News

Enjoy 5 huge crafting events over 4 days. Held 9/21 until 9/24 in the city center.

Takaoka’s annual autumn crafting event is powering up this year! Running from 9/21 (Fri) until 9/24 (Sun – holiday), at roughly 100 venues and 23 factories in Takaoka’s city centre, there will be over 3,000 crafted items for visitors to enjoy.

Particularly on 9/22 (Sat), there will be 5 huge events running at the same time. Here’s a quick look at what’s in store!

Previous craft exhibition

●Takaoka, City of Crafts: Craft Exhibition 2018 (9/21-25)
A comprehensive exhibition showcasing the works of the country’s greatest craftsman in Takaoka since 1986. You can also buy works which take your fancy. From metalwork and lacquer to glass and furniture, a wide range of items across materials and uses will be available.

＊Venue : Takaoka Daiwa 4F Event Hall

＊URL：ccis-toyama.or.jp/takaoka/craft

Previous craft market town – from Yamachousuji

●Takaoka Craft Market Town (9/21-24)
Whether you want to see, buy, or experience crafts – or even eat some delicious food with crafted cutlery, this event will allow you to enjoy Takaoka’s crafts from all angles. From workshops you won’t get anywhere else, to talking with the artisans, there’s plenty of unique opportunities here!

＊Venue : Based around Yamachousuji, also in Takaoka station, Otaya-doori, etc.
   ＊URL：ichibamachi.jp

Kanayamachi

●Mirare Kanayamachi (9/22-23)
The timber facades and cobbled streets of Kanayamachi, the metalworking district, will be host to a variety of events – from guided tours to talks over tea, to craft exhibitions, and a student fashion show. The vibrant streets will be alive!

＊Venue ：Around the streets of Kanayamachi
   ＊URL：www.mirare-kanayamachi.com/

The open factory in action

●Copperwork Complex (Douki Danchi) Open Factory (9/22)
This copperwork complex gathers dozens of crafts companies, from casting to processing to completion, and makes their operations open to the public. Take this unique chance to see the action up close!

＊Venue : Toide Douki Danchi area
　＊URL：doukinomirai.jp

The Summit in Kyoto

●Japan Heritage Summit in Takaoka (9/22-23)
In 2015, Takaoka was the first place whose story was designated as Japan Heritage by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. As well as that story (Flourishing Folk Culture Under the Rule of the Maeda Family of Kaga), a story produced with other cities about a port used by the cargo ships that sailed Japan during the Edo period (New Space for Dreams of Men Who Crossed the Stormy Sea) has also been designated. At this summit, the country’s 67 stories (including Takaoka’s) will be brought to you by professional storytellers and cultural representatives.

＊Venue ：Based in the Center for Lifelong Study, as well as Kanayamachi, Yamachousuji, etc.

Every single product by momentum factory Orii at once—.

“Orii gallery Hachinokura” has opened this April at “Yamacho Valley” that underwent a full-scale renovation at Yamacho-suji, one of Takaoka’s historic streets, utilizing its historic building. 

It is a gallery as well as a workshop space facilitated by momentum factory Orii, a unit that continues to produce fashionable products in various beautiful colors through utilizing unique coloring techniques inspired by Takaoka’s traditional metal coloring strategies. 

Here is the only space in which all items, including tableware, interior and exterior items, produced by momentum factory Orii can be seen at once and ordered. 

Moreover, a limited number of coloring techniques, out of the numerous metal coloring strategies developed here in Takaoka through the utilization of chemicals, plants and methods using boiling and burning techniques, which all add up to dozens of shades of colors, can actually be experienced at the studio. 

The method being taught as of now (June 2018) is called “nuka-yaki” which is done by applying rice bran (nuka) onto a copper plate, heating it with a burner and finally polishing it. One will use this strategy to color a coaster-size copper plate. Through chemical reaction between the rice barn and copper, one can expect to make one of a kind coaster with a distinct pattern. The copper coaster is lightweight and is very practical in use as well. 

One can sign up for the workshop alone or in groups of two (further negotiation required for larger groups). One can consult to discuss about openings. Why not give it a try? 


