The Value of 'Handmade' in the AI Era: 'Embroidery Art Festival 2026' Brings Together Masterpieces Nationwide

Bouquet Co., Ltd. (Aya Fukuda, President and Representative Director of the embroidery school 'Embroidery Room') will host the Embroidery Art Festival under the theme: [Embroidery to see, feel, and enjoy. A festival connecting hearts with needle and thread].

[Embroidery Art Festival Overview]
- Date: Thursday, July 16 to Monday (Holiday), July 20, 2026, 11:00-17:00 (Extended until 18:00 on the 17th only)
- Admission: Free, open to everyone
- Venue: 6-6-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023. Hiltopia Art Square (B1F Hilton Tokyo), inside Hiltopia Shopping Arcade

[What is the Embroidery Art Festival?]
It is one of Japan's largest embroidery exchange events that transcends the boundaries of individual embroidery schools, gathering 'embroidery lovers' from all over the country. It is an exhibition event that expands the possibilities of lifestyle, thoughts, and expression, centering on embroidery works. In an era where AI is becoming familiar and everything is being made more efficient, an increasing number of people are finding value in 'time spent moving one's hands'. Embroidery is attracting attention as a time to cherish oneself, especially among women in their 50s and older. The unique works gathered from across the country contain not only technique but also life stories and emotions. The festival reflects the current era where 'handwork heals people and connects them'.

[Contest Booth]
130 embroidery works selected from across the country will be exhibited. Awards will be given from two perspectives: visitor voting and corporate awards.
- Visitor voting: A participatory contest based on 'preference' by looking, feeling, and choosing.
- Corporate award: Chosen by professionals in embroidery-related businesses with a keen eye.
It is not just an evaluation, but an opportunity to highlight the emotions put into the works, serving as a starting point for discovering new talent and possibilities.

[Market Booth]
Special exhibitions by committee members and sales of original kits and materials will be held. Kits usually available only to students and lesson assignments rarely seen in person will be displayed. The special kit sales are a must-see for those who want to experience the artistic world of specific instructors. Anyone can purchase them, even if they don't attend lessons.

[Market Booth Exhibitors / Committee Members]
- Aya Fukuda, Bouquet Co., Ltd. (French embroidery, whitework)
- Chigusa Inoue, Japan Ribbon Embroidery Association (French embroidery, ribbon embroidery)
- Miyo Onishi (Aari work)
- Etsuko Narita (Lunéville crochet embroidery)
- Hideko Hiraishi (Whitework)
- Nana Miura (French embroidery)

[Corporate Booths]
- Clober Co., Ltd.: A trusted brand handling a wide range of handmade supplies like sewing tools and embroidery materials since 1925.
- Chiisana Shugeiyasan: A specialty shop handling professional materials used in haute couture embroidery, such as French sequins and Czech beads.

[Highlights of the Festival]
- Exhibition of over 130 works: A diverse gathering of works crossing school boundaries.
- 5-day event: Despite being the first iteration last year, it drew long lines from day one, with over 2,000 visitors.
- Nationwide active artists: Participation of diverse creators, including published authors and popular instructors.

[Why Embroidery Now?]
While times have become convenient, it is gaining attention as a slow hobby. Proceeding stitch by stitch allows time for self-reflection. From mothers who started after their children grew up to those whose hobbies turned into careers, the ways to enjoy it vary, with individual life stories behind each work.

[Why a Contest?]
Setting an 'exhibition goal' helps women who feel guilty about spending time on hobbies find meaning and take a step forward. The contest carries the hope of providing a time for them to shine in their own way.

[Sponsors & Collaborators]
We Love Handicraft, Olympus Thread Mfg. Co., Ltd., Kiwa Products Co., Ltd., Clober Co., Ltd., Chiisana Shugeiyasan, Tetoito, DMC Co., Ltd., Nihon Vogue-Sha Co., Ltd., Nippon Chuko Boeki Co., Ltd., BRODERIE PLAISIR, Larson-Juhl Nippon Co., Ltd., Japan Ribbon Embroidery Association, Bouquet Co., Ltd.