38th "Edo Kiriko New Work Exhibition" Held in Ginza: Addressing Diversification of Expression, Artisans, and Challenges
The 38th Edo Kiriko New Work Exhibition is being held in Ginza, showcasing artisans' skills and diverse expressions to foster young talent and address challenges. It runs until April 5th, with extended hours today until 9 PM.
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- 📰 Published: April 5, 2026 at 00:00
The Edo Kiriko Cooperative Association is currently holding the "38th Edo Kiriko New Work Exhibition" at Ginza Novo (formerly Tokyu Plaza Ginza) until tomorrow, April 5th (Sunday).
This exhibition is a competition for Edo Kiriko artisans to showcase their skills and designs, serving as a gateway for young talent development and traditional craftspeople. It also features sales of a wide variety of Edo Kiriko pieces by artisans and offers Kiriko experience workshops. Through opportunities for artisans themselves to participate in sales and workshops, it aims to solve various challenges faced by the production area.
Photography of the exhibited works is permitted (commercial use prohibited). You can enjoy the brilliance and charm of Kiriko glass with its intricate cuts through your own perspective.
Today, the 4th (Saturday), the venue is open until 9 PM. Special collaboration with Fujimaki Department Store (caramo Inc.).
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**What is the "Edo Kiriko New Work Exhibition"? Background and Significance**
Started in 1989, this exhibition has served as a platform to promote Edo Kiriko, designated as a traditional craft product of Tokyo Metropolis, by fostering artisans' expression and skill improvement.
Due to changes in lifestyles and market environments, it has become difficult to sustain businesses solely through the model of artisans providing their skills for subcontracted processing.
This exhibition functions as a gateway for artisans aiming to become traditional craftspeople by providing them with opportunities to work on and present their creations. It also serves as a crucial channel for producers to connect directly with users and establish sales routes. According to a survey by the association last year, over half of the workshops in the industry are now conducting some form of independent sales activities.
**This Year's Award-Winning Works**
Following a judging session held prior to the exhibition, this year's seven award-winning works have been decided as follows. All submitted works, in addition to the award-winners, are on display at the venue.
1st Place: Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister's Secretariat Commerce and Service Policy Bureau Director-General Award
"Symbiosis" (Kyosei) by Mayumi Sannomaru (Mitsuwa Glass Craft, Soka City)
2nd Place: Director-General of the Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Award
"Dance of Tai Chi" (Taikyoku no Mai) by Yoshinori Shimada (Nabetani Glass Craft, Ota Ward)
3rd Place: Governor of Tokyo Award
"Decorative Plate 'Nichion'" (Kazarizara 'Nichion') by Shota Shinozaki (Shinozaki Glassware Studio, Koto Ward)
4th Place: Koto Ward Mayor Award
"Ripple" (Sazanami) by Noyuri Yamada (Mitsuwa Glass Craft, Soka City)
5th Place: Director-General of the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial and Labor Bureau Award
"Fountain of Bubbles" (Utakata no Izumi) by Shingo Asano (Mitsuwa Glass Craft, Soka City)
6th Place: Koto Ward Assembly Chairman Award
"Rhombus Linked Chrysanthemum Pattern Large Bowl" (Hishirenkiku Mon Ohbachi) by Kosho Nemoto (Nemoto Glass Craft, Koto Ward)
7th Place: Glassware Times Magazine Encouragement Award
"Sea Slug" (Umiushi) by Saon Tayodo (Tayodo Glass Processing Studio, Koto Ward)
Additionally, special awards were selected after the judging:
Ginza Novo Award (Selected by the venue)
"Zoku" (俗) by Seiya Watanabe (Mitsuwa Glass Craft, Soka City)
"Fujimaki Department Store Award" (Selected by public web voting)
"Rhombus Linked Chrysanthemum Pattern Large Bowl" (Hishirenkiku Mon Ohbachi) by Kosho Nemoto (Nemoto Glass Craft, Koto Ward) *6th place work*
**New Work Exhibition / Award Topics**
* Total number of submitted works: 26.
* Profile of the 1st place author:
Mayumi Sannomaru
Born in Akita Prefecture.
Affiliated with Mitsuwa Glass Craft (Soka City, Saitama Prefecture).
This is her second time winning 1st place, having previously won in the 36th exhibition two years ago (the first woman to achieve this).
* This is the third consecutive year and the third time overall that a work by a female artisan has won 1st place.
* Artisans from Mitsuwa Glass Craft (Soka City, Saitama Prefecture) have won 1st place for nine consecutive years. This studio has a proven track record in nurturing young artisans.
* Shota Shinozaki (Koto Ward, Shinozaki Glassware Studio), who won the Tokyo Governor's Award, created the work that was voted 1st place by the participating artisans in a mutual voting session held before the results were announced.
* First-time awardees are two people: Shingo Asano (Mitsuwa Glass Craft, Soka City) and Saon Tayodo (Tayodo Glass Processing Studio, Koto Ward).
