#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese crafts #Katakana #Kyushu Exhibition

Celebrating 15 Years of Katakana with the Great Kyushu Exhibition

Katakana, a select shop owned by Tanken Co., has been promoting the charm of Japan through local crafts and goods for 15 years. As a celebration of this milestone, they will host the Great Kyushu Exhibition from October 10 to October 23, 2025 at their Jiyugaoka store in Tokyo.

The exhibition, which highlights “Japanese Cool,” will feature more than 40 brands across diverse categories such as apparel, crafts, daily necessities, artist-produced items, toys, and food products. Notably, visitors can expect special limited items created in honor of the anniversary.

In addition to the exciting shopping opportunities, the event will host a garage market in the neighboring space, showcasing goods directly from the exhibiting brands on weekends. A gallery, katakana shin, will also feature an art exhibition showcasing regional craftsmanship from Kyushu, making it a remarkable fusion of shopping, art, and cultural celebration all at once.

Event Details

• - Date: October 10 (Friday) to October 23 (Thursday), 2025
• - Location:

1. Katakana Jiyugaoka Store
5-20-21 Okusawa, Setagaya, Tokyo, 1st Floor Daiichi Wachibi Building
Operating Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
2. katakana shin
2-12-6 Okusawa, Setagaya, Tokyo, 2nd Floor H-Bld201
Operating Hours: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
3. Katakana Online Store: Katakana Online Shop

For 15 years, Katakana has cherished its mission to explore Japan, bringing essential and unique handicrafts to its customers. The shop's founder, Junichi Kawano, has traveled extensively across the nation to discover distinctive items that embody the essence of Japan. The shop has faithfully held events themed around different regions, such as the Great Shikoku Exhibition for its 5th anniversary and the Great Tohoku Exhibition for its 10th, culminating in this year’s theme of Kyushu.

Participating Brands

The event will showcase a rich array of participating brands:

• - Apparel & Accessories: Unagi no Nedoko (Monpei Denim) from Fukuoka, Flamingo (Berets) from Kumamoto, VAVA (Hats) from Kumamoto
• - Daily Necessities: Yamachiku (Chopsticks) from Kumamoto, Takeen (Bamboo Goods) from Oita, Hasami (Ceramics) from Nagasaki, and many more.
• - Craft Products: Kitakaze Punch (Woodwork) from Kumamoto, Tairahajime (Traditional Paper Art) from Fukuoka.
• - Food Products: Susumuya Tea Shop (Japanese Tea) from Kagoshima, kiitos (Chocolate) from Kagoshima, and numerous local delicacies from across Kyushu.

Exclusive 15th Anniversary Items

To commemorate this landmark occasion, unique items using the shop's signature red and navy colors will be available. Collaborations with participating brands will enhance the exclusive product line. Highlights include diverse items like pouches from Hirosaki Kogin Research Institute and mugs from Hasami.

Weekend Garage Market and Events at Katakana Shin

During the exhibition, Katakana will also host events in their garage space adjacent to the store, including workshops and markets featuring various registered brands. Special highlights include a workshop by Tairahajime on October 11 and a natural skincare event by Haus on the weekend of October 18-19.
At the katakana shin gallery, exhibitions by notable artists will be on display,
including a solo exhibition by Kazuhiko Yamaguchi from October 10-15, followed by a dyeing exhibition from Takara Island Dyeing Works on October 23-27.

Explore Kyushu in Jiyugaoka

In addition to the exhibition, a stamp rally will be held, inviting visitors to explore local shops linked to Kyushu’s culinary delights and crafts. Those who collect stamps from participating stores will receive a unique novelty gift, making this an engaging and immersive experience.

With all the allure of Kyushu’s unique and beautiful creations gathering in Jiyugaoka, Katakana invites everyone to participate in this celebratory event and to rediscover the cool side of Japan’s craftsmanship.

Contact Information

For inquiries about the event, you can reach Tanken Co., Ltd., at:

• - Phone: 03-5731-0919
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Address: 5-20-21 Okusawa, Setagaya, Tokyo, 1st Floor Daiichi Wachibi Building
• - Website: Katakana Official Site