Kurashiki, where the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft was established as the first local folkcraft museum in Japan, is also called the holy land of folkcraft.
Since shortly after World War II in 1947, Tenmaya, a local department store in Okayama, and Okayama Folkcraft Promotion Corporation have worked together to create a folkcraft corner in a section of the department store, contributing to the promotion of folkcraft throughout the city.
In anticipation of the "10th Handicraft Fair" to be held at Kurashiki Tenmaya from May 8 (Wednesday), 2024, we interviewed the organizers about how to enjoy the event and their thoughts on its execution.
What is the "10th Handicraft Fair"?
The "10th Handicraft Fair" is an exhibition organized by Okayama Folkcraft Promotion Corporation.
Okayama Folkcraft Promotion Corporation operates its main store in the Toyama-cho area of Okayama City and has "Living Galleries" in Okayama City and Osaka City. In addition to folkcraft, it handles a wide range of handmade items rooted in daily life and organizes special exhibitions focusing on the works of young artisans.
The Handicraft Fair is an event that has been held multiple times, mainly at the Tenmaya Kurashiki store, and this will be its first occurrence in three years.
The event will take place from May 8 (Wednesday) to 13 (Monday), 2024, at the first-floor event space of Tenmaya Kurashiki.
Please check the following image for information about the exhibitors.
Interview with the organizers of the "10th Handicraft Fair"
We interviewed Satoshi Nishina from Okayama Folkcraft Promotion Corporation about the 10th Handicraft Fair.
What kind of event is the Handicraft Fair?
Nishina (no honorifics)
It is an event where people who do handicrafts or love handicrafts gather. The works displayed here are all by active artists, so it should provide an opportunity to encounter new works.
We also have many works that are not usually available in Kurashiki.
This is the 10th event, but are there any differences from previous ones?
Nishina
This time, we will hold a workshop for the first time. In the workshop, participants will actually weave a small bark (a type of basket from Okinawa) under the guidance of Shima Yuusha Karanya, who makes folk tools using plants that grow wild in Okinawa, such as coasters made from bashofu and kuba fans.
I have actually been to Okinawa and made one myself, and while weaving a basket is quite difficult, it is also fun. The participation fee is 4,950 yen, which is a bit pricey, but I believe it is worth it because we will have real materials and artisans present.
Above all, it is interesting to be able to make Okinawan baskets in Kurashiki.
The workshop has reached full capacity for both days.
Is there a reason for choosing Kurashiki as the venue for the Handicraft Fair?
Nishina
Kurashiki Tenmaya is a department store directly connected to JR Kurashiki Station, so it attracts not only local residents of Kurashiki City but also many tourists from outside the prefecture. Therefore, I believe it is a place where the artists exhibiting can be seen by a lot of people.
Furthermore, Kurashiki is home to the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, the first local folkcraft museum. Additionally, the Ohara Museum of Art is nearby. So, I hope that visitors can enjoy various works while walking around the area and stop by the fair like a museum shop before and after their sightseeing in the Bikan Historical Area.
Please tell us how to enjoy the "10th Handicraft Fair".
Nishina
The works featured at the Handicraft Fair are all displayed with the intention of being used in daily life.
Therefore, I hope you will enjoy looking at the works, actually touching them, and thinking about how you might use them in your daily life. Of course, there will be staff available to assist you in creating an image of living with handicrafts while listening to your stories.
Additionally, I think it will be fun to come with a list of tools you want to purchase or artists you want to see. We have invited artisans from all over the country, so it should provide an opportunity to encounter a wide variety of works.
Please give a message to the readers.
Nishina
Why not find your favorite at the "10th Handicraft Fair" and welcome it into your daily life? We look forward to your visit.
Conclusion
Having been born in Tohoku myself, I grew up in an environment where it was normal to have baskets woven by my family and daruma dolls made by local artisans at home. Even now, when I travel, I enjoy purchasing pottery from the area and using it in my daily life.
I am excited to meet artisans from all over the country while hearing the story of wanting people to find their favorites at the Handicraft Fair and incorporate them into their daily lives.
After the Golden Week, a slightly calmer weekend would be a great time to start from Tenmaya Kurashiki, visit the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft and the Ohara Museum of Art, and then stop by the "10th Handicraft Fair" to welcome your favorites as a day trip.
Data on the 10th Handicraft Fair
| Name | 10th Handicraft Fair |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | May 8 (Wednesday) to 13 (Monday), 2024 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (closes at 6:00 PM on the last day) |
| Location | 1-7-1 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free admission, workshop 4,950 yen (reservation required) |
| Website | Living Gallery |
