression. Across seven categories - ceramics, dyeing and weaving, lacquerware, metalwork, wood and bamboo work, dolls, and other crafts - the works, which are the epitome of skill and sensibility, are based on tradition while also incorporating a modern aesthetic sense.

Takamatsunomiya Memorial Award: Dyeing and Weaving
Raw Silk Kimono "Man'yo Kitan" (Suzushi Kimono "Man'yo Kitan")
Akane Kamiya
Courtesy of MITSUKOSHI
Among this year's award-winning works, Izumi Kaori's "Glass Jubako Box 'Weaving Flowers'," which won the Japan Crafts Council President's Award, and Kamiya Akane's "Raw Silk Kimono 'Man'yo Kitan'," which was selected for the Takamatsunomiya Memorial Award, are iconic works that crystallize the potential of materials and innovative techniques. These award-winning works embody the challenge of connecting tradition to the future and are sure to leave a strong impression on visitors.

NHK Chairman's Award Metalwork
Crow Cucumber Metal Fittings (Crow Cucumber)
Takehana Maki
Courtesy of MITSUKOSHI
In addition, gallery talks will be held by artists and researchers, providing an opportunity to learn directly about the background and techniques behind the works. And for the first time, a special exhibition titled "Passing on Japan's Traditional Culture to the Future -- What are the Works Created by Traditional Crafts Artists? --" will be held in the Central Hall on the first floor of the Main Building. Through the process and materials used in the creation of the works, you can experience a new perspective on "passing on crafts to the future."

Japan Crafts Council Holder's Award Ceramics
Bizen Mixed White Clay Flower Vase
Ryuichi Kakurezaki
Courtesy of MITSUKOSHI

Tradition does not imprison the past; it is also a source of design that renews our daily lives. The diverse crafts on display in this exhibition are a quiet yet powerful testament to this.


Courtesy of MITSUKOSHI



Inquiries:
Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
Address: 1-4-1 Muromachi, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3241-3311 (Main Switchboard)

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