Exploring the spirit of craftsmanship in Japan

Japan has a spirit of craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations while being supported by rich materials, sophisticated techniques and the attitude of people who strive to evolve accepting today’s attitude. We have been exploring new possibilities of Japanese craftsmanship by moving the projects to address the development of new products by connecting local Japanese manufacturers with designers active both at home and abroad and disseminating the results to the world. Here, we show 7 projects out of a total of 24 projects.

JC 01　Oigen [cast-iron products]×Jasper Morrison

JC 02　Hinoki Kougei [woodworking, Saitama]×Peter Marigold

JC 05　Kobei-gama [ceramics, Gifu]×Inga Sempé

JC 17　Shimamoto Sekizai [Aji-stone, Kagawa]×Leon Ransmeier

JC 20　Kyukyodo [incense, Kyoto]×GamFratesi

JC 21　TAKEYARI [canvas, Okayama]×Faye Toogood

JC 24　Kiriyama Glass Works [laboratory glass, Tokyo]×Formafantasma

Japan Creative is a relaunch of the cultural project that was carried out at Seibu Department Store (now Sogo Seibu) in the 1980s, based on the philosophy that “It is the culture of craftsmanship that has nurtured Japan’s aesthetic sense.” Since its foundation in 2011, the activities that have continued until 2020 have focused on collaboration projects that connect Japanese manufactures with designers, and are exploring new possibilities for Japanese craftsmanship, which has been cultivated through tradition, locality, and creativity. At the same time, it was about rediscovering the diversity of materials in Japan.

The materials nurtured by the climate of various parts of Japan nourishes the sensitivity of people, develops their skills, supports their lives and pass down the history. This is the real feeling that we studied from the activities spanning about 10 years. This is the reason why we decided in 2021 to change the core of our activities to the research of the material.

We believe that now is the time to reevaluate the diversity of materials in Japan and to find their universal values, which is not only to inherit the culture of craftsmanship but also to know that all of us benefit from those materials.