[Grand Opening] Ginza's Heart Dyed in 'Cherry Blossoms' and 'Craftsmanship' for 3 Days. Japan's Largest Edo Kiriko Festival '8th Edo Kiriko Sakura Festival' Starts April 3 (Fri)!

Fujimaki Department Store (operated by caramo Co., Ltd., HQ: Shibuya, Tokyo, CEO: Ryo Nakamura), a select shop where you can encounter exquisite items themed around 'Japan,' will hold Japan's largest Edo Kiriko event, the '8th Edo Kiriko Sakura Festival,' in Ginza for three days from April 3 (Fri) to April 5 (Sun), 2026, with special cooperation from the Edo Kiriko Cooperative Association. Just before the event, the results of the '38th Edo Kiriko New Works Exhibition - #1 WEB Vote,' chosen by Edo Kiriko fans nationwide, have been announced! Furthermore, all contents for the 3-day event, perfect for the end of spring break, have been made public. **Point 1: [Breaking News] Announcement of the #1 Most Popular Work!** After a fierce daily battle for rankings, the #1 work chosen by general WEB voting has been decided. All entries can be viewed up close at the venue with free admission. **Point 2: [Participatory] More than Just Watching! Stimulate Your Five Senses** From workshops directly taught by artisans to 'Art Commentary' sessions and 'Restaurant Collaborations' where you can enjoy gourmet food with Edo Kiriko, there are numerous experiential contents to enjoy the charm of Edo Kiriko through all five senses. **Point 3: [Leap of Youth] Over 50% of Artisans are Under 40! The Hot 'Now' of Traditional Crafts** In the world of traditional crafts where decline is often feared, the Edo Kiriko industry is exceptionally active, with over 50% of artisans being in their 40s or younger. A total of 34 artisans, from newcomers to veterans, will gather in Ginza to convey the excitement of this evolving tradition. **Point 4: [Spring Break/New Life] A 'Special Spring Seat in Ginza' to Drop By Without a Reservation** Excellent access directly connected to Ginza Station. Perfect for finding 'lifelong' vessels to color your new life or for a family outing at the end of spring break. You can drop by casually during your trip for exhibitions and tastings that require no reservations. --- ### [Breaking News] General WEB Vote #1 Decided! '38th Edo Kiriko New Works Exhibition' One of the event highlights, the '38th Edo Kiriko New Works Exhibition' general WEB voting, which started on March 16, has ended. We announce the winner of the prestigious 'Fujimaki Department Store Award,' which received the most support among all 26 works! **About the 'Edo Kiriko New Works Exhibition'** Started in 1989 to improve and pass on Edo Kiriko techniques, this is one of the most important annual competitions for artisans, now in its 38th year. Three veteran traditional craftsmen and three external experts strictly judge the entries for awards such as the 'Director-General of Commerce and Service Group, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Award.' This year, all 26 latest works entered! Women account for about one-third of the artisans, and many young people in their 20s are participating. Experts praise the 2026 exhibition as 'the highest level ever.' The competition between youth and veterans, where 'delicate and gorgeous' expressions stand out alongside traditional 'chic and powerful' styles, is a must-see. **Winner of the Fujimaki Department Store Award (WEB Vote #1):** **[Kosho Nemoto] Hishirenkiku-mon Ohbachi (Large Bowl with Linked Chrysanthemum and Diamond Pattern)** Nemoto Glass Studio, founded in 1959, has continued for three generations in Kameido, a craftsman's town. Third-generation Kosho Nemoto—grandson of the late Yukio Nemoto (Medal with Yellow Ribbon recipient) and son of master Tatsuya Nemoto—has been highly acclaimed domestically and internationally since joining in 2015. This work focuses on 'expression as a craftsman,' creating overlapping chrysanthemums using only the 'Hishi' (diamond) cut, which is the basis of Edo Kiriko. The details feature exquisite 'Kikutsunagi' (chrysanthemum chain) cuts, and the technique of leaving a slight color is excellent. The view when looking into it from above is breathtaking. **Kosho Nemoto Profile Highlights:** - 2015: Joined Nemoto Glass Studio - 2024: Winner of the Director-General of Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the 36th New Works Exhibition - 2025/2026: Winner of the Fujimaki Department Store Award (WEB Vote #1) for two consecutive years --- ### Major Award-Winning Works Chosen by Professional Eyes Following strict judging by veteran craftsmen and experts, here are the pinnacles of technique and originality. You can appreciate all these works for free at the venue. **Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (Director-General of Commerce and Service Group):** **[Mayumi Sannomaru] Kyosei (Coexistence)** Sannomaru-san, with 11 years of experience at Mitsuwa Glass Studio, was the first female artisan to win the top award in 2024. This work is inspired by climbing plants on buildings, representing coexistence with nature. The vivid green crystal glass and intricate leaf/vine carvings are masterpieces. **Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Award:** **[Yoshiman Shimada] Taikyoku no Mai (Dance of Taiji)** From Nabetani Glass Studio (founded 1949), Shimada-san uses striking green and gold-red colors. The movement of carp and ripples evokes the Taiji symbol, with complex patterns in between. The depth of cuts expressing scales and fins showcases remarkable skill.