The five winners of the second Japanese Traditional Culture Grand Prix have been announced! The contest was spearheaded by the Japan Traditional Culture Promotion Project, established in May 2020 as a collaborative effort among companies, associations, and local governments to establish a sustainable framework for the continued development of Japanese traditional culture.

The project is headed by Seiichi Kondou, the Former Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs. United Arrows Honorary Chairman Osamu Shigematsu serves as Vice-Chairman. Along with Nobuo Yoshida, the 14th generation head of the 400-year-old traditional paper fan store Ibasen, the Japan Cultural Promotion Project began this Grand Prix as a way to honor outstanding works of Japanese culture by companies, organizations, and individuals. Anyone can enter, regardless of nationality, residence, or age. The jury consists of 11 people from various fields, including Richard Collasse, the Chairman of Chanel LLC, and popular model Kozue Akimoto.

Grand Prix Winner

Dustpan x Broom

Luo Qi

Each dustpan is shaped by hand to match the special shape of the Matsumoto broom, which is then dyed with natural Tokushima indigo dye. The broom is the only one in the world made from home-grown broomcorn, and each is made by a third-generation craftsman with years of experience.

Runner-up Prizes

Japanese Lacquer Art – Ether

Takehito Sasaki

[Critique]

Both traditional and innovative. The spirit of Japanese culture and the meaning of this award seem to have taken shape in this work. The zippers do not open. The surface looks like leather, but it isn’t. When the lid is opened, the glossy lacquer seems to spread out. My expectations were surpassed. Anyone who sees it or uses it will find themselves lost in imagination, and I’m sure that thinking about that will bring a smile to the creator’s face. This beautiful craftsmanship was born from plenty of care and attention. What a pleasant surprise. (Risa Tanaka)

Sake Drinking Set – Japanese nagomi Sake Cups

Nagomi Fujita

[Critique]

There’s something about this piece that shares a spirit with Art Nouveau. The delicate plants superimposed on the bright transparent glass are a powerful image. In traditional Japanese nagomi art, the linear appearance of the plants is painted a bit more lightly, but these overlapping layers and shapes resonate and make an impact. The artist used traditional techniques such as lacquer and foil in a subtle manner, while still making the plants look alive. I’d consider this as a modern take on ecology. (Yuko Hasegawa)

Excellence Award

Floating Boat Counter

Masafumi Kodama (Registered Architect with a First-Class License) / Taiki Ishikawa (First Class Carpenter/Registered Architect with a Second-Class License)

[Critique]
The motif that inspired this piece is the traditional Japanese architectural technique of funahijiki. It’s an outstanding piece that utilizes practical architectural practices to create a piece of furniture at the center of a home, somewhere that the family relaxes. It brings the beauty of Japanese wood into the modern age. Funahijiki is a technique that has been used in incredible places, such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kojoin Temple. It’s graceful and elegant, and not often seen in the current age. (Hidetsugu Horikoshi)

Folding Chair to Assist in Seiza
patol stool SEIZA

Hirayama Daily Goods Shop, Makiko & Kazuhiko Hirayama

[Critique]

The judges liked this folding chair for assisting seiza sitting, as it’s something that could be put to practical use right away. It’s sure to help people enjoy tatami culture, and will be a big help for people who seldom sit on the floor in this traditional way. The height and size of the chair, as well as its ability to be folded for easy storage, are nice touches. I’d consider this a masterpiece with incredible potential. (Yuji Akimoto)

These pieces of artwork managed to connect traditional Japanese culture with future sensibilities, so give them a look!

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Naruto anime series, Usaburo Kokeshi has created two traditional dolls modeled after Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha. The original manga series by Masashi Kishimoto has become a global phenomenon, and fans won’t want to miss out on these unique pieces! Preorders are now open.

Usaburo Kokeshi makes each of these pieces by hand, transforming them from children’s playthings into traditional works of art. The wood used to create these pieces is from trees in Gunma Prefecture.