<Shop Overview> 
Orii gallery Hachinokura 
・Address: Yamacho-Valley, 6 Konmadashi-machi, Takaoka-shi, Toyama-ken 
・Business Hours: 11:00 – 17:00 Thursday and Friday, 10:00 – 17:00 Saturday and Sunday 
・Closed: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 
・Phone Number: 0766-23-9685 (momentum factory Orii), 0766-75-9614 (Yama-cho Valley) 

★20 to 30 minutes required for the coaster coloring workshop. 2000 yen per person (tax included).

“100 Sorori Project” was carried out in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the foundry maker Nousaku in 1916. Takaoka’s manufacturing activities centered around metalworking and lacquerware have 400 years of history, and currently, around 600 craftsmen are active in Takaoka. 

In this project, in order to leave this Takaoka’s technical style as a form, 100 craftsmen who are carrying forward Takaoka’s craftsmanship utilized their respective skills, and have completed 100 styles of Sorori, with Nousaku’s simple flower vase “Sorori” as a canvas. 

These 100 pieces of works are displayed from May 10 (Thu) until July 8 (Sunday) at the D&DEPARTMENT TOYAMA in Toyama City. With the wishes that this technology continues to be cultivated even 100 years later. 

“NIPPON VISION MARKET TOYAMA Tinware Tools and Utensils from Nousaku” introducing numerous utensils and tools made of brass and tin, such as wind bells and sake cups representing Nousaku is also going to be held until July 8 (Sun) in addition to “100 Sorori Exhibition”. 


■Outline of the event

・Exhibition period：May 10, 2018 (Thu) – July 8 (Sun)
・Venue：D&DEPARTMENT TOYAMA (4-18 Shinsogawa, Toyama City, Toyama Prefectural Hall 1F)
・Admission fee：Free of charge
・Closed on：the closing day of Toyama Prefectural Hall
・TEL：076-471-7791

■Related events
NIPPON VISION MARKET TOYAMA Tinware Tools and Utensils from Nousaku

・Date and time：May 14 (Mon) – July 8 (Sun) from 10: 00 to 19: 00 (the last day is until 16:00)
・Inquiry：076-471-7791（D&DEPARTMENT TOYAMA）

The “Etchu Fukuoka Sugegasa (sedge-woven hat)”, from the Fukuoka region in the city of Takaoka, was designated as a Traditional Craftwork on November 30, 2017. Sugegasa, made from a grassy plant called sedge (“suge” in Japanese), are traditionally used by farmers as a sunshade or as a type of rain gear, and today are a common part of Japanese life.

In the old days of Japan, it is believed that sedge was produced all over Japan, but today, the talent for cultivating it, weaving it, finishing the hats, and their wholesale distribution is primarily done here in the Fukuoka region, and they produce over 90% of the country’s output. For example, the sandogasa from Hamamatsu in Shizuoka, famous for being used in historical dramas and the Nenbutsu-Odori, are actually made in the Fukuoka area of Takaoka. The Fukuoka region of Takaoka also produces a portion of the headpieces used in the Hanagasa-Odori in Yamagata.

Various types of sugegasa. From the left, fujikasa, andogasa, and helmet-type sugegasa.

Originally, the production of sugegasa started because of the high quality of sedge produced in this area, and the technique has been handed down for over 400 years. Traditionally, men made the frames and women did the weaving. In fact, it was believed that women who were good at weaving the sugegasa would also make great spouses.

Before “Etchu Fukuoka’s sugegasa” were designated as a Traditional Craftwork, in 2009 it was designated as one of the country’s Important Cultural Assets, and efforts to preserve the technique continued.

Along with being designated a Traditional Craftwork, efforts to produce new products, enlarge the market, and improve the industry are being undertaken. For example, the cultivated sedge in Fukuoka is superior in repelling water, so the products were typically sold in their original colors, but in recent years, Takaoka and the craft industry have been researching dyeing methods, and currently can produce 20 different color varieties. Not only are products being produced using the traditional techniques, but new products such as non-weatherproof soft hats that use thinner sedge threads, tea made from sedge, and other unique concepts are also being produced.

