JAPANPAGE: Japanese Artisanship at London Craft Week

The exceptional skills and stories of Japanese craftsmanship are recapturing the global spotlight; not only due to the beautiful traditional craft products they yield, but also for the promise they hold for future innovation. From creative products and contemporary designs for today’s lifestyles, to experiential tourism opportunities for professionals, to collaborative projects with the world’s leading product designers as well as fashion, jewellery and auto brands—the sky is the limit for the artisanship of Japan.

JAPANPAGE, which operates an online membership service featuring a select B2B portfolio of Japanese traditional craft, cuisine, tradition and travel, is intent on facilitating new partnerships between Japanese craft makers and creative businesses worldwide.

With collaboration from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), JAPANPAGE is helping to introduce the world to Japan’s finest traditional craft products. These consist of only 222 items found worthy of Japan’s exclusive “Traditional Craft Product” designation under a system of strict standards established by law (as of end 2016). Traditional Craft Products are chosen in consideration of the traditional Japanese techniques used to make them as well as the captivating local stories behind them.

For London Craft Week, JAPANPAGE is organizing a performance at the Daiwa Anglo- Japanese Foundation. One of the performers for London Craft Week will be an artisan in the Wajima-nuri tradition of Japanese lacquerware, from the atelier Unedaya. This atelier was responsible for creating a rare replica of Tamamushi Shrine in 2008.

The performer for the Metal Work Demonstration will be an artisan from Shimatani Syouryu-Koubo. This atelier, specialising in Buddhist Bells made using traditional methods, has created an innovative product called Suzugami/Metallic Paper, a metal sheet which can be folded, bent, and restored to its original form, for a wide variety of uses.

JAPANPAGE will also be arranging talks and private meetings with other Japanese traditional artisans, who will introduce techniques in trades such as traditional paper, bamboo, ceramics, and textiles.

To book your place on one of the free demonstrations, please click here.

Private appointments can be made to see the display and to hear storytelling by clicking here

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