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Tokyo Creative Salon Nihonbashi 2026

The much-anticipated Tokyo Creative Salon Nihonbashi 2026 will take place from March 13 to March 29, 2026, as part of one of Japan's largest fashion and design festivals, Tokyo Creative Salon 2026. This year's theme, "Nihonbashi Open Craft", focuses on the rich craftsmanship prevalent in the Nihonbashi area, with numerous workshops and exhibitions to enhance visitor engagement.

Event Overview

The event will be held at the Atrium of Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, featuring the Open Craft Park, which will showcase approximately 50 unique koi nobori installations — traditional carp streamers — crafted from local materials and motifs. Attendees will not only enjoy the visual splendor but will also have the opportunity to delve into various hands-on workshops, such as washi (Japanese paper) making, dyeing, and kumihimo (braiding) experiences.

Concept: Nihonbashi Open Craft

The Nihonbashi area has long been a center for innovation, acting as a hub for culture, technology, and the arts. This event aims to highlight the extensive value of local crafts, allowing attendees to experience the creation process firsthand. Workshops are designed not only to educate participants about traditional crafts but also to provide a platform for the dialogue between tradition and innovation.

Key Visual Design

The visual identity for this year's event is crafted by Shogo Kijuno, a celebrated designer known for his award-winning work. The promotional materials will reflect the beauty of local crafts within the context of Nihonbashi, with around 20 unique designs inspired by the area's rich heritage. Kijuno aims to create visuals that evoke the essence of Nihonbashi, engaging visitors and encouraging them to appreciate the local culture.

Kijuno's Comment: "This year, we integrated icons from new participating businesses while maintaining the charm of the previous year's visuals. We have also included cherry blossom motifs to celebrate spring, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event."

Content Highlights

1. Open Craft Park

The Open Craft Park serves as the event's hub, featuring the main koi nobori installation titled “Continue: Koi Nobori Now!”. This installation is a collaboration between textile designer Reiko Sudo and designer Adrien Gardère, presenting a stunning display of approximately 50 koi nobori, including new additions made with local materials. An interactive fabric touch station will allow visitors to engage directly with the textures involved in this traditional craft.

2. Workshops and Tours

• - Koi Nobori Gallery Tour by Reiko Sudo

- Date: March 20, 2026 (Public Holiday)
- Time: 1 PM & 3 PM
- Participants will explore the creation process of the koi nobori, gaining insights into this traditional craft directly from the artist.

• - Dyeing Workshops at Niji-Yura

- Experience dyeing hand towels using traditional techniques on selected dates from March 14 to 25.

• - Gold Leaf Workshop at Hakuza Nihonbashi

- Create cotton pouches with cherry blossom designs using gold leaf.
- Scheduled for March 14, 15, 28, and 29.

3. Digital Stamp Rally

Visitors can participate in a digital stamp rally by collecting stamps from various local craft shops during the event period. Accumulated points can be exchanged for exclusive merchandise.

Conclusion

The Tokyo Creative Salon Nihonbashi 2026 is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of Japan's vibrant craft culture and a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the artistic landscape of Nihonbashi. Join us in experiencing the charm and beauty of traditional craftsmanship reimagined through contemporary design practices.

Event Details:
Date: March 13 to March 29, 2026
Location: Atrium of Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, Nihonbashi area
Official Website: Tokyo Creative Salon