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Reference: 「菅笠マカロン」に決定　高岡、保存会開発の「帽子形」（富山新聞）

[“Deciding on ’Sugegasa Macaroon’ Takaoka”、Preservation Association Development “Hat Shape” (Toyama Newspaper)]　

http://www.hokkoku.co.jp/subpage/TH20180328411.htm

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Sugegasa and other products made from sedge are sold at the following shops. Please check them out.

• Takaoka Chiiki Jiba Shogyo Center, Phone: 0766-25-8283 (Take the Kaetsuno Bus from Takaoka Station platform number 5 and get off at Kumano-machi, 3 minute walk)

• Sanchonpinzo, Phone: 0766-64-1661 (Ainokaze Toyama Railway, 7 minute walk from Fukuoka Station)

• Machizukuri Fukuoka Kobo, Phone: 0766-64-0020 (Ainokaze Toyama Railway, 7 minute walk from Fukuoka Station)

• Osuga Shoten, Phone: 070-5465-4257 (Ainokaze Toyama Railway, 10 minute walk from Toyama Station, 5 minute walk from Manyo Line Sakanoshitacho)

“Heisei Mikuruayama”ーSupervised by mastercraftsman Osawa Komin and created with the help of local citizens and artisans, this new Mikurumayama will be revealed to the public on April 30th.

Every year on May 1st, the seven remaining Mikurumayama (mountain carriages) are carried around the town during the Takaoka Mikurumayama Festival. These mountain carriages are each painstakingly decorated according to the various areas they originate from.

The Takaoka Mikurumayama Festival, which was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016, is a valuable part of Takaoka’s culture and embodies more than 400 years of its history, the expert skill of its craftsmen, as well as the wealth and pride of its people.

By coming together as one to create this modern version of a Mikurumayama, Takaoka citizens pass on the 400-year-old techniques and traditions to the next generation. It’s a symbol of development towards the future achieved in thanks to the Takaoka City’s Mikurumayama production initiative in 2013.

Designed based on opinion surveys collected from the general public, approximately one-third of its total production cost of 300 million yen was collected from local donations. The phoenix figurine that tops the carriage harkens back to the Chinese poem from which Takaoka’s name originates. In the main seat of the carriage sits the founders of Takaoka, Maeda Toshinaga and Eihime. In the outer seat sits Toshinaga’s only child, Manhime. Additionally, the four seasons of Takaoka Old Castle Park are beautifully depicted in the fabric of the curtains. Sculptures and metal fittings scattered across the body of the carriage depict the flora, fauna, and natural scenery of Takaoka.

Diagram of the Completed Image

The five-year-long production was started and supervised by the mastercraftsman Osawa Komin and organized by the “Takaoka Regional Cultural Property Repair Association,” a group of traditional artisanal engineers based in the Takaoka area. Many young craftsmen also participated as a part of their training, as well as over 200 volunteers who helped to make the decorative umbrella that covers the carriage.

The completed work will be revealed at the Takaoka Mikurumayama Hall at 10 o’clock on Monday, April 30, and is to go on permanent display from thereon after.

◎Takaoka Mikurumayama Hall

https://mikurumayama-kaikan.jp/en/

◎State of Production of the Heisei Mikurumayama（Only in Japanese）

https://www.city.takaoka.toyama.jp/kankou/kanko/kanko/seisakujoukyou.html

Do you know about the Hokugin Art Gallery that has just opened in front of Takaoka station?

Last year in 2017, the new Sorae Takaoka building was completed. On that corner, on the first floor of the Hokuriku Bank Station’s gallery space, the “Hokugin Art Gallery” is exhibiting the works of young Takaoka and Toyama prefecture craftsmen in a series themed, “Craft Living in Takaoka.”

Vol. 1 introduces a metalwork artist, Hayate Ozaki, who is living Takaoka, and Vol. 2 introduces works by glass artist Tomoko Kajiwara and has garnered good reviews.

This spring introduces as Vol. 3 Takumi Azechi, a lacquer artist who studied the lacquer art at Takaoka campus of Toyama University. After completing the Arts and Culture degree in Toyama University’s graduate school and having studied in Thailand on an exchange program, Mr. Azechi adopted many Thai techniques and combines them with Japanese lacquer techniques to develop his own style of molding and planar works.