* The youngest participants this year are two first-time exhibitors aged 22. Among them, Saon Tayodo won 7th place in their debut exhibition and debut award.
* Kosho Nemoto (Koto Ward, Nemoto Glass Craft) has received an award for six consecutive years.
* The number of female artisans exhibiting is 9 (about one-third of the total), tying the previous record. (Of these, 3 received awards).
**Edo Kiriko's Current Position: Nurturing the Next Generation and Facing Challenges**
Today, the traditional craft production area of Edo Kiriko faces various changes and challenges. This exhibition is an opportunity to address them.
**Emergence and Diversification of Next-Generation Artisans**
During the COVID-19 pandemic, retirements and closures of veteran artisans led to a renewed decrease in the number of craftspeople. On the other hand, some studios have focused on artisan development while simultaneously pursuing collaborations with content industries and other sectors, and developing sales channels including inbound and overseas markets.
This exhibition features submissions from young artisans in their early twenties who spent their student years during the pandemic. The gender ratio of artisans in their twenties is now nearly equal.
Furthermore, the number of female artisans exhibiting this year is 9 (about one-third of the total), tying the record from last year. The grand prize has also been awarded to a female artisan's work for three consecutive years.
Additionally, diversification of artisans is progressing, including career changes from other industries, infusing traditional crafts with new sensibilities.
**Measures Against Counterfeit and Imitation Goods**
In recent years, the distribution of unfairly counterfeited and imitation goods has been confirmed. To ensure consumers can purchase with confidence, this association is working on appropriate management and rule-setting for "Edo Kiriko," which is also a registered trademark.
Through this exhibition, legitimate artisans are directly conveying the value and charm of "authentic" products by providing display, sales, and experience opportunities themselves.
**Online Collaboration**
In special cooperation with Fujimaki Department Store (caramo Inc., CEO: Ryo Nakamura), a "web select shop strictly curating Japan's finest products," the exhibition has been held in Ginza since 2018. Through online promotion, the charm of Edo Kiriko is communicated to those who cannot visit the venue.
**Impact of International Situation on Material Cost Hikes and Supply Chains**
Due to recent unstable international conditions, glass material producers and factories have seen increased costs for raw materials and energy, leading to price hikes for materials.
Furthermore, recently, there have been price increase notifications for "kin'aka" (gold-red), which is colored pink using gold, and challenges in obtaining solvents (like thinner) used to remove oil-based markers for drafting and sketching, affecting the production sites of traditional crafts.
**Venue Open Until 9 PM Today, April 4th (Saturday) / Photography of Works Allowed**
This exhibition is a competition for Edo Kiriko artisans to showcase their skills and designs, serving as a gateway for young talent development and traditional craftspeople. It also features sales of a wide variety of Edo Kiriko pieces by artisans and offers Kiriko experience workshops. Through opportunities for artisans themselves to participate in sales and workshops, it aims to solve various challenges faced by the production area.
Photography of the exhibited works is permitted (commercial use prohibited). You can enjoy the brilliance and charm of Kiriko glass with its intricate cuts through your own perspective.
Today, the 4th (Saturday), the venue is open until 9 PM. Special collaboration with Fujimaki Department Store (caramo Inc.).
――――――――――――――――――
**What is the "Edo Kiriko New Work Exhibition"? Background and Significance**
Started in 1989, this exhibition has served as a platform to promote Edo Kiriko, designated as a traditional craft product of Tokyo Metropolis, by fostering artisans' expression and skill improvement.
Due to changes in lifestyles and market environments, it has become difficult to sustain businesses solely through the model of artisans providing their skills for subcontracted processing.
This exhibition functions as a gateway for artisans aiming to become traditional craftspeople by providing them with opportunities to work on and present their creations. It also serves as a crucial channel for producers to connect directly with users and establish sales routes. According to a survey by the association last year, over half of the workshops in the industry are now conducting some form of independent sales activities.
**This Year's Award-Winning Works**
Following a judging session held prior to the exhibition, this year's seven award-winning works have been decided as follows. All submitted works, in addition to the award-winners, are on display at the venue.
