[Nara City] Two Young Artisans Selected for the 55th Japan Kinki Traditional Craft Exhibition!
This achievement from Nara's traditional craft successor training program highlights the success of the initiative. Sayaka Deguchi, a current trainee in Nara Lacquerware, and Naoki Sugawara, a graduate specializing in Akahadayaki Pottery, have both been accepted into the prestigious exhibition. For Mr. Sugawara, this is his second time receiving this honor. Their works will be displayed at Kyoto Takashimaya.
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- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 22:25
Sayaka Deguchi (Nara Lacquerware), a 7th-term trainee currently participating in the Nara Traditional Craft Successor Training Program implemented by Nara City, and Naoki Sugawara (Akahadayaki Pottery), a graduate of the same program, have been selected for the "Japan Kinki Traditional Craft Exhibition." This marks the second time Mr. Sugawara has been selected for this exhibition. The Japan Kinki Traditional Craft Exhibition is a prestigious public exhibition organized by the Japan Art Crafts Association, where outstanding craftworks, primarily from the Kinki region, are selected through a rigorous judging process. Being selected for this exhibition is considered a significant recognition for a traditional craft artist.
The selected works will be displayed at the exhibition venue held at Kyoto Takashimaya, providing an opportunity to see the works of both artists in person.
This announcement celebrates the official recognition of their dedicated training within the program at a public exhibition and raises expectations for the further success of these young craft artists.
■ Overview of the 55th Japan Kinki Traditional Craft Exhibition
Exhibition Name: Japan Kinki Traditional Craft Exhibition
○ Dates: April 8 (Wed) - April 13 (Mon), 2026, 10:00-19:00
*Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Closes at 17:00 on the final day.
○ Venue: Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. (Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto), 7th Floor Grand Hall
○ Content: A public exhibition showcasing selected works from various fields of traditional crafts.
*Please note that exhibited works may be for sale, and some may not be viewable if they are sold during the exhibition period.
○ Official Website: https://www.nihonkogeikai.or.jp/exhibition/kinki/55/?tab=info
■ Related Event Information at Nara Craft Museum (1-1 Ajimanjicho, Nara City)
Japan Kinki Traditional Craft Exhibition in NARA 2026
Over 30 works from the exhibition will be displayed, including prize winners and selected artists residing in or near Nara City.
・Date & Time: May 14 (Thu) - 24 (Sun), 2026, 10:00-18:00 (tentative) *Closed on Mondays
Crafting Demonstration
A crafting demonstration will be held by Sayaka Deguchi (Nara Lacquerware), who was selected for the exhibition.
・Date & Time: May 17 (Sun), 2026, 12:30-16:30
Contact for this matter
Nara City, Industrial Policy Division
TEL: 0742-34-4741
d36429-418-f31a25a8bd65f5c64f3e7266f91916aa.pdf Keywords: Nara City, Traditional CraftFAQ
Who was selected for which craft exhibition?
Sayaka Deguchi (Nara Lacquerware) and Naoki Sugawara (Akahadayaki Pottery) were selected for the 55th Kinki Traditional Craft Exhibition.
Where can I see their works?
They will be displayed at the Grand Hall on the 7th floor of Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. from April 8 to 13, 2026. Some works are also scheduled to be exhibited at the Nara Craft Museum.
Why is this selection important?
Because it signifies official recognition of the success of Nara City's successor training program and marks a major step in the young artisans' careers.