#Japan #Kyoto #Japanese Craftsmanship #Japan Sui Collection #Kyoto Exhibition

Mastery of Touch, Mystery of Time

In the heart of Kyoto, from November 7 to 8, 2026, the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan hosted a remarkable event titled Mastery of Touch, Mystery of Time. This exclusive exhibition was part of the renowned JAPAN SUI COLLECTION and was accessible solely by invitation. The venue, the Kyoto State Guest House, welcomed over 160 distinguished guests, including international collectors, business leaders, curators, and cultural enthusiasts, all gathered to appreciate the depth of Japanese artistry.

A Celebration of Waza

The exhibition was anchored by the central theme of Waza, which signifies the craft and skill inherent in traditional Japanese arts. It featured a diverse range of nearly 40 masterful pieces gathered from various regions across Japan. The types of works on display included exquisite lacquerware, intricate wood carvings, metal crafts, ceramics, textiles, and traditional Japanese swords.

The term sui reflects the aesthetic sensitivity and cultural narratives interwoven throughout these time-honored traditions. Through ten thematic perspectives, the exhibition shed light on the skills that bring these art forms to life; from carving and hammering to dyeing, weaving, and polishing, each technique illustrates how traditional craftsmanship continues to evolve within modern contexts.

Live Artisan Demonstrations

Curated by Toshiaki Kawamata and produced by fashion designer Junko Koshino, Mastery of Touch, Mystery of Time featured six artisans who showcased their expertise through live demonstrations. Each artisan connected age-old techniques to contemporary applications:

• - Kouki Matsushima exhibited Iga Kumihimo, intricately braiding threads to create obijime cords for kimonos, a technique historically used in samurai armor.
• - Kentaro Inada demonstrated Higo metal inlays, skillfully carving over ten minuscule grooves within just one millimeter before embedding precious metals.
• - Yuzo Eto, a lacquer artisan, performed kintsugi, artfully repairing damaged ceramics using lacquer and metallic powders.
• - Takuya Niwa showcased the traditional method of crafting zabuton cushions completely by hand, meticulously distributing cotton fibers without machinery.
• - Shoichi Hashimoto displayed the layered decoration of traditional Japanese toys made of painted paper maché.
• - Yohei Kato introduced Fūsai-zome, a contemporary adaptation influencing color transitions in textiles that draws inspiration from nature.

Attendees were thrilled to witness artisans at work, often commenting on the rarity of experiencing such diverse craftsmanship in one event. One guest noted, “It’s exceptional to see all this traditional craftsmanship in one place.”

Cultural Performances and Culinary Delicacies

The event also featured a riveting performance by the internationally acclaimed DRUM TAO, captivating guests with powerful taiko rhythms. Under the theme of Rimpa, Junko Koshino presented a fashion show that beautifully merged contemporary design elements with traditional Japanese attire, such as kimonos and Nishijin textiles, accompanied by the energetic beats of DRUM TAO.

NOBU, a world-famous restaurant brand known for its fusion cooking rooted in Japanese traditions, curated a special menu featuring local Kyoto ingredients. Guests indulged in dishes like toro tuna tartare with caviar and wasabi-soy sauce alongside Kyotan vegetables and Kujo leeks, as well as soybean paper rolls filled with local greens and Shogoin daikon radish.

The Governor of Kyoto Prefecture, Takatoshi Nishiwaki, and Kyoto’s Mayor, Koji Matsui, also graced the event with speeches that highlighted Kyoto's integral role as a bridge between enduring traditions and contemporary culture.

Conclusion

Launched in 2025, the JAPAN SUI COLLECTION is an initiative by the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan designed to celebrate and preserve Japanese craftsmanship along with its underlying cultural stories. After successful showcases in Kyoto and Paris, further presentations are anticipated across Europe, reflecting the timeless beauty and intricate detail of Japan’s artistic legacy. To learn more about the JAPAN SUI COLLECTION, visit japan-sui-collection.go.jp.