The essence of the traditional industry. The new values obtained through “EDO TOKYO RETHINK”

The aspect of the present-day traditional industry that we can never discover if we will not try to find out

The common point between all the traditional industries that participated in the exhibition “EDO TOKYO RETHINK” is that they pursue their activities positively by adapting modern sensitivities keeping the tradition to be carried on.

Edo wood carvings Takahashi Kobo

The “ukiyo-e” that would not have been born if it had not been for the historical context of the Edo period, where people expressed the “season” of the time. Today’s “season” is expressed in engraving with contemporary designers and illustrators without changing the own style of ukiyoe or the techniques that has been carried on from generation to generation. To think that these works will be inherited is moving.

Edo Kiriko・Hanashyo

Responding to the demand of people alive today has been a good opportunity to look back on the origin. “I would like to put things that make me feel the beauty around me and live pleasantly.” I think the essence of the demand of people today is hidden in the demand of consumers like that.

Edo Komon・ Hirose dyeing factory

It looks like a plain fabric in appearance, but in fact delicate patterns are scattered on Edo Komon, which represents the Japanese “stylish” spirit and “beauty”. Hirose dyeing factory is blowing a new wind by spreading Komon’s culture all over the world and discovering the value that has never been seen before. It has relationships with foreign designers and works energetically in sophisticating modern sensibility.

Monsho-uwaeshi・Kyogen

Kyogen, who works with “curiosity” and “sense of fun” seems to reverse the image of traditional craftsmen. It considers the Kamon as designs and has collaborated with many creators. Today he fascinates everyone, not only children and adults, but also foreigners. Kyogen who continues to create new ways of representing the Kamon is always gaining momentum.

Nakamura

Noren de Nakamura who seems to represent this exhibition. At the entrance of the hall, he gently separates the world outside and the exhibition holding a rela-tionship. There, one feels the general values that Nakamura thinks of the Noren.

The attitude of craftsmen towards objects and their thoughts about their works are just what people alive today are asking for

When we see the near future of the traditional industry through the exhibition “EDO TOKYO RETHINK”, our ready-made values may change dramatically. It is not easy to preserve the traditional industry in this world that is rapidly globaliz-ing. However, why do they work so passionately? The reason is that they love the culture they have inherited and are proud of it and make an effort on their own to be maintained. Their works have the special warmth that mechanical or indus-trial products never have. This is the project in which craftsmen’s thoughts nat-urally overflow. The value we are asking for could be found there.