#Japan #Tokyo #Traditional Craft #Mizuhiki #Atelierfeuille

Celebrating the Art of Mizuhiki: A Workshop Report

In December 2025, the Toshima Future Cultural Foundation hosted a delightful two-session class titled 'Beginner's Mizuhiki Craft - Create New Year Decorations' at the Komagome Community Cultural Center in Tokyo's Toshima Ward. The initiative aimed to promote cultural inheritance and provide lifelong learning opportunities for the local community. The overwhelming feedback from participants demonstrated an impressive 100% satisfaction rate, as everyone expressed eagerness to join future programs.

Local Artistry Meets Modern Techniques

The workshop was helmed by Yoko Yamaguchi, a talented Mizuhiki artist operating from Minami-Otsuka, known for her studio, Atelierfeuille. Having a local artist as an instructor fostered a welcoming atmosphere, allowing participants to connect with high-quality craftsmanship and exhibit their creativity while learning traditional techniques that might otherwise be hard to access.

Course Highlights: Learning the Meaning Behind New Year Decorations

The two sessions attracted 15 residents of Toshima Ward, selected through a lottery from an overwhelming number of applications. Participants didn't merely create decorations; they immersed themselves in the cultural significance and origins of New Year ornaments, gaining a deeper appreciation for traditional crafts.

Session One: Participants collaborated to craft a shimenawa, the sacred rope for New Year celebrations, focusing on a white base, symbolizing purity and freshness with intricate designs.

Session Two: The class culminated in finishing decorations inspired by pine, bamboo, and plum using Mizuhiki techniques ingeniously altered with contemporary elements, showcasing Yamaguchi’s unique artistic touch.

Unmatched Satisfaction Ratings

Participants expressed their amazement during the post-session survey, praising both the thoroughness of the course content and Yamaguchi's meticulous guidance.

• - Content Satisfaction: An impressive 92% reported being pleased with the course material.
• - Willingness to Return: A full 100% indicated their desire to participate in future workshops at the community cultural center.

Voices from Participants:

• - “The teacher’s preparation was exceptional, making great use of materials like masking tape for efficiency. I hope for more themes in future classes!”
• - “I am grateful for the careful instructions. It was well worth the anticipation to attend.”

Contribution to Lifelong Learning and Future Directions

Building on the encouraging results of this workshop, the Komagome Community Cultural Center reaffirmed its role as a ‘community-focused lifelong learning hub’ that caters to the enthusiastic learning desires of residents. They plan to continue creating opportunities to experience diverse cultural arts to enhance community engagement and cultural development in Toshima.

About Komagome Community Cultural Center

The Komagome Community Cultural Center serves as a platform for local residents to engage in self-directed cultural activities while supporting lifelong learning initiatives.

• - Address: 2-2-2 Komagome, Toshima City, Tokyo, 170-0003
• - Phone: 03-3940-2400
• - Access: 2-minute walk from JR Komagome Station North Exit, 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Namboku Line Komagome Station Exit 4
• - Website: Toshima Future Cultural Foundation
• - Official X (Twitter): Komagome Community Center

Workshop Details:

• - Course Name: Beginner's Mizuhiki Craft - Create New Year Decorations
• - Date: December 13 and 20, 2025 (Saturdays) from 14:00 to 16:00
• - Venue: 3rd Meeting Room, Komagome Community Cultural Center
• - Instructor: Yoko Yamaguchi (Atelierfeuille)
• - Participation Fee: ¥4,000 (including materials)
• - Organizer: Toshima Future Cultural Foundation

Customer Inquiries:

For inquiries, reach out to the Local Culture Section at the Komagome Community Cultural Center, Toshima Future Cultural Foundation.

• - Phone: 03-3940-2400 (Available 8:45 AM – 9:00 PM, excluding closed days)