The space is on the open window side facing the street and you can also view it from the outside. The gallery is open until 15:00, but the lights are on until 21:00 so you can enjoy it from the street. Using a Thai technique called Foil Picture, the work series expresses the ever-changing connections between people in spinning three-dimensionality. Please come and visit!

Some exhibitions may also be purchased.

In addition, a solo exhibition of Takumi Azechi’s works is scheduled to be held from April 6th (Friday) to April 16th (Monday) at a gallery that is just a short walk from Takaoka station’s Zuiryuji entrance (south exit). Since the two times overlap, it’s a great chance to enjoy them together.

【Overview】
Hokugin Art Gallery：vol.3　「Small Connections（Enishi）」Takumi Azechi　Exhibition
・Exhibition Period：April 4, 2018（Wednesday）～ June 28（Thursday）
・Location：Hokuriku Bank, Takaoka Ekimae Branch（Takaoka City, Shimonoseki 185-11 Sorae Takaoka 1F）
・Business Hours：Weekdays 9:00～15:00　※You can view from outside the store at night（until 21:00）.

【During the Same Period】
NEUTRAL (Nyutoraru)　Takumi Azechi　Solo Exhibition
・Exhibition Period：April 6, 2018（Friday）～ April 16（Monday）
・Location：gallery&café Venere（Takaoka City, South Station 5-3-1）
・Business Hours：11:00～18:00　※Last day is until 17:00

Student projects as well as artwork created by instructors that display the future of Takaoka’s traditional culture. 

Takaoka City has a history of holding for those taking part in the traditional industry of Takaoka copperware and Takaoka lacquerware the “Takaoka City Traditional Crafts Industry Human Resources Development School” ever since 1968 for the purpose of improving the traditional crafts industry and educating successors.

1000 students have graduated ever since its launch, and the program created many outstanding artists including holders of the Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure), traditional crafts artists and other craftsmen.

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of this school in the 2018 fiscal year end, an exhibition will be held at the Takaoka Art Museum for three days from March 9 (Fri.) to 11 (Sun.). In the exhibition will be 90 pieces of artwork made by the graduates of the years 2017 and 2018 (class 25), as well as 15 pieces created by instructors including those who are holders of the Takaoka City Traditional Crafts Industry Technologist authorization. There also will be a photo exhibition of the 50-year history of the school.

A scene from the class (metal working course)

A memorial lecture meeting will be held on March 10 (Sat.) (see below for details). Please witness the light shedding from past to future and enjoy the numerous wonderful artwork presented at the exhibition.

[Overview]
-Date and time: March 9 (Fri.) – 11(Sat.), 2018, 9:30 – 17:00 (ends at 16:00 on the final day)
-Place: Takaoka Art Museum, Civic Gallery (Takaoka City, Nakagawa 1-1-30)
-Admission fee: free of charge
-Sponsor/ Contact information: Takaoka City Design and Crafts Center, Tel: 0766-62-0520/ Fax: 0766-62-0521/ E-mail: tdcc@suncenter.co.jp

[Related Event: Memorial lecture meeting, “The Work of Kouichi Uchida” (43rd Design Seminar)] 

Kouichi Uchida is a Ceramist / sculptor who has received high praise for his work presented energetically within and without the country. In addition to announcing new work, he also has gathered attention for opening his personal museum archiving Banko Ware, Yokkaichi City’s (Mie Prefecture) local crafts method. He will be interviewed for his work ranging from pottery making to community service.

-Date and time: March 10, 2018 (Sat.) 14:30 – 16:15
-Place: Takaoka Art Museum, Bi-Talk Hall (Takaoka City, Nakagawa 1-1-30)
-Fee: free of charge (80 seats, reservations will be prioritized)
-How to apply: Tel/ Fax/ e-mail to the above information regarding Takaoka City Design and Crafts center.

Spring is right around the corner！ How would you like to enjoy Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Day) in Yamacho? It’s the time of the year where a presence of warmth coming from Spring can be felt in the cold with snow.

“Hina-Festival in Yamacho Valley” is an event in which 5 live acts, including a picture story musical show and Irish music session, can be enjoyed on March 11 (Sun.) at a commercial facility called “Yamacho Valley” located along Yamacho Street full of houses built like a kura, with the walls covered in mud.

