Tokyo exhibition aims succeeding tradition of art

"TOKYO TESHIGOTO" which translates to "Tokyo handwork" is a project for developing traditional craft products for modern consumers, and opening new markets at home and abroad for Tokyo based craftspeople.

It was established three years ago by Tokyo Metropolitan Government and an award ceremony was held to determine winners of this year's prizes for their outstanding work of "TOKYO TESHIGOTO".

"We are surely getting ready for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games but it's also a great opportunity for us to spread Japanese culture and tradition. So we are planning on incorporating cultural programs like this towards the games as well.

At the presentation, 10 crafts which incorporated traditional hand crafting techniques were introduced, and the "Swinging Bonsai" was awarded the highest honors award," said Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike.

All items were the result of collaboration between craftsmen and innovative designers.

"I got to know about this project through the union and found it interesting so I decided to give it a try. Normally though, this type of project and award is for those who make the main parts such as traditional Japanese doll or warrior helmet and armor. But we make these doll props such as artificial flowers and other background accessories which generally don't receive much attention. So I feel I was very lucky to receive this award and this special opportunity," Award-winner Yuji Okada said.

The unique aspect of this project is that these products are made with traditionally cultivated exquisite skills in conjunction with modern ideas by designers, challenging new types of products brimming with Tokyo's rich seam of craft and design to enrich people's lifestyles with traditional crafts.

"A lot of traditional crafts are almost coming back into fashion in Japan. So there's a bit of trend at the moment by reviving old traditions and old crafts. I think this is very good platform for the designers and craftsmen to come together and share their products globally. This one is obviously supported by the government, so I think it is going to have far-reaching effects and I think it's quite good," Tokyo Weekend Magazine Annemarie Luck said.

"I think Japanese people are not good at introducing and spreading traditional cultures despite there are so many of them. So I hope more people abroad get to know about these Japanese traditional crafts and use them," Brush Designer Maiko Haruna said.

In the midst of globalisation, Tokyo challenges new markets with new ideas by re-visiting its old traditions.