The 38th "Edo Kiriko New Work Exhibition" Underway in Ginza: Diversification of Expression and Craftsmen, and Tackling Challenges
The Edo Kiriko Cooperative Association is holding the 38th Edo Kiriko New Work Exhibition in Ginza until April 5. It features an artisan contest, sales, and hands-on experiences, aiming to connect makers with users and evolve the traditional craft business model.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 5, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 4, 2026 at 15:30
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 03:50 (396h 19m after Collected)
――――――――――――――――――
The Edo Kiriko Cooperative Association is holding the "38th Edo Kiriko New Work Exhibition" at GinzaNovo (formerly Tokyu Plaza Ginza) until tomorrow, Sunday, April 5.
This exhibition is an art contest where Edo Kiriko craftsmen compete in skill and design, serving as a gateway for nurturing young talent and becoming certified traditional craftsmen. In addition, there are sales of a wide variety of Edo Kiriko pieces by the craftsmen themselves, as well as hands-on Kiriko cutting workshops.
Through this platform where craftsmen actively participate in sales and experiences, the production area is striving to solve various challenges it faces.
Photography of the works at the venue is permitted (commercial use prohibited). You can enjoy the brilliance and charm of Kiriko glass created by exquisite cuts from your own perspective.
Today, Saturday the 4th, the venue is open until 9:00 PM. Special cooperation provided by Fujimaki Hyakkaten (caramo Inc.).
――――――――――――――――――
[What is the "Edo Kiriko New Work Exhibition"? Background and Significance]
Started in 1989, this exhibition has evolved alongside the designation of Edo Kiriko as a Tokyo traditional craft, acting as a venue to encourage craftsmen to improve their expression and skills, and to promote Edo Kiriko to the world.
Due to changes in lifestyles and market environments, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain a business solely through the subcontracting model, where craftsmen provide their skills for processing.
This exhibition functions not only as a gateway for craftsmen aiming to become traditional artisans by providing them an opportunity to tackle and present their own works, but also as a vital sales channel where makers can connect directly with users.
According to a survey conducted by the cooperative last year, more than half of the workshops in the industry have changed to the point of conducting some form of independent sales activity.
[This Year's Award-Winning Works]
At the judging panel held prior to the opening, this year's 7 award-winning works were selected as follows.
In addition to the winning works, all submitted pieces are on display at the venue.
1st Place: Director-General for Commerce and Service Industry Policy, Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Award
"Kyosei" (Coexistence) by Mayumi Sannomaru (Mitsuwa Glass Craft, Soka City)
2nd Place: Director-General, Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Award
"Taikyoku no Mai" (Dance of Taiji) by Yoshitaka Shimada (Nabetani Glass, Ota Ward)
The Edo Kiriko Cooperative Association is holding the "38th Edo Kiriko New Work Exhibition" at GinzaNovo (formerly Tokyu Plaza Ginza) until tomorrow, Sunday, April 5.
This exhibition is an art contest where Edo Kiriko craftsmen compete in skill and design, serving as a gateway for nurturing young talent and becoming certified traditional craftsmen. In addition, there are sales of a wide variety of Edo Kiriko pieces by the craftsmen themselves, as well as hands-on Kiriko cutting workshops.
Through this platform where craftsmen actively participate in sales and experiences, the production area is striving to solve various challenges it faces.
Photography of the works at the venue is permitted (commercial use prohibited). You can enjoy the brilliance and charm of Kiriko glass created by exquisite cuts from your own perspective.
Today, Saturday the 4th, the venue is open until 9:00 PM. Special cooperation provided by Fujimaki Hyakkaten (caramo Inc.).
――――――――――――――――――
[What is the "Edo Kiriko New Work Exhibition"? Background and Significance]
Started in 1989, this exhibition has evolved alongside the designation of Edo Kiriko as a Tokyo traditional craft, acting as a venue to encourage craftsmen to improve their expression and skills, and to promote Edo Kiriko to the world.
Due to changes in lifestyles and market environments, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain a business solely through the subcontracting model, where craftsmen provide their skills for processing.
This exhibition functions not only as a gateway for craftsmen aiming to become traditional artisans by providing them an opportunity to tackle and present their own works, but also as a vital sales channel where makers can connect directly with users.
According to a survey conducted by the cooperative last year, more than half of the workshops in the industry have changed to the point of conducting some form of independent sales activity.
[This Year's Award-Winning Works]
At the judging panel held prior to the opening, this year's 7 award-winning works were selected as follows.
In addition to the winning works, all submitted pieces are on display at the venue.
1st Place: Director-General for Commerce and Service Industry Policy, Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Award
"Kyosei" (Coexistence) by Mayumi Sannomaru (Mitsuwa Glass Craft, Soka City)
2nd Place: Director-General, Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Award
"Taikyoku no Mai" (Dance of Taiji) by Yoshitaka Shimada (Nabetani Glass, Ota Ward)