1st Place: Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister's Secretariat Commerce and Service Policy Bureau Director-General Award
"Symbiosis" (Kyosei) by Mayumi Sannomaru (Mitsuwa Glass Craft, Soka City)
2nd Place: Director-General of the Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Award
"Dance of Tai Chi" (Taikyoku no Mai) by Yoshinori Shimada (Nabetani Glass Craft, Ota Ward)
3rd Place: Governor of Tokyo Award
"Decorative Plate 'Nichion'" (Kazarizara 'Nichion') by Shota Shinozaki (Shinozaki Glassware Studio, Koto Ward)
4th Place: Koto Ward Mayor Award
"Ripple" (Sazanami) by Noyuri Yamada (Mitsuwa Glass Craft, Soka City)
5th Place: Director-General of the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial and Labor Bureau Award
"Fountain of Bubbles" (Utakata no Izumi) by Shingo Asano (Mitsuwa Glass Craft, Soka City)
6th Place: Koto Ward Assembly Chairman Award
"Rhombus Linked Chrysanthemum Pattern Large Bowl" (Hishirenkiku Mon Ohbachi) by Kosho Nemoto (Nemoto Glass Craft, Koto Ward)
7th Place: Glassware Times Magazine Encouragement Award
"Sea Slug" (Umiushi) by Saon Tayodo (Tayodo Glass Processing Studio, Koto Ward)
Additionally, special awards were selected after the judging:
Ginza Novo Award (Selected by the venue)
"Zoku" (俗) by Seiya Watanabe (Mitsuwa Glass Craft, Soka City)
"Fujimaki Department Store Award" (Selected by public web voting)
"Rhombus Linked Chrysanthemum Pattern Large Bowl" (Hishirenkiku Mon Ohbachi) by Kosho Nemoto (Nemoto Glass Craft, Koto Ward) *6th place work*
**New Work Exhibition / Award Topics**
* Total number of submitted works: 26.
* Profile of the 1st place author:
Mayumi Sannomaru
Born in Akita Prefecture.
Affiliated with Mitsuwa Glass Craft (Soka City, Saitama Prefecture).
This is her second time winning 1st place, having previously won in the 36th exhibition two years ago (the first woman to achieve this).
* This is the third consecutive year and the third time overall that a work by a female artisan has won 1st place.
* Artisans from Mitsuwa Glass Craft (Soka City, Saitama Prefecture) have won 1st place for nine consecutive years. This studio has a proven track record in nurturing young artisans.
* Shota Shinozaki (Koto Ward, Shinozaki Glassware Studio), who won the Tokyo Governor's Award, created the work that was voted 1st place by the participating artisans in a mutual voting session held before the results were announced.
* First-time awardees are two people: Shingo Asano (Mitsuwa Glass Craft, Soka City) and Saon Tayodo (Tayodo Glass Processing Studio, Koto Ward).
* The youngest participants this year are two first-time exhibitors aged 22. Among them, Saon Tayodo won 7th place in their debut exhibition and debut award.
* Kosho Nemoto (Koto Ward, Nemoto Glass Craft) has received an award for six consecutive years.
* The number of female artisans exhibiting is 9 (about one-third of the total), tying the previous record. (Of these, 3 received awards).
**Edo Kiriko's Current Position: Nurturing the Next Generation and Facing Challenges**
Today, the traditional craft production area of Edo Kiriko faces various changes and challenges. This exhibition is an opportunity to address them.
**Emergence and Diversification of Next-Generation Artisans**
During the COVID-19 pandemic, retirements and closures of veteran artisans led to a renewed decrease in the number of craftspeople. On the other hand, some studios have focused on artisan development while simultaneously pursuing collaborations with content industries and other sectors, and developing sales channels including inbound and overseas markets.
This exhibition features submissions from young artisans in their early twenties who spent their student years during the pandemic. The gender ratio of artisans in their twenties is now nearly equal.
Furthermore, the number of female artisans exhibiting this year is 9 (about one-third of the total), tying the record from last year. The grand prize has also been awarded to a female artisan's work for three consecutive years.
Additionally, diversification of artisans is progressing, including career changes from other industries, infusing traditional crafts with new sensibilities.
**Measures Against Counterfeit and Imitation Goods**
In recent years, the distribution of unfairly counterfeited and imitation goods has been confirmed. To ensure consumers can purchase with confidence, this association is working on appropriate management and rule-setting for "Edo Kiriko," which is also a registered trademark.
Through this exhibition, legitimate artisans are directly conveying the value and charm of "authentic" products by providing display, sales, and experience opportunities themselves.
**Online Collaboration**
In special cooperation with Fujimaki Department Store (caramo Inc., CEO: Ryo Nakamura), a "web select shop strictly curating Japan's finest products," the exhibition has been held in Ginza since 2018. Through online promotion, the charm of Edo Kiriko is communicated to those who cannot visit the venue.
**Impact of International Situation on Material Cost Hikes and Supply Chains**
Due to recent unstable international conditions, glass material producers and factories have seen increased costs for raw materials and energy, leading to price hikes for materials.
Furthermore, recently, there have been price increase notifications for "kin'aka" (gold-red), which is colored pink using gold, and challenges in obtaining solvents (like thinner) used to remove oil-based markers for drafting and sketching, affecting the production sites of traditional crafts.
**Venue Open Until 9 PM Today, April 4th (Saturday) / Photography of Works Allowed**
FAQ
When and where is the 38th Edo Kiriko New Work Exhibition being held?
It is being held at Ginza Novo until Sunday, April 5, 2026. Today, it is open until 9 PM.
What is the main purpose of this exhibition?
To provide opportunities for artisans to showcase their work and interact directly, fostering young talent, improving skills, and addressing industry challenges.
What are the characteristics of the award-winning works?
The trend towards diversification and the rise of the next generation are evident, with works by female artists winning the top prize for three consecutive years.