Novel design in 1,000 years of Japanese design heritage
In connection with the exhibition “Japan Handmade: Crafts & Design from Kyoto”, which is now on view at the Japan Foundation (27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem) in Hanoi, 3 distinguished Japanese experts will come to deliver their lecture and workshop on design and crafts on Tuesday 7 May in Hanoi, and on Thursday 9 May in Ho Chi Minh City.
Ms. Noriko Kawakami, a design journalist and associate director of 21_21 Design Sight (one of the best design galleries in Japan), will deliver her lecture on “Traditional craft and contemporary design in Japan” to share her view on what is happening at the crossover of crafts and design in Japan.
Then, Mr. Masataka Hosoo, a brand director of HOSOO Co., Ltd. and 12th generation of the Hosoo family, one of the oldest manufactures of Nishijin textile, will provide more information and introduce his attempts through his lecture “Kyoto’s new tradition – Nishijin textile & metal knitting”.
At last, Mr. Toru Tsuji, an artisan of metal knitting and owner of Kodaiji Kanaami-Tsuji, will demonstrate how to make a tofu server with metal knitting through his workshop with around 10 selected participants.
The lecture & workshop are realized in association with Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts (360 De La Thanh, Dong Da, Hanoi) and Vietnam Designer House (161 A, Hai Ba Trung, District 3, HCMC). Both cooperators will provide their spaces as the venue.
The admission is free but registrations in advance are highly recommended. For workshop, although the participants who make the tofu server with the Japanese artisan have been selected, you can participate in the workshop as an observer.
We do hope these activities will inspire you a lot and provide the most updated information on the current trend of crafts and design in Japan.
■ Profile of Japanese experts
Noriko Kawakami
Majored in social science and journalism, and upon graduating from university, entered AXIS, Inc., where from 1986-93 she edited AXIS design magazine. From 1994 to1996, she was external editorial director for design projects at the Domus Academy Research Center, and she is currently an independent journalist who writes and edits on design matters. She has contributed to numerous art and design magazines and newspapers, such as AXIS, Design no Genba, Graphis, Beaux Arts as well as to such other magazines as VOGUE Nippon, Figaro Japon.
She is co-author of le design (Beaux Arts) and Nippon Products (Bijutu Shuppansya), and author of Realising Design (TOTO Shuppan) and SHISEIDO PARLOUR (Kyuryudo). She is involved in the project of 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, as an associate director, working together with three directors, Mr. Issey Miyake, Mr. Taku Satoh and Mr. Naoto Fukasawa. She also plans numerous exhibitions and gives many lectures. She is a member of the Architectural Institute of Japan, The Japanese Society of Social Psychology and the Japanese Society for the Science of Design.
Masataka Hosoo
Born in 1978 to the Hosoo family, one of the oldest manufacturers of Nishijin textile.
Since establishing their textile business in the late 17th century, the Hosoo’s have produced a wide range of Japanese apparel and textile, including works by artisans designated by the Japanese government as National Human Treasure.
After graduating from university, Mr.Hosoo began a career as a musician, then joined a jewelry manufacturing company, and consecutively, went to study in Florence (Firenze), Italy. He joined his family business in 2008 and soon after launched an international project to promote their unique fabric using the materials and weaving technique of Nishijin obi (long sash worn around the kimono). This special fabric now adorns Christian Dior and Chanel boutiques designed by architect Peter Marino.
Toru Tsuji
Born in 1981 in Kyoto to the Tsuji family, who has passed down through generations the traditional craft of hand-woven metal works known as Kyo-kanaami.
Mr.Tsuji joined his family business in 2003 and opened the first Kanaami-Tsuji boutique in 2007 in Kodaiji, a scenic district surrounding a 17th century Zen temple at the foot of the Higashiyama Ryozan mountains. In 2008, his father Kenichi Tsuji is awarded by the Kyoto City for his contribution to the promotion of traditional craft.
Since 2009, Kanaami-Tsuji has participated biannually in the MAISON&OBJET tradeshow in Paris and has also presented their works in Milan, Italy in 2010. In 2012, Mt. Tsuji hosted a talk show and workshop for Taiwanese audience in Eslite Bookstores in Taipei, Taizhong, and Tainan.
■ Press release:
■The information on the exhibition is available here:
https://jpf.org.vn/en/2013/04/16/japan-handmade-crafts-design-from-kyoto/
■ For inquiries, registrations, interviews for the Japanese experts, please contact at:
Ms. Nha (04-3944-7419 ext: 115) / Mr. Yoshioka (0123-384-4138)
The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam TEL 04-3944-7419
