Features and Benefits of the Craft Hackathon

"Hackathon" is a portmanteau of "hacking" (breaking existing concepts) and "marathon." It is generally an event where software developers engage in intensive collaborative work over a short period, such as developing programs or devising services, and compete in their skills and ideas. Functions like Facebook's "Like!" button, and "Chat" and "Timeline" on social media are known to have originated from hackathons, making it one of the methods for generating outcomes beyond expectations.

Opportunity for new work creation, exhibition, and information dissemination, inspired by the Hokuriku Craft Summit.
Access to state-of-the-art machines and equipment, in addition to traditional casting foundries and lacquerware workshops.
For participants from outside the prefecture: Experience traditional techniques passed down for over 400 years, along with the region's history and culture.
For local participants: A valuable opportunity to engage with the latest technologies and knowledge.
Encounter diverse participants and collaborators beyond companies and industries.

About the Hokuriku Craft Summit
A collaborative initiative by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the three Hokuriku prefectures to promote the appeal of Hokuriku crafts globally. In 2017, the event was held in Toyama Prefecture. With a core event period from November 16 (Thu) to November 23 (Thu, holiday), it featured a diverse program including awards, symposiums, and exhibitions, under the theme "THIS IS CRAFT — Conveying. Creating. —".https://kogeisummit.jp

Program
DAY 1 | Sep. 23 (Sat) 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Takaoka & Traditional Industry Tour / Team Building
Learn about the charm and techniques of crafts, the cultural background, and challenges through visits to traditional craft workshops and factories in Takaoka, as well as tours of the old townscape. Participants will hear from local artisans, craftspeople, and community development stakeholders, and form teams through discussions. A reception party will also be held to foster interaction among participants and with local residents.

DAY 2 | Sep. 24 (Sun) 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Ideathon
Deepen ideas within each team. Local mentors with in-depth knowledge of traditional industries will provide support.

Preparation Period | Sep. 25 (Mon) - Nov. 17 (Fri)
Technical Verification and Parts Procurement (Self-Activity Period)

During the approximately one and a half months leading up to DAY 3, each team will engage in detailed project preparation through meetings and communication via SNS, etc., as needed.

DAY 3 | Nov. 18 (Sat) 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Hackathon
Reassemble in Takaoka to create works in teams, based on the ideas from DAY 2, technical verifications, and procured parts from the preparation period.

DAY 4 | Nov. 19 (Sun) 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Presentation & Public Judging Session
In the morning, teams will prepare and make final adjustments for their presentations to the judges. In the afternoon, a public presentation and judging session will be held, where the Grand Prize and other awards will be decided. Teams will receive feedback from the judges.

Exhibition of Works
Works from all teams will be exhibited as part of the "Hokuriku Craft Summit Traveling Exhibition," starting in January 2018.
Period: Mid-January to early February 2018
Locations: Takaoka, Toyama, Uozu (planned)

Judges
Mr. Hajime Ishibashi (Engineer/Artist, Representative Director of Rhizomatiks)
Ms. Chiaki Hayashi (Co-founder and Representative Director of Loftwork)
Mr. Seiichi Hishikawa (Filmmaker / Photographer / Director, Professor at Musashino Art University)
Mr. Teruyoshi Takagawa (Director, Takaoka Design and Craft Center)
Mr. Masaki Takahashi (Mayor of Takaoka City)
Mr. Ryozou Takeyama (Dean, Faculty of Art and Design, University of Toyama)
Mr. Katsuharu Nousaku (President, Nousaku Corporation)