Usaburo Kokeshi Doll – Naruto Uzumaki

Usaburo Kokeshi Doll – Sasuke Uchiha

These adorable dolls completely recreate both character’s outfits and hairstyles, and the designers clearly focused on the small details. Enjoy these palm-sized versions of your favorite Naruto characters!

©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ

Behance, the world’s largest creative social media network, has started a new project to promote Japanese traditional culture and arts and crafts to the world. Works on Behance will be transformed into NFTs, with the goal to establish a new way for traditional craftsmen to profit from their work.

Japan’s traditional arts and crafts are well-known by many around the world. On the other hand, challenges still remain as many regions’ traditional manufacturing industries are digitized. Sharing more detailed information about these crafts with overseas markets has also been difficult.

According to the “Survey on the Revitalization of Local Traditional Manufacturing Industries” published by the Development Bank of Japan in 2018, Japan’s traditional arts and crafts industry peaked around 1980. Due to the recession caused by the burst of the bubble economy, the rise of inexpensive foreign products, and changes in lifestyle, the amount of production has been declining year by year. Compared with the peak period, current production has dropped to one-fifth or about 100 billion yen. The workers involved in traditional crafts are also aging, making it difficult to pass on their skills to younger creators.

On Behance, users can not only get inspiration from other people’s work but can also publish their own works and receive helpful feedback and comments. Marketing professionals also use Behance to find creators for campaigns and collaborations, and previously, a Japanese creator who had uploaded his work to the social media site was asked to illustrate the cover of the New York Times. 

This project is designed to promote traditional Japanese arts and crafts in the hopes of supporting their continued development in the face of many difficult conditions.

Fans of Doraemon and traditional Japanese artwork won’t want to miss this special collaboration! On March 30, preorders will open for ukiyo-e prints inspired by the film ‘Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars 2021.’ These limited-edition pieces were created by Iwano Ichibei, a Living National Treasure.

The prints show Doraemon and friends along with the alien Papi and the special gadget the “Small Light.” The tool is giving off light depicted in a traditional Edo pattern believed to bring good luck, and the characters are shown inside its silhouette. 

Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Production

Engraving by Craftsman

Printing by Craftsman

First, a sketch is made, and a monochrome version of the print is carved. After carving a number of woodblocks for each color and using them to rub the painting tirelessly to bring it to life, one single woodblock print is completed. 

The extremely delicate and advanced techniques these craftsmen utilize have been passed down from the Edo period. Imagine having one of these beautiful pieces hanging in your home!

With 130 entries submitted from all parts of Japan, the 8 winners of the first Japanese Traditional Culture Grand Prix have finally been announced. The contest was spearheaded by the Japan Traditional Culture Promotion Project, established in May 2020 as a collaborative effort among companies, associations, and local governments to establish a sustainable framework for the continued development of Japanese traditional culture.

Grand Prix Winner: Nakagawa Woodcrafts Hira Studio “Wave” series (left) “YORISIRO” series (right)

The winner of the top prize was Nakagawa Woodcrafts Hira Studio, in which the craftsmen still use a 700-year-old technique to create their famous wooden buckets. These buckets, once used for storing rice and miso, are still used today for a variety of different purposes, from bathing to cooling champagne! In stepping away from their typical works, the Nakagawa Woodcrafts studio created the more freeform “Wave” series, and the name surely fits–each bucket looks too free to have been manmade. The “YORISIRO” series, rather, keeps the natural curvature of the wood. Both are signature pieces of traditional Japanese artisanal culture.

Runner-up: Cubism in Calligraphy “Natural Stance,” Atelier Sisyu, Sisyu

Excellent Award: Kyo Braided Cords Sanjiku-Kumiori “Kujaku Kouki,” Saiko Ltd., Koichiro Murokado

Excellent Award: Structured System “Kumiko Endurance Wall,” Tosa Kumiko Co., Daisuke Iwamoto

Excellence Award: Porcelain “Yuragi” Hiroshi Taruta

Excellence Award: Lacquer Art “Tataeru” Shinsuke Aoki. 

