#Japan #Tokyo #Traditional Crafts #Japanese Culture #Creema SPRINGS

Creema SPRINGS Unveils ‘Everyone’s Treasures’ to Support Traditional Crafts

Creema SPRINGS, a crowdfunding initiative aimed at supporting the arts and crafts community, has launched a new service titled ‘Everyone’s Treasures.’ This initiative focuses on connecting traditional arts and cultures from across Japan to future generations. Established by Creema, a leading handmade marketplace, this new service aims to ensure that unique cultural practices and skills are preserved and celebrated.

The newly launched ‘Everyone’s Treasures’ (Minnanotakarabune by Creema SPRINGS) will spotlight and support projects that are crucial for the continuation of Japanese traditions, including festivals, traditional crafts, and the maintenance of historic sites like shrines and temples. By bridging the gap between creators and supporters, the initiative provides an opportunity for collaboration and cultural inheritance, embodying the concept of “weaving together technology and culture for the future.”

First Project: Preserving a 1,000-Year-Old Sacred Tree

The first project under this new initiative is aimed at the preservation of a sacred tree over a millennium old located at Aoji Shrine in Osaka, which boasts a history of 1,200 years. Amid growing concerns about the risk of falling old trees, experts have identified that without proper pruning, it poses a danger to the shrine and its visitors. The care and management necessary to preserve this iconic tree involve specialized skills and significant funding, estimated at around 5 million yen, highlighting the challenges small local shrines face in maintaining their operations and heritage for the future.

This project calls for contributions to support the crucial tree trimming and conservation efforts required to maintain this cultural landmark. Furthering this concept, Creema SPRINGS plans to introduce exciting projects that will continue to connect Japan’s rich cultural elements with future generations. These will include initiatives like the regeneration of pottery workshops in Hasami and support for large-scale enamel artworks.

Addressing Challenges to Cultural Continuity

As Japan grapples with issues such as an aging population, declining participation in traditional crafts, and disasters, the need for innovative methods to sustain cultural heritage has never been more pressing. Creema SPRINGS is stepping up to create a new pathway for supporting these legacies through empathy and collaborative efforts in crafting and culture.

Project Spotlight: Preserving the Sacred Tree

The ‘Protecting the 1,000-Year-Old Sacred Tree’ initiative is crucial for ensuring that the ancient tree continues to be a guardian of Aoji Shrine and its surrounding community. Although revered and cared for by locals, the maintenance required is substantial, reflecting the financial burdens and technical expertise necessary for preservation.

The sacred trees, regarded as guardians of the shrine, have stood watch over the area through ages. They are in urgent need of professional care to secure their future and continue serving as a symbol of local culture and tradition. Through this project, Creema SPRINGS aims to rally support from the community and beyond to safeguard these precious natural and cultural assets for generations to come.

About Creema

Creema is a pioneering CtoC marketplace that empowers creators across Japan by enabling them to sell their original artworks directly to consumers. Launched in 2010 with a mission to establish a fair and expansive economic landscape for handmade goods, Creema has seen tremendous growth. Today, it boasts 310,000 creators and over 21 million original items, leading the market trend with a total circulation value of approximately 15 billion yen—making it Japan’s largest handmade marketplace for five consecutive years.

In addition to its online marketplace, Creema promotes various offline events like the HandMade In Japan Fes and Creema YAMABIKO FES, encouraging engagement between creators and consumers while fostering Japan’s craft culture.

For more information, visit Creema.