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A Spiritual Heritage
In Japan there are a large number of traditional craft products
that can be traced back through the ages. Each is unique fostered
through regional differences and loving dedication and provides
a continual wealth of pleasure.
However, during the last 50 years, changes in the socio-economic
structure of Japanese society, accompanied by a Westernization
of traditional lifestyle, have resulted in a mass production
of some traditional crafts.
For this reason, many traditional craft industries that date
from before the Edo period (1600-1868) face considerable problems.
Traditional craft products differ greatly from mass-produced
products in that they bring a richness and charm to consumer
lifestyles. It is imperative, therefore, that these traditions
be passed on to future generations as one of the cultural treasures
of the Japanese people.
During the latter half of the 1960s, interest in traditional
craft industries increased. Subsequently, laws concerning the
promotion of traditional craft industries were enacted in May,
1974.
In July, 1975, based on the new legislation, The Association
for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries was established
by a nation-wide consensus from the traditional craft industry.
This Association, under the guidance of national and regional
authorities, has been active in the promotion of traditional
crafts at a grass-roots level while ensuring that these traditions
are passed on to the next generation.
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Traditional Craft Products Designated by the Minister of
Economy, Trade and Industry
For a craft item to be designated a Traditional Craft Product
under the Law for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries,
it must satisfy the criteria outlined below.
Items that are not craft products themselves, but which are
indispensable for the production of a Traditional Craft Product
and which satisfy all criteria apart from "A," are categorized
as Traditional Craft Tools and Materials designated by the Minister
of Economy, Trade and Industry and are promoted in the same
way as Traditional Craft Products.
| A |
The article must be used mainly in everyday life.
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| B |
The article must be primarily manufactured by hand.
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| C |
The article must be manufactured using traditional
techniques.
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| D |
The materials should be mainly those which have been
traditionally employed.
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| E |
The industry must be of a regional nature.
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Scope of Activities
Assistance is provided in the promotion of local traditional
craft areas so designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade
and Industry:
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After meeting a rigid set of standards established
by leading artisans, craftsmen receive official recognition
as master craftsmen. |
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Public commendations, as well as financial awards,
are bestowed on those people who have contributed to
the promotion of local craft production over a long
period of time. |
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Awareness of traditional craft products is promoted
on a national level, consumer opinions are polled, and
the actual state of craft production is surveyed and
reported on in a quarterly magazine called "Living
with Tradition." |
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The Association issues a certificate of authenticity
for each craft product that bears the symbol mark of
a traditional craft product designated by the Minister
of Economy, Trade and Industry. It also coordinates
inspections and surveys in local production areas to
ensure that crafts produced meet the criteria set by
the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. |
The Association continuously researches ways in which traditional
craft products can be best utilized today:
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Data on materials, techniques and original ideas that
have affected the design of traditional craft products
over the centuries are analyzed by the Association and
serve as basic research data for future design and quality
improvements. |
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In order to cope with increasing international demand
for traditional craft products, the Association is helping
to organize exhibits and other programs overseas. In
addition, the Association is promoting the creation
of modern traditional crafts that will meet the needs
of a worldwide society. |
The Association is endeavoring to ensure the spread of literature
and information about traditional crafts to keep the consumer
informed:
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Japan Traditional Craft Center located in the fashionable
area of Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Here, apart from the permanent
exihibition of products designated by the Minister of
Economy, Trade and Industry, the Center provides a venue
for the user to come face to face with the maker at
various events.
The Center also invites those interested to become members,
who are then entitled to a discount made on purchases
at the Center, may join tours of craft producing areas,
and provides them with information bulletins. |
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November is Traditional Craft Products Month, during
which there is a major event--Zen Nihon Taikai--involving
the whole of the country and reaffirming the spirit
of the organization, as well as a number of other promotional
events throughout the country.
The main event is the Traditional Crafts Plaza at which
about 100 artisans from all over the country assemble
to demonstrate their particular crafts. This provides
an ideal opportunity for the user to see at first hand
how the maker works. In addition, some of the work of
the masters of the traditional craft world is put on
display. |
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The All Japan Traditional Craft Products Festival
is held once a year in Tokyo to display products from
every corner of the archipelago. A contest is also held
during which many prizes, including the Prime Minister's
Prize, are awarded. |
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A picture and essay contest for primary and junior
high school children is held every year to help promote
an awareness of traditional crafts. Pamphlets and books
tailored to suit primary children are also distributed
to schools nationwide. |
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| The Association for the
promotion of Traditional Craft Industries |
Address:
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Metropolitan Plaza |
| 1-11-1, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0021 |
Office
Hours:
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9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily |
| (Closed Saturday and Sunday) |
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