Excellent Student Award: Picture Frame “KOZAI” Ryohei Nomura. 

Special Award: Rinku, a group of young female craftswomen from the Toukai region

The Japan Traditional Culture Promotion Project began this contest as a way to honor outstanding works from creators around Japan. The jury consists of 18 people from various fields, including Richard Collasse, the Chairman of Chanel LLC, and popular model Kozue Akimoto. A collection of online presentations and interviews with the winners is planned in future events, and the project aims to help these artists continue to work sustainably. The second round of applications will open in November 2021.

Naomi Osaka is one of the fiercest young athletes in sports today. Now a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, she’s caught the attention of aspiring athletes all over the world with her authenticity and skill. Now, she’s teaming up with Levi’s® to release a new collection, available at select stores in Japan beginning August 24. The pieces will also be sold at the official online store. 

Crystal Fringe Short : ¥33,000 (Tax Included)

Lace-Up Short : ¥19,800 (Tax Included)

Trucker Jacket Bustier: ¥24,200 (Tax Included)

Denim Kimono : ¥40,500 (Tax Included)

The collection utilizes vintage or upcycled denim to capture Osaka’s preferred silhouette, with each piece utilizing her unique designs based in femininity and sportiness. 

The Denim Kimono is a respectful homage to traditional Japanese culture. “I loved wearing kimono as a child,” Osaka commented. “I thought if I included one made of denim in the collection, it would be super unexpected and surprising.” 

This collection also includes two denim shorts: the Lace-Up Short is sportier, and is a clever reimagining of the classic Levi’s® denim shorts. They feature cutouts above the knees, a feminine lace-up back, and were made from upcycled men’s Levi’s® jeans. For those wanting something more girly, the Crystal Fringe Short features a collection of shimmering fringe gracefully dropping down the sides of the cut-off pants. 

Rounding out the collection is the Trucker Jacket Bustier, a denim bustier with a lace-up back. This is a remake of the Levi’s® trucker jacket, cut in the traditional corset style with classic lines, flap pockets, and recognizable buttons. “When I was sketching, the idea of the bustier came to me and I absolutely loved it. Now that it’s been made and is actually real, it’s so much cuter than I imagined. I love it even more!” Osaka commented. 

This blend of sporty and feminine makes the collection a perfect shoutout to Naomi Osaka’s rich heritage. Most importantly, the collection is made from vintage and upcycled denim, breathing new life into already existing Levi’s® items and reducing impact on the environment. “Sustainability initiatives are important to me. What I love most about the collection is how responsibly the pieces were made,” the tennis star said. 

Which of these four pieces would you like to rock this summer? 

renacnatta has teamed up with Shiki Theatre Company to release a collection of banshu-ori skirts and neckties, all of which will arrive on August 3.

renacnatta is a brand which weaves clothes using deadstock fabric from Japan and Italy and by using traditional Japanese weaving techniques.

Skirts

Banshu Mermaid Wrap Skirt – Matinee｜Collaboration with Shiki Theatre Company | ¥35,200 (Tax Included)

Banshu Mermaid Wrap Skirt – Soiree｜Collaboration with Shiki Theatre Company | ¥35,200 (Tax Included)

Neckties

Banshu Tie – Matinee｜Collaboration with Shiki Theatre Company | ¥9,350 (Tax Included)

Banshu Tie – Soiree｜Collaboration with Shiki Theatre Company | ¥9,350 (Tax Included)

Shows at the Shiki Theatre Company have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. The collaboration comes to reignite the fire and excitement towards the theatre in these restrictive times. This August, the theatre is release a new and original musical which will see actors wearing clothing made using banshu-ori weave. This collection uses the same weaving technique.

Banshuori is a yarn-dyed textile made using a special production method which sees yarn dyed in advance and patterns woven by the dyed yarn. The items in the collection come in two colours: Matinee and Soiree, named after afternoon and evening theatre performances respectively. The Matinee line-up is beige and yellow while the Soiree picks are a mix of navy and black.

