Experience the charm of Edo-machi culture and traditional crafts through all five senses! The 68th Tokyo Traditional Crafts Exhibition: A String of Traditions from Edo

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will hold the "68th Tokyo Traditional Crafts Exhibition" from January 15 (Wed) to 20, 2025 (Mon) at the Shinjuku Takashimaya Department Store, 11th floor. The exhibition will feature 39 traditional crafts from Tokyo, and will be on display and for sale, offering a rare opportunity for visitors to interact with craftspeople and actually hold the traditional crafts in their hands.

■Exhibition to Experience the Appeal of Traditional Crafts

Every year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government holds the "Tokyo Traditional Crafts Exhibition" to introduce the appeal of Tokyo's traditional crafts. This year, in addition to 39 traditional crafts from Tokyo, Wajima-nuri from Ishikawa Prefecture will be exhibited as support for disaster-stricken areas.

At the demonstration stage, where visitors can witness the real skills of artisans, craftsmen will showcase their artisanal techniques, which will change daily. Visitors will be able to see and learn about the precision handiwork and production process, and ask questions to the craftspeople, an experience that can only be had at the event venue. In addition, a hands-on production corner will be set up. The crafts available for hands-on experience include chopstick rests, bags, and other items that can be used in daily life, making traditional crafts more accessible to visitors.

＜The theme of this year's exhibition is "The Culture of Edo Towns and Traditional Crafts in the Modern Age (Today).

Jyuzaburo Tsutaya, who contributed greatly to the culture of the townspeople of Edo, was a representative of the publishing industry in the Edo period and introduced such artists as Utamaro Kitagawa, Sharaku Toshusai, and Hiroshige Utagawa to the world.

This exhibition will introduce to the public the appeal of new traditional crafts that have developed from the genes of the traditional crafts that were popular among the common people as chic and stylish objects (daily necessities) during the Edo period, when Jyuzaburo Tsutaya lived.

＜The design theme is "Scales.

The Tokyo Traditional Crafts Exhibition has a common design theme each year, and traditional crafts incorporating the theme are produced and sold (except for Wajima-nuri, which is a special exhibit).

This year's theme, "Scales," is a traditional Japanese pattern that is believed to have the power to repel evil and evil spirits. It is also a symbol of "growth and prosperity" through shedding of the skin, as it is reminiscent of a snake's scales, making it an appropriate design theme for the Year of the Snake, the Chinese zodiac sign for 2025.

Scale patterns became popular among samurai and common people in the Edo period (1603-1867), and were used in kimonos, obis, and house decorations, and appeared frequently in costumes of Kabuki actors and ukiyoe woodblock prints.

Because of its simple yet powerful design, it continues to be loved in Japanese items and fashion even today.

■Special Programs for Foreign Visitors to Japan

For the first time at this year's exhibition, English-speaking booth tours will be available for foreign visitors to Japan to enjoy (*advance reservations are possible). Guides will provide detailed explanations of the history and production process of traditional crafts, offering visitors an opportunity to deepen their cross-cultural understanding.

In addition to the tours, English and Chinese interpreters will be on hand for visitors to shop and interact with craftspeople.

■Lots of Fun Events!

There will also be many fun activities for visitors, such as a raffle and stamp rally. The stamp rally in particular is an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn more about traditional crafts while touring the venue. In addition, nagauta performances will be held every day in cooperation with the Nagauta Association. We hope you will have a gorgeous time in the early spring.

Event Outline

Poster

Event Name: The 68th Tokyo Traditional Crafts Exhibition

Dates: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - Monday, January 20, 2025

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. *Close at 6:00 p.m. on the last day

Venue: Shinjuku Takashimaya 11th floor

Admission: Free *Please make reservations in advance.

Sponsor : Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Supported By： Tokyo Metropolitan Traditional Crafts Industry Association, Tokyo Traditional Craftsmen's Association

Operating Office: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Agency

Details will be posted here as they become available.

URL ： https://www.dento-tokyo.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/events/2025/0115.html

List of Exhibitors

List of Exhibitors

Exhibited Crafts (partial list)

＜Edo faceted glass

6 colors, 13,200 yen each (limited to 5 pieces of each color)

Edo faceting" was designated as a traditional craft by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1985 and as a national traditional craft in 2002. It has long been used as a daily necessities for common people.

The technique that has been used since the Edo period has created a finish that resonates with today's sensibilities. Please enjoy the sparkle of faceted glass.

Edo Glassware

＜Edo woodblock prints

Traditional hand-printed woodblock print "Koshi Sharaku" 132,000 yen (limited to 2 pieces)

The Japanese woodblock print technique, which has been cultivated for about 1,200 years, flourished with the ukiyoe prints established in the 17th century. Ukiyo-e prints by Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige, and others became representative of Edo's popular culture. In 1993, it was designated as a traditional craft by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and in 2007 as a national traditional craft.

Modern and chic design by designer Katsumi Asaba, hand-printed woodblock prints with 8 degree carving and 41 degree printing.

Edo Woodblock Prints

＜Tokyo Umbrella

Large Scale Parasol, 29,700 yen (while supplies last)

Western-style parasols were brought to Japan with the arrival of Perry in the late Edo period. In 1872, a company manufacturing Western-style umbrellas was organized and began full-scale production, which was the beginning of "Tokyo Umbrellas. In 2008, it was designated as a traditional craft by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Using the unique Japanese stencil dyeing technique called "Chusen," the traditional "Oorin" (large scales) are dyed and made into parasols.

Tokyo Umbrella