Kayanoya to Hold 'Kōgei no Baton' Exhibition Featuring 6 Artisans Under the Theme 'Connecting Baton'

The Kubara Honke Group (Kusaya District, Fukuoka Prefecture; Head: Tetsuji Kawabe) will hold an exhibition titled 'Kōgei no Baton' (Craft Baton) featuring six notable artisans from across Japan, specializing in ceramics, woodworking, glass, and textiles, at its 'Kayanoya Nishinomiya Gardens Store' from Friday, June 12 to Monday, June 15, 2026.

For the past three years, the Nishinomiya Gardens store has hosted 'Te-shigoto o Musubu Niwa' (A Garden Connecting Handicrafts), introducing many craftspeople. This time, the content has been renewed. The title and content have been changed to 'Kōgei no Baton', which was held at 'Oryōri Kayanoya' in Fukuoka in 2024 and received a great response.

The theme of this exhibition is 'Connecting Baton'. Artisans who are rarely encountered in the Kansai region will be present in the store during the event, directly conveying the background and thoughts behind their works to customers. Please take this opportunity to see and touch the works of the six artisans who are passing on the baton of craftsmanship.

Time to Speak Directly with Artisans Rarely Met in Kansai

The greatest appeal of this exhibition is that artisans who are usually difficult to meet in the Kansai region gather in one place, and furthermore, the artists themselves stand at the storefront and sell directly to customers. The time spent choosing a favorite item while directly conversing with the creator about their dedication and the stories behind the works promises to be a heartwarming special experience that goes beyond mere shopping.

Event Overview

■ Date & Time

Friday, June 12 – Monday, June 15, 2026

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last day ends at 4:00 PM)

■ Venue

Kayanoya Nishinomiya Gardens Store (Hankyu Nishinomiya Gardens Main Building 1F)

■ Exhibiting Artisans (in no particular order, titles omitted)

First Half: Friday, June 12 & Saturday, June 13

[Ceramics] Momoko Otani

[Woodworking] Mayuko Mizumura

[Textiles] Karen Sato

Second Half: Sunday, June 14 & Monday, June 15

[Ceramics] Nanami Ono

[Glass] Yudai Koga

[Lacquerware] Takashi & Ayako Hirai

■ Contact

0798-69-3033 (Kayanoya Nishinomiya Gardens Store)
https://www.kayanoya.com/shop/nishinomiya-gardens/

*Images are for illustrative purposes.

The Vision Behind 'Kōgei no Baton'

This exhibition was planned through the alignment of visions between Sanae Inagaki, who runs the craft gallery 'Hinatano Oto' in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, and 'connects' craftsmanship to the next generation, and Kayanoya, which 'connects' the wisdom and skills of ancestors in thatched roofs, hearths, basket weaving, and food to the modern era.

'Kōgei no Baton' embodies the strong desire of the creators to 'inherit traditions, evolve them to suit modern life, and pass them on to the future.' The world of crafts may seem intimidating at first glance, but in reality, it is intimately close to our daily dining and living. The words exchanged with the artists at the venue and the scenes of the day will come back as warm memories every time you use your favorite vessel or tool brought home. It is a 'memorable purchasing experience' where the maker and the user converse. We hope this will be an opportunity for your daily life to become even more cherished and enriched.

About Hinatano Oto

A gallery and shop located in Nihonbashi Hamacho. Opened in 2006, it expanded and relocated to a new store in 2021. The new store features a permanent exhibition space as well as a gallery called 'galleri vindue' (Danish for 'window'). Located on the first floor of the 'Sprout' building (meaning 'bud'), it creates a soothing space with an air of Scandinavia, complemented by its impressive windows. Representative Sanae Inagaki, while working at Nippon Keori Kaisha, Ltd., launched and continues to direct 'Kōbō kara no Kaze' and 'Nikke Chinju no Mori'. https://musubuniwa.jp/

About Kayanoya no Dōgu

Wonderful tools from various parts of Japan that Kayanoya has encountered. These include custom-made items born from repeated dialogue with craftspeople, excelling in functional beauty. We introduce kitchen tools, vessels, and other items that enrich daily life and can be cherished for a long time. https://www.kubara.jp/special/kayanoyanodougu/

About Kayanoya

'Kayanoya' is a 'food' brand that sells seasonings and food products that bring out the best of ingredients, starting with 'Kayanoya Dashi', aiming to pass on local ingredients and Japanese food culture. Originating from 'Oryōri Kayanoya' in the satoyama of Fukuoka, it delivers products to customers through 34 stores nationwide, mail order, and the web. While valuing the seasons and the traditional calendar, it also offers recipes and cooking ideas to help you enjoy the joy of food.

https://www.kayanoya.com/

About the Kubara Honke Group

A comprehensive food manufacturer originating from a soy sauce brewery founded in 1893. It operates brands including 'Hakata Shōbōan', which values the taste of Hakata; 'Kayanoya', which sells seasonings and foods that highlight ingredient quality; the distribution brand 'Kubara', featuring the A-go dashi series and Uma-tare series utilizing the umami of flying fish dashi; and 'Hokkaido Kubara', 'Hokkaido Shōbōan', and 'Hokkaido Shokuhinko', which disseminate Hokkaido's ingredients and food culture. http://www.kubarahonke.com/

(Information in the news release is current as of the date of announcement. Please note that it may differ from the latest information.)