The promotion of traditional Japanese crafts has taken quite a blow since the onset of COVID-19. Most major trade fairs in Japan and overseas, such as Milan’s Salone del Mobile, Paris’ Maison & Objet and Tokyo’s IFFT Interior Lifestyle Living — all of which would have included Japanese craft sections and booths — were canceled. This month, “On: Design” looks at one event that did manage to take place, and another that has turned to a digital platform.
New ways to keep up traditions
Japan Traditional Crafts Week, organized by Japan Traditional Crafts Densan, whose Aoyama store served as the event’s hub, was held earlier this month. Thirty Tokyo-based shops each introduced and sold products by craft organizations and artisans from across Japan.