Learn About the Current State of Japanese Tool Production Regions

This event, "Japanese Tools ~Craftsmanship Utilizing Natural Materials~," is navigated by Akiko Hino, author of "Nippon no Daidokoro Dougu to Teire Jutsu" (Seibundo Shinkosha), which introduces kitchen tools and tableware crafted by artisans and craftspeople Japan can be proud of, such as lacquerware, bamboo baskets, iron frying pans, knives, and unglazed pottery.

Through five workshops, demonstrations, and talk events that focus on "tools" that have long been a part of Japan's diverse living culture, participants can connect with the aesthetics found in the climate and daily life, learn about "materials" and "how to use them," and discover how to enjoy using tools.

Workshop and Talk Event Participation Available on the Day if Space Permits

Kazuyuki Kubo: Bamboo Basket Demonstration
Saturday, August 1st - Sunday, August 2nd, 13:00 - 17:00
Kazuyuki Kubo was born in Osaka in 1969. After working for a company, he made a resolute decision and graduated from the Bamboo Craftsmanship course at Beppu Vocational Training School. After studying under Kazuyuki Nonoguchi, he became independent in 1997. He continues to source bamboo from Oita and craft his pieces with care. During the demonstration, he will showcase basic weaving techniques and bamboo strip preparation.

Nakatsu Broom: Mini Broom Making
Saturday, August 8th - Sunday, August 9th, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
(Reservation required: 4 participants per session. Fee: 2,000 yen. Duration: approx. 1 hour)
We invite an instructor from Nakatsu Broom, an initiative dedicated to preserving the culture and use of brooms that were once common throughout Japan, to create a mini broom (approx. 15cm) perfect for cleaning small spaces. Nakatsu Broom begins the broom-making process from the cultivation of its raw material, sorghum, using organic, pesticide-free methods.


Inawara Kobo Furakokosha: Akemi Higashi - Straw Brush Making
Saturday, August 22nd - Sunday, August 23rd, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
(Reservation required: 5 participants per session. Fee: 3,000 yen. Duration: approx. 1.5 hours)
Akemi Higashi was born in Tokyo in 1944. Since 1996, she has been making straw brushes under the name "Inawara Kobo Furakokosha." In this session, participants will create a straw brush starting from the selection of the pith (kan-shin) from the straw.

Takada Kōzō Shōten: Scrub Brush Making
Saturday, August 29th, 13:00 - 17:00 (First-come, first-served: one person at a time. Duration approx. 20 minutes)
Gentle Scrub Brush for Tableware: Fee: 1,000 yen / Kishu Palm Scrub Brush: Fee: 3,000 yen
Takada Kōzō Shōten was founded in 1948. In 2010, they launched the Kishu Palm Mountain Regeneration Project to revive domestic palm cultivation, which had ceased in the region. Artisans meticulously wind each scrub brush, which is gentle on both people and nature. During this session, participants can experience the process of winding scrub brushes using a dedicated manufacturing machine.

Akiko Hino Talk Event: "Handling Natural Kitchenware and Anecdotes from Production"
Sunday, August 30th, 16:00 - 17:00 (Reservation required: 20 participants, free of charge)
Akiko Hino frequently visits production sites, acting as a wholesaler and also serving as an advisor for local industries. Last year, she was commissioned by an editor, as someone "deeply familiar with the field," to publish "Nippon no Daidokoro Dougu to Teire Jutsu" (Seibundo Shinkosha). In this talk event, she will discuss care methods tailored to the properties of kitchenware materials and aspects of craftsmanship.

"Japanese Tools ~Craftsmanship Utilizing Natural Materials~"
Period: Saturday, August 1st - Sunday, August 30th, 2015
*Obon Holiday Closure: August 13th - 15th
Opening Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Location: LIVING MOTIF
B1F, 1F, 2F AXIS Building, 5-17-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3587-2784
*Those wishing to participate in workshops or the talk event should apply in person at the store or by phone (Tel. 03-5575-8429, weekdays 11:00 - 19:00). If there are available spots, same-day registration will be accepted. Participation fees are payable on the day.