We will have warm amazake and coffee ready and are planning on arranging a workshop for Hina Doll cards and an exhibition booth where customers are able to purchase cut tulips from Takaoka and Jam from Toyama. The live acts, which are free of charge, can be enjoyed by men and women of all genders and also families!

The “Yamacho Street Hina-Festival” will be held on March 10 and 11, for those who seek to enjoy the old town atmosphere as well as their housing interior and hina dolls from the various eras including Meiji, Taisho and Showa.

How would you like to feel the presence of spring along with our historic town atmosphere?

[Overview]
-Date and time: March 11, 2018 (Sun.) Noon – 4pm
-Place: Yamacho Valley (Kommadashi-machi, Takaoka-shi, Toyama-ken)
-Access: 3 minutes on foot from “Katahara-machi” tram station (Manyo-line). There are only limited numbers of parking spots. We advise you to come by public transportation.
-Admission Fee: Free of charge
-Sponsors: Art & Craft City Takaoka Promotion Committee, Takaoka City
-Contact details: Takaoka City Mayor Policy Making Department, Culture Creation Division
Tel: 0766-20-1255/ Fax: 0766-30-7299/ E-mail: bunsou@city.takaoka.lg.jp

[Performers]
1. Robin’s Egg Blue/ A live concert by an acoustic unit with a mixture of nursery songs.

2. Saomocha Music / Picture story show with music by Sao and Nocci from Grava, a chorus group.

3. Toyama Prefecture Takaoka Nishi High school’s choral club/ performance of well known music to children with a powerful tone.

4. Hedera/ The gentle tune of Celtic music through the harmony of fiddle, accordion and guitar.

5. Potstill band/ Genuine Irish music straight out of an Irish pub.

Robin’s Egg Blue/Formed in NY in the year 2009. Performance experience in Brooklyn and others. The end music for the movie “Densan” about Takaoka’s traditional industry was also performed by this unit.

Saomocha Music /Musical performance through singing and the playing of an recorder and toy piano.

Toyama Prefecture Takaoka Nishi High school’s choral club/Takaoka Nishi High school is a school with a history of 110 years that takes actions rooted in the area through their strong presence in community events and volunteer work. The choral club in particular seeks to expand their range of activities and pull off unforgettable performances.

Hedera/ Performance of Northern European music as well as modern music. Their music is not just for listening, but will warm up the atmosphere with food and joy.

Potstill band/ A band formed by members in love of Irish music who often gather at an Irish pub in front of Toyama Station. The center of Toyama’s Celtic music culture!

Have you ever heard of “art brut”? In French it means “raw art” and in English “outsider art”. It describes art work that has been created from the artists’ own impulse and creativity which have not been influenced by cultural trend, tradition, or education.

During the art brut exhibition held at Takaoka-shi museum between Wednesday, January 24-Sunday, January 28, there will not only be the “Art brut◎Takaoka Exhibition” in which artworks of artists with disabilities from Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa,Fukui, and Shiga will be displayed, but also an artwork excavating PROJECT “Art brut? Mochikon exhibition” in which anyone can bring in their artwork and display them, released artwork, symposium, and film screening. On the last day between 4:00pm-4:30pm, there will be a “Mochikon meeting” in which each artist will show off their artworks for the “Art brut? Mochikon exhibition”, will will connect to supporting future artwork activities and excavation of artworks and artists.

The big theme of this exhibition is “being yourself” or “just living”, which are the keys of “art brut”. Through the exhibition and other events, why don’t you feel the values and possibilities as well as the diversity of art in which the theme describes?