The one-size-fits-all skirts feature a comfy mermaid style with a fashionable silhouette perfect for going to the theatre with. They are made in such a way that they do not wrinkle when sitting down for long periods of time. The neckties too are made using banshu-ori weave for a smooth, sleek look.

GLASS-LAB released their new GLASS-LAB NEW PRODUCT “WA” collection of bangles made from Edo Kiriko cut glass bottles on their official website on July 1.

GLASS-LAB NEW PRODUCT “WA” Sustainable Clear | ¥18,370 (Tax Included)

GLASS-LAB NEW PRODUCT “WA” Sustainable Black | ¥18,370 (Tax Included)

GLASS-LAB NEW PRODUCT “WA” Sustainable White | ¥18,370 (Tax Included)

GLASS-LAB NEW PRODUCT “WA” Sustainable Green | ¥18,370 (Tax Included)

GLASS-LAB was opened by the Shiina family in 1950 in Koto, a city known for the production of Edo Kiriko, a traditional type of Japanese glassware. The owner eventually passed the factory onto his sons. It is now run by Takayuki Shiina who is highly skilled at sandblasting, so much so he can cut glass to a fine 0.09mm.

This new collection was made in collaboration with designer Yukio Fujita of ‘design shop YU.’

Japanese cosmetic brand Shu Uemura is set to release its new origami-inspired ‘mindfully crafted in japan’ collection on June 18, but presales opened on their online shop last Tuesday. The collection is a display of Japanese tradition and craftsmanship with sustainability at the core of its concept.

ultime8 ∞ sublime beauty cleansing oil (Limited Edition Design) | ¥12,650 (Tax Included)

hard formula hard 9 (seal brown 02) (Limited Edition Design) | ¥2,860 (Tax Included)

petal 55 foundation brush (Limited Edition Design) | ¥6,600 (Tax Included)

The collection focuses on three aspects of mindfulness with Japan as its focus: mindful of Japanese nature with locally and sustainably resourced ingredients, mindful of Japanese resources by taking only what is needed, and mindful of Japanese traditional craftsmanship by preserving traditions from the past.

Shu Uemura’s Cleansing Oil is one of the brand’s most notable sustainable products, preserving everything important about Japanese culture from its history to its natural environment. Using traditional methods passed down the ages, the product is made from plant-derived ingredients sourced sustainably, and the packaging is made from 100% recyclable plastic. The Cleansing Oil bottles were also added to Shu Uemura’s new recycling program which began on May 5 which enables bottles to be reused.

Don’t miss out on this special new collection by Shu Uemura.

The new Sonny Angel Japanese Good Luck Series was released on May 27, the same month when the popular doll series reached its 17th anniversary milestone. The series sees Sonny Angel wearing a range of traditional Japanese lucky charms to deliver healing and happiness to people.

The Line-Up

A Lucky Cat with a cute bell on his neck. His raised left hand/paw will bring you good luck.

A hat depicting Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan. Pine, bamboo and plum leaves are illustrated on the folding fan.

Daruma are brightly coloured hollow dolls decorating houses in Japan so that our wishes will come true.

The Raccoon Dog has a long history as a strange, even supernatural animal and is known to be a shape shifter.

A Guardian Dog is thought to ward off evil spirits. This one is decorated in a houndstooth pattern, also known to be a sign of good luck.

Ebisuten is the god of “prosperous business”. The sea bream in his hand, a fish often served on New Year’s Day and at weddings, is a symbol of “congratulations”.

The packaging

Gift bag

The packaging features a mikuhiki design. A mizuhiki is a decorative cord made from twisted paper. If you purchase four or more dolls as part of this series on Sonny Angel’s online store, you’ll also receive a free gift bag.

Japanese attire brand Relier81 began selling its “OBI Square Sandals” on the official UNITED TOKYO online store on Thursday. The sandals are made using dead stock obi which are the sashes used to tie kimono.

