Kurashiki, home of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, the first local folkcraft museum in Japan, is apparently also known as a holy place for folkcraft.
Since 1947, shortly after the war, Tenmaya, a local department store in Okayama, and Okayama Mingei Promotion Co., Ltd. have joined forces to create a folkcraft section in one corner of the department store, among other efforts. The city has a history of coming together to promote folkcraft.
Ahead of the 10th Handcrafts Fair, to be held at Tenmaya Kurashiki from Wednesday, May 8, 2024, we spoke with the organizers about what to look forward to and their thoughts on holding the event.
The information provided is current as of the article’s publication in May 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the “10th Handcrafts Fair”?
The “10th Handcrafts Fair” is an exhibition organized by Okayama Prefecture Mingei Promotion Co., Ltd.
Based around its main store in Toiyacho, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture Mingei Promotion Co., Ltd. operates “Kurashi no Gallery” in Okayama City and Osaka City. In addition to folkcraft, it handles a wide range of handmade items rooted in everyday life and also holds special exhibitions, focusing on works by young makers.
The Handcrafts Fair is an event that has been held multiple times, mainly at Tenmaya Kurashiki. This is its first time in three years.
The event runs from Wednesday, May 8 to Monday, May 13, 2024, at the first-floor event space of Tenmaya Kurashiki.
Please see the image below for a list of exhibitors.
Interview with the organizers of the “10th Handcrafts Fair”
We interviewed Satoshi Nishina of Okayama Prefecture Mingei Promotion Co., Ltd., the organizer of the 10th Handcrafts Fair.
What kind of event is the Handcrafts Fair?
Nishina
It’s an event where people who make handmade crafts and people who love them come together. All the works gathered here are by artists who are actively creating right now, so the event should give you the chance to discover new works.
We also have many works that are not usually available in Kurashiki.
This is the 10th event. Is it different from previous ones?
Nishina
This time, we’re holding a workshop for the first time. Under the guidance of Shimayusha Kaaranya, who uses plants native to Okinawa to make folkcraft items such as Bashofu coasters, kuba fans, and bamboo barki baskets, participants will weave a small barki (an Okinawan basket) themselves.
I’ve actually gone to Okinawa and made one myself. Weaving a basket is quite difficult, but fun. The participation fee is a little steep at 4,950 yen, but I think it’s worth it because genuine materials and a craftsperson will be coming to teach.
Above all, it’s exciting that you can make an Okinawan basket right here in Kurashiki.
Both workshop sessions have reached capacity.
Why did you choose Kurashiki as the venue for the Handcrafts Fair?
Nishina
Tenmaya Kurashiki is a department store directly connected to JR Kurashiki Station, so it attracts not only people from Kurashiki City but also many tourists from outside the prefecture. I think it’s a place where the artists exhibiting their work can reach a lot of people.
Kurashiki is also home to the first local folkcraft museum in Japan, the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft. And nearby is the Ohara Museum of Art. Since visitors can encounter all kinds of works while walking around the city, I’d be happy if they explored the Bikan Historical Area and stopped by before or after, as they might a museum shop.
How can visitors enjoy the “10th Handcrafts Fair”?
Nishina
We display all the works at the Handcrafts Fair with the intention that people will use them in their everyday lives.
So I hope visitors will look at the works, touch them, and enjoy imagining how and where they might use them in their own lives. Our staff will be there too, and we’ll listen to visitors and help them picture living with handmade crafts.
Of course, it’s also fun to come with an idea of which tools you’d like to buy or which artists you’d like to see. We invited makers from all over Japan to exhibit, so this could be a chance to discover a wide range of works.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Nishina
Why not find something you love at the “10th Handcrafts Fair” and welcome it into your home? We look forward to seeing you.
From the Writer
I was born in Tohoku, so I grew up taking it for granted that we had baskets woven by my family and daruma dolls made in the neighborhood at home. Even now, when I travel, I enjoy buying pottery from the places I visit and using it in my daily life.
As I listened to the idea of “finding something you love at the Handcrafts Fair and bringing it into your everyday life,” I felt excited about being able to meet artists from all over Japan while staying in Kurashiki.
Why not spend a weekend shortly after Golden Week, when things have quieted down a little, starting at Tenmaya Kurashiki, visiting the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft and Ohara Museum of Art, and then taking a day trip to bring home a favorite from the “10th Handcrafts Fair” on your way back?
10th Handcrafts Fair Information
| Name | 10th Handcrafts Fair |
|---|---|
| Dates | Wednesday, May 8–Monday, May 13, 2024 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (closes at 6:00 p.m. on the final day) |
| Location | 1-7-1 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Free admission; workshop: 4,950 yen (advance registration required) |
| Website | Kurashi no Gallery |
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