Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition attracts visitors in Tokyo

The 72nd Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition opened at the Mitsukoshi Main Store in Tokyo and will run until September 15. Despite being a weekday, the venue was filled with a diverse audience – older couples, students, business‑people and overseas guests – all drawn to the breadth of Japanese hand‑made artistry. Highlights included Kei Nakagawa’s intricate Kaga mother‑of‑pearl work, Teiji Miyamoto’s wood‑bamboo pieces, Maida’s vibrant Kaga yuzen textiles and a striking display by artist Hannya.

On June 22, a talk event marking the fourth anniversary of the “CoCo JAPAN” project was held at Tokyo World Gate CoCo Lounge. Speakers such as Kitagawa Toshinao, head of ARTIGIANO, and Terukina Asahi, director of the Okinawa Tourism Convention Bureau’s Tokyo office, discussed how traditional crafts can serve as tourism assets and shared perspectives on promoting regional craftsmanship nationwide.