◯Outline
Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2018-Sunday, January 28 (9:30am-5:00pm) +Admission available until 4:30pm
Location: Takayama-shi museum City gallery/Bitoku hall
(1-1-30, Nakagawa, Takaoka-shi, Toyama-ken)
Admission fee: Viewing for free

◯Symposium and film screening
Saturday, January 27
   □１０：００am〜１１：００am
  News film collection of kokopeli acivity
（Continuous screening of what was broadcasted on Tulip TV “News 6”

□１１：１５am〜１１：５６am
  Movie screening「A Short Film About　DISTORTION」
（Recording movie of the daily life in “Yamanami workshop”, a welfare office in Shiga where more   than 80% of the users are involved in creative activity）

□１：３０pm～2：１０pm
Lecture ”Report on Art brut Japone　～About international exchange of art and culture between people with disabilities, and the Tokai-Hokuriku area department～” Social male corporation of “Minna de ikiru” Corporate department Kenichiro Sakano
   □2：１５pm～2：５５pm
Lecture ”From Shiga prefecture　From Professor Itoga to Shinsei museum and hereafter” Shiga prefecture Prefectural lifestyle cultural promotion department Shinsei museum manager Motohiko Kimura　
   □3：10pm～4：００pm
Panel session ”Future of art brut that connection creates” Motohiko Kimura, Kenichiro Sakano. MC: Masanori Yoneda
　　
Sunday, January 28
   □１０：００am〜１１：００am
News film collection of kokopeli acivity
（Continuous screening of what was broadcasted on Tulip TV “News 6”

□１：３０pm〜2：１1pm
Movie screening ”A Short Film About DISTORTION”
   □2：２０pm～3：００pm
Panel session ’For everyone to feel peace’ Facility manager of Yamanami workshop　Tadakazu Yamashita
MC　Masanori Yoneda　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
   □3：１５pm～3：４０pm
Lecture “From Fukui ’Let’s all get on stage！’～Good relationship between people with disabilities and stage～” Representative of Minabuta　Harumi Sakai　　　　　　　　　　　　
   □3：４５pm～4：２０pm
Panel session”’being yourself’ and ’just the way it is’　～Art for community and people with disabilities～” Representative of Minabuta　Harumi Sakai
Fukui・Art and culture forum　Yuko Arakawa MC　Masanori Yoneda

Do you know the new company building of Nousaku Co., Ltd., conceived as “industrial tourism” which opened on April 27 (Thursday) this year? Visitors can enjoy their fashionable cafe / shop, cast-making experience and factory tours.

Among the buildings constructed on the site of approximately 4,100 tsubo (1 tsubo = 3.954 sq. yds.), there are not only manufacturing factories, but also the following attractions with large open space: “NOUSAKU LAB” which lets you experience six types of cast-making experience; “FACTORY SHOP” which sells all kinds of items with superb design, including items that are limited to this company, such as large sake cups and trays; café “IMONO KITCHEN” where you can enjoy the cuisine made with local ingredients and served in Nousaku ware.

You can also visit the manufacturing factory and see the work process of the craftsmen while listening to the commentaries of the guide. By standing up close to the craftsmen, rather than through a glass barrier, you can experience the traditional technique of Takaoka Casting close at hand.

In addition, the “tourist information space” which was established to fulfill “Toyama’s sightseeing hub-like role” is a must-see. Available for the visitors here are the information cards which the members of the Nousaku Industrial Tourism Department have produced, using their unique cutting-edge method in collecting the material. Visitors are free to take home these information cards, totaling about 200 kinds, ranging from those on the well-known spots to those on unique spots that are only familiar to the local residents.

◼ Factory tour
・Advance reservation system (free)
・Days off: Sundays, holidays, year-end and New Year holidays (Saturdays may be closed, depending on the month)
・For further information:　www.nousaku.co.jp/main/en/tourism/tour/

◼ Cast-making experienceー”NOUSAKU  LAB”
・Advance reservation system (fee: Elementary school student: 500 yen ~ : adult: 800 yen ~)
・Days off:New Year holidays
・For further information:　www.nousaku.co.jp/main/en/tourism/nousaku_lab/

◼ Cafe—”IMONO KITCHEN”
・Business hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last order at 17:30)
・Days New Year holidays
・For further information:　www.nousaku.co.jp/main/en/tourism/imono-kitchen/

◼ Shop—”FACTORY SHOP”
・Business hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last order at 17:30)
・Days New Year holidays
・For further information:　www.nousaku.co.jp/main/en/shops_info/factory_shop/

◎Nousaku Official Website   www.nousaku.co.jp/main/en/
   ◎Nousaku Facebook Page     www.facebook.com/nousaku1916/