Who are Relier81?

Relier81 is a Kyoto-based upcycling brand which aims to maintain Japanese tradition, culture, and the original craftsmanship of its creations.

In today’s era, there are less opportunities for people to wear kimono in Japan. Beautiful and breathtaking kimono, obi, and other kimono related items are gathering dust in people’s wardrobes. So Relier81 began to think of a way that would enable them to still make use of kimono and kimono accessories that would fit the modern lady. That’s where their upcycling skills come into play.

OBI Square Sandals – ¥29,700 (Before Tax) | Size 1: 23cm-23.5cm, Size 2: 24cm-24.5cm

Relier81 have collaborated with UNITED TOKYO for these new OBI Square Sandals, a brand which prides themselves on products that are “Made in Japan.” The sandals use Relier81’s “OBI Sandals” as the base which have been wrapped in carefully selected dead stock obi by UNITED TOKYO’s designers. There are 12 sandal designs in total with two different kinds of elastic insoles used. The sandals lighten the burden of the feet and are super comfortable to ensure that your feet don’t get tired easily.

The sandals are shipped in a special “kiribako” box with both company’s logos branded on it to keep with the traditional theme.

All of these sandals are manufactured in Japan, but the ageing of artisans and lack of successors is of real concern. UNITED TOKYO’s official online store has posted photos of the manufacturing process of one shoes to show people how it’s done.

Laforet Harajuku has announced that its next “Kimono IN LAFORET” kimono and furisode pop-up shop will run from January 4 to 22 next year.

Iroca Kimono “Leopard Gecko” – ¥63,800 (Tax Included) / Half-Width Obi – ¥26,400 (Tax Included)

Pure Silk Butterfly Black Cloth Furisode – ¥132,000 (Tax Included)

Light Blue Dove Print Polyester Furisode – ¥128,150 (Tax Included)

Eight brands will line the shelves of the annual pop-up shop, with kimono, furisode, accessories and more available for purchase, including new items.

Model and actress Shen Tanaka features as the star of the main visual for Kimono IN LAFORET 2020, mixing colourful kimono with western clothing to create a unique look. Marie Higuchi, who was the stylist for the visual, has also released some dress advice for those who love kimono or those who are beginners and newcomers to the scene.

Mixing kimono with the kind of regular clothing that screams you

Marie Higuchi is a stylist who also writes columns in Nylon Japan and Sozen. Her advice can be used by both beginners and experts alike: by mixing kimono with some of your own clothing, you can simply and easily create a stylish look that’s you. This makes for a perfect outfit for a special occasion.

Styling Point

This outfit combines fishnet tights with sandals that have thick metallic soles to create an edgy kimono style. Using thick sandals makes them really stand out when wearing kimono, so you can easily incorporate them with any kimono you wear.

Items Used

Kimono/Obi/Other: iroca

Haneri: C.H.O.K.O

Obi Clip: conoco

Styling Point

The gorgeous flower head dress brings a strikingly elegant touch to the overall look of this outfit. Whether used with kimono or in your regular day-to-day outfits, it’s sure to bloom beauty with whatever style you go with.

Items Used

Kimono: MIKI SAKURA

Head Dress: Atelier Senka

One Piece Shirt: Ank Rouge (Laforet Harajuku Floor 4F)

Styling Point

Coloured turtlenecks are in right now for the current season in Japan, and this kimono look incorporates one underneath the kimono. The mix of loose socks and thick-sole sneakers really adds to the flavour of this style, even more so with the addition of personal items like the vinyl record headband and lip clutch bag which make it unique.

Items Used

Kimono/Obi: Tamao Shigemune

Headband/Clutch Bag: SINZ (Laforet Harajuku Floor B0.5F)

Other: Personal items

If you’re looking for kimono and furisode when visiting Japan in January, be sure to hit up Kimono IN LAFORET at Laforet Harajuku, located in Tokyo’s fashion central: Harajuku.