(Tokyo, Kyoto, etc.)
(USA and Europe, etc.)
(Tokyo and Kyoto)
Japan Traditional Craft Revitalization Contests
The 2024 Craft Leaders have been selected.
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What's New
2026/08/29
Craft Leader
JapanCraft21 Craft Leaders matohu and Kaga Yuzen artisan Hisatsune have created a new collaborative work. Sheer sha fabric from Gosen was dyed using blossoms from the sacred Kikuzakura cherry tree at Oyama Shrine, with cherry blossoms then hand-painted by Hisatsune using the Kaga Yuzen technique. The finished piece beautifully captures the natural radiance of the cherry blossom color.
It will be presented at matohu exhibitions in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Kumamoto.
Exhibition dates and venues (Japanese)
Full collection and video — matohu official website
2026/09/19
Presentation
We are pleased to announce that an online presentation hosted by JC21 has been scheduled.
Date and Time: North America West Coast: Tuesday September 29, 5 pm / North America East Coast: Tuesday September 29, 8 pm
Theme: Annual Craft Blockbuster
Please check here for details on how to participate.
2026/06/15
Contest
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the preservation and revitalization of traditional crafts, JapanCraft21 is reviewing the structure and administration of its competition programs. Consequently, the Japan Traditional Kogei Revitalization Contest will not be held in 2026.
2026/01/20
Media
Beimel appeared on NHK World's "History Uncovered In-ro: Samurai Style." You can watch it via the link below.
2025/06/20
Media
Beimel appeared on NHK World's Core Kyoto. You can watch it via the link below.
Japan Traditional Craft Revitalization Contests
JapanCraft21 holds the Japan Traditional Craft Revitalization Contest with the aim of helping traditional crafts thrive again in the 21st century. For each contest, ten exceptional individuals (or groups) with outstanding ideas, talent, achievements, and passion are selected as craft leaders, and support is provided to help them realize projects that will revitalize the crafts they are involved in.
Reviving Japanese Crafts in the 21st Century
Japanese craft culture is known for producing world-class artisanal goods based on centuries of refined wisdom and accumulated techniques. However, in recent years these crafts have deteriorated to a worrying degree. While tens of thousands of artisans are still active today, many are reaching retirement age, and it is a fact that younger generations are not inheriting their techniques. In addition, the artisans who support these crafts by creating materials such as special dyes and pigments, as well as tools such as brushes and paintbrushes, are also disappearing.
Our mission is to identify vulnerable but viable traditional Japanese crafts and assist in their revitalization through clear strategy and effective
action.
JapanCraft21 is a non-profit organization that aims to halt the decline of traditional Japanese crafts and bring them back to prosperity in the 21st century. It was founded in 2018 by foreigners residing in Japan and abroad, as well as Japanese people, who were inspired by Japanese craft culture.
Our Alliances
