Winners of the 2020 Tokyo Teshigoto Project Awards Announced

The “Tokyo Teshigoto Project” began in 2015 as an initiative by Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center to support the development of new forms of traditional handicrafts which modern consumers would desire, and to cultivate the market for those goods. 14 new products were developed in 2019, with 10 exceptional products being chosen to receive special promotional support. Furthermore, several outstanding products have been chosen as recipients of the Governor’s and other awards.

In previous years, “Tokyo Teshigoto Project” product launches were held to provide exposure to the products and to hold prize ceremonies, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been canceled to prioritize the health and safety of those who would have attended the event. Henceforth, every effort will be made to promote the excellent products that Tokyo’s craftspeople and designers have put their hearts and souls into making.

1 The prize-winning products

Winner of the Governor’s award

Happiness Pandas (Edo Kimekomi Doll)

• Maker
  Toko Kakinuma, Kakinuma Ningyo Inc.
• Designer
  Shin Matsuo
• Description
  Cute panda bobble-head kimekomi dolls in traditional Japanese colors
• Special features
  The cute expressions on the pandas’ faces coupled with the way their heads bobble make these dolls very cute. Each color has a particular meaning, so you can choose your favorite.

Winner of the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center Board Chairman’s award

TOKYO RAXA (Tokyo Uchihamono/forged blades)

• Maker
  Yoichiro and Shojiro Ishizuka, Shojiro Hasami Hamono Kougei Co., Ltd.
• Designer
  Kunio Sugimoto
• Description
  These blades are made using the “souhizukuri” technique, which is also used for forging swords. The art of making scissors has been passed from father to son, retaining traditional elements while creating new styles of scissors.

Excellence award

EDO CAT Furin Windchimes (Tokyo Chokin/metal carving)

• Maker
  Daiki Kaneko, BIG TREE
• Designers
  Koichi Shibata, Shiho Konno
• Description
  Tokyo Chokin metal carving combined with an Edo Furin windchime. A windchime with a modern take on this stylish and traditional Edo handicraft.

2 Other products that have been developed

Rattan Diffuser (Tokyo Rattan Craft)

• Maker
  Hideki Kiuchi, Kiuchi Touzai Kogyo
• Designer
  Kunihiko Tanaka
• Description
  Enjoy the scent and flickering of this rattan reed diffuser.

TOKYO NIGHT VIEW (Edo Kiriko/cut glass)

• Maker
  Kei Hosokoji, Mitsuwa Glass Kogei Inc.
• Designer
  Hideyuki Kurosaka, Taki Kobo Inc.
• Description
  Featuring a night view of Tokyo, this product has a modern finish that will appeal to younger people.

BEKKAKU (Edo Kiriko/cut glass)

• Maker
  Haruki Ishizuka, Mitsuwa Glass Kogei Inc.
• Designer
  Hiroshi Hirase
• Description
  An Edo Kiriko glass carved with a completely novel design.

Edo Kiriko Temigaki/Rasen Lowball Glass (Edo Kiriko)

• Maker
  Shimizu Hidetaka, Kiyohide Glass Workshop
• Designers
  Yasuhisa and Mayuko Nakajima
• Description
  Edo Kiriko glasses made by skilled craftspeople using the “temigaki” technique

“Ajiro” Kimekomi ring cases (Edo Kimekomi dolls)

• Maker
  Toko Kakinuma, Kakinuma Ningyo Inc.
• Designer
  Oki Yohei, side Inc.
• Description
  Ring cases made in the style of Edo Kimekomi. Made with great importance paid to price.

Chidori Brushes (Tokyo Teue Brushes)

• Maker
  Chieko and Michiyo Uno, Uno Hake Brush Manufacturing Inc.
• Designer
  Atsuko and Masaharu Ohno
• Description
  Brushes with a chidori (plover) motif. Plovers are considered a sign of good luck. The brushes rock cutely if they are touched.

Edomae Sushi Kiriko (Edo Glassware)

• Maker
  Kingo Nakamura and Michiko Iwabuchi
• Designer
  Yasuhisa and Mayuko Nakajima
• Description
  Vividly colored small cups and dishes that use sushi as a motif.

Regarding promotional activities

The 10 exceptional products being chosen to receive special promotional support will be promoted as follows:

1. Products will be featured on Instagram to attract fans
2. Engagement with commercial buyers through fashion trade journals
3. Promotion through media (e.g., online, magazines, newspapers, etc.)

About the “Tokyo Teshigoto Project”

Born from the enterprising spirit and techniques of Edo’s master artisans, Tokyo’s traditional handicrafts have been passed down for generations. Polished and refined over many years, they are beloved by the masses. The “Tokyo Teshigoto Project” is an initiative to share with a wider audience the appeal of these intricate handicrafts and shed a light on the traditional techniques used to make them.
In addition to revealing their refined style, sublime practicality and usefulness in everyday life, the project aims to develop new handicrafts that brim with a sense of “Tokyo”, and to propose a luxurious kind of lifestyle where one can be surrounded by traditional handicrafts.

Product development

Development teams consist of craftspeople of traditional handicrafts and designers. Together they aim to develop stylish, high-quality new goods which modern consumers seek.

Promotion

In addition to cultivating new markets for traditional handicrafts through promotional activities, exhibitions and more, promotional and popularization activities raise the brand profile of Tokyo’s traditional handicrafts.

(In addition to the newly developed products mentioned above, promotional support is also provided for existing products.)

Project Flowchart

Please click here for the original Japanese press release.