ITOCHU Corporation (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Masahiro Okafuji, President & CEO; hereinafter “ITOCHU”) opened ITOCHU AOYAMA ART SQUARE in the CI Plaza, a commercial facility situated next to ITOCHU’s Tokyo headquarters, in October 2012, with the aim of nurturing the next generation, contributing to local communities, and promoting culture and the arts both in Japan and overseas through art, as part of ITOCHU’s social contribution activities.

From March 16, 2013 (Saturday), a new exhibition will be held entitled “Exhibition of Edokiriko by 15 Young Artists: Artisans Carrying on Traditional Japanese Craft.” The traditional craft of Edokiriko is one of the traditional skills and techniques nurtured in the climate and long history of Tokyo and passed down through the ages. Typical designs alone number around twenty, but Edokiriko continues to evolve, with more designs being created even today.

This exhibition presents the “new works” of 15 young Edokiriko artisans who continue to create pieces with an appeal that lies somewhere between tradition and innovation mainly in Koto-ku, Tokyo, providing a connection to the next generation. We hope that you will experience for yourself the new skill and beauty of the young artisans who are carrying on traditional Japanese craft, as well as take this opportunity to savor the magnificence of the culture produced by the Japanese.

Exhibition Outline

Exhibition of Edokiriko by 15 Young Artists: Artisans Carrying on Traditional Japanese Craft.