Exhibition

Package Craft – The Evolution of An Empty Box

by Takahashi Kazuma

Exhibition Information

Workshops “Package Craft” with artist Takahashi Kazuma

Transforming daily used package into artworks: Package Craft method created by Japanese artist Takahashi Kazuma

In July, the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam proudly introduces the captivating solo exhibition of award-winning Japanese artist Takahashi Kazuma titled “Package Craft – The Evolution of an Empty Box.” The exhibition redefines the boundaries of upcycling by transforming ordinary paper and cardboard packages into intricate, high-concept sculptures.

While studying package design at university, Takahashi Kazuma realized that every product box is a canvas of immense effort, containing the hidden ideas, creativity, and dedication of its designer. Unfortunately, standard box-based crafts often obscure or discard these elements, and most consumers throw them away without a second thought.

“It felt like a shame for such thoughtful designs to disappear from view,” says Takahashi in his artist statement. Therefore, he came up with the philosophy of creating works that make direct use of the original graphics, typography, and information printed on the package itself, honoring the original creator’s intent while birthing something entirely new.

Coming to this exhibition, visitors will be treated to a stunning display of patience, precision, and imagination. Takahashi’s meticulous, detail-oriented craftsmanship brings a wide range of subjects to life. Highlights of the collection include:

• Diverse Subjects: Intricate sculptures ranging from traditional Buddhist figures and Japanese zodiac animals to modern robots and anime-inspired characters.
• A Local Touch: In a special nod to his host country, the exhibition will debut brand-new, exclusive artworks created using iconic Vietnamese packaging, such as the beloved Lotte ChocoPie box.
• “Turning Images into Paper Models”: The exhibition will also introduce Takahashi’s latest project, which pushes his philosophy even further. Inspired by traditional ukiyo-e (woodblock) prints and Japanese family crests (kamon), this series explores how flat, two-dimensional historical images can be structurally engineered into dynamic, three-dimensional forms.

Discover how a simple empty box can evolve into an extraordinary piece of art. Join us to experience the intersection of commercial design and modern reimagining.

For inquiries on the program, please contact at:

The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam

Ms. Linh 024-3944-7419 (ext. 115) / Ms. Ushio (ext. 160)

27 Quang Trung, Cửa Nam, Hà Nội, Việt Nam           ĐT 024-3944-7419

https://www.facebook.com/japanfoundation.vietnam/ https://hn.jpf.go.jp/

■ Artist Profile 

Takahashi Kazuma

Born in 1973 in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

President of the Japan Package Craft Association.

From a young age, Takahashi Kazuma was fond of handicraft activities such as origami, origami architecture, and creating objects from discarded cardboard boxes. During his spring break in university, he began to produce craft works utilizing the design of product packaging itself. Fascinated by the intriguing ‘transformation’ of discarded boxes, he continued to create and later named this art form ‘Package Craft.’

Since 2005, he has collaborated with food companies such as Meiji Seika (now Meiji Co., Ltd.) and House Foods to implement craft campaigns using recycled paper boxes. In 2011, he established the Japan Package Craft Association. In 2015, the activities of the association were awarded the “Good Design” Award in the category of “Changing Community and Individual Awareness.” Since 2016, he has participated in the Mottainai Festival in Vietnam, collaborating with local Japanese businesses to organize exhibitions and craft workshops.

With the desire to bring people a sense of surprise and delight at the “transformation” of discarded boxes, he currently organizes exhibitions and craft workshops throughout Japan.

Major Exhibitions in Japan

• 2008: Big Transformation of Empty Boxes!! (Nagano Prefectural Culture Hall / Nagano City)
• 2009: Big Transformation of Empty Boxes!!! (Aichigawa Bintemari Museum / Aisho Town, Shiga Prefecture)
• 2011: Package Craft Exhibition ~Reviving Empty Boxes~ (Oyama City Kurumaya Art Museum / Tochigi Prefecture)
• 2012: Empty Box Museum ~Kazuma Takahashi’s World of Package Craft~ (Takashimaya Nihonbashi Store / Tokyo)
• 2013: Big Transformation of Empty Boxes! Package Craft Exhibition (Sogo Yokohama Store / Yokohama City)
• 2014: Empty Box Craft Exhibition (Tokyu Department Store Shibuya Main Store / Tokyo)
• 2015: Hokuriku Shinkansen Opening Event: Let’s Build the Dream Town Joetsu Together (Joetsu Science Museum / Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture)
• 2016: Shibuya Forest Expedition! (Tokyu Department Store Shibuya Main Store / Tokyo)
• 2017: Empty Boxes Transform‼ Package Craft Exhibition (Haga Town Comprehensive Information Center / Tochigi Prefecture)
• 2020: Kazuma Takahashi Package Craft Exhibition ~Evolution of Empty Box Crafts~ (Joetsu Science Museum / Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture)
• 2021: Empty Box Town ~Kazuma Takahashi Package Craft Exhibition~ (Toyama Children’s Future Museum / Imizu City)
• 2022: Everyday Boxes Transform! Fun Package Craft Exhibition (Tohoku Electric Power Green Plaza / Sendai City)
• 2024: Rias Ark Museum 30th Anniversary Exhibition “What’s Design?” (Rias Ark Museum / Kesennuma City)
• 2025: Package Craft Exhibition: Make It and Be Amazed★Transforming Packages (Niigata Nippo Media Ship / Niigata City)

Overseas Exhibitions

• 2003: Festival of Origami Architecture (Federal Architecture Museum / Washington)
• 2016: Mottainai Festival (Women’s Museum / Hanoi)
• 2017: Mottainai Festival (Dam Sen Park / Ho Chi Minh)
• 2018: 5th Japan-Vietnam Festival (September 23 Park, Area B / Ho Chi Minh)

: Japan Package Craft Exhibition in Thailand (The Mall Bangkapi Branch / Bangkok)

• 2019: Mottainai Festival 2019 (Aeon Mall Tan Phu Celadon / Ho Chi Minh)
• 2023: Mottainai Festival 2023 (Hoan Kiem Lake / Hanoi)
• 2025: Package Craft – From Candy Box to Sculpture (Japan Foundation, Los Angeles/ Los Angeles)

■PR Images

Remarks: Remarks: For the usage of the following images for your media, please kindly put the credit and information below (PR Kit)

LOTTE CHOCOLAT Stag Beetle©Takahashi Kazuma

House Prime Curry Car©Takahashi Kazuma

Captain Garigari-kun©Takahashi Kazuma