Handmade in Japan Fest Winter (2025)
Japan’s Largest Festival for Creators Returns to Tokyo
The Handmade in Japan Fest Winter (2025) is set to return to Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) on January 18th and 19th, 2025. This event, the largest of its kind in Japan, will showcase the talents of 3,000 creators from across the country. Attendees can expect a diverse range of offerings, including a market, workshops, live music, and handmade food.
Market
The market will feature a wide array of creative works, showcasing the originality and attention to detail that Japanese artisans are known for. Visitors can browse and purchase fashion items like accessories and bags, interior goods, furniture, tableware, stationery, and art. The sheer variety of items on display ensures that there will be something to pique the interest of every attendee.
Workshops
For those looking to get hands-on, the festival offers approximately 70 types of crafting experiences led by popular creators. These workshops provide a unique opportunity to learn traditional and modern Japanese crafts. Participants can try their hand at making Japanese paper cord lanterns, traditional craft つまみ細工 (tsumami zaiku – decorative hair ornaments), kintsugi (gold repair), moss terrariums, and botanical candles.
Music
The festival will also feature a live music stage with performances by six up-and-coming artists, including Sora Tomonari and Shota Araya. This provides a platform for emerging musicians to showcase their talents to a large audience, adding a vibrant auditory dimension to the event.
Food
Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the offerings from 90 vendors, who will be presenting a wide selection of carefully selected handmade sweets, bread, and other food items from all over Japan. The emphasis is on both the quality of ingredients and the methods of preparation. Additionally, visitors can enjoy specially selected coffee beans and seasonings, further enhancing the culinary experience.
Special Contents
A new addition to the festival this year is a comedy live show, featuring three Yoshimoto comedians, including Danbiramucho and Takion. This performance is scheduled for Sunday, January 19th, at 11:30 AM, and promises to add a humorous touch to the event.
Special Project Area "Wagokoro" (Japanese Spirit)
The "Wagokoro" area is dedicated to celebrating Japanese aesthetics and traditions. Highlights include:
- Exhibition of 100 works expressing "Japanese beauty": Original works created by exhibiting creators specifically for the Handmade in Japan Fest will be displayed, offering a unique visual treat.
- Japanese tea tasting: Visitors can savor the profound flavors of Japanese tea, brewed in a teapot with carefully selected tea leaves from Uji, Kyoto.
- Collaborative pinwheel wall art: A participatory art installation where attendees can contribute to a collective piece. Participation is free.
- Fortunate stamp rally: An engaging activity for visitors of all ages, with free participation.
Basic Information
- Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center)
- Nearest Stations: Tokyo Big Sight Station / Kokusai-Tenjijo Station
- Address: 〒135-0063 Tokyo, Koto-ku, Ariake 3-11-1, MAP
- Event Period: January 18th (Saturday) – January 19th (Sunday), 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Fees:
- Advance tickets: 1-day ticket: 1,300 yen / 2-day ticket: 2,000 yen
- Same-day tickets: 1-day ticket: 1,500 yen / 2-day ticket: 2,500 yen
- Prices include tax. Elementary school students and younger enter for free.
- Official Website: HMJ Official Website
Please note that the published content may be subject to change. It is recommended to check the venue’s and organizer’s official websites for the latest information.
What are traditional Japanese handmade crafts?
Traditional Japanese handmade crafts, or "kogei," reflect the country’s cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship. These crafts include ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, and paper crafts, each with distinct techniques and historical roots.
Japanese ceramics, known as "yakimono," are valued for their beauty and utility. Styles like Arita, Kutani, and Bizen pottery exhibit regional traits and are used in tea ceremonies and daily life. The process of shaping, glazing, and firing these ceramics shows a respect for nature and tradition.
Textiles, such as silk weaving and dyeing techniques like "kimono" and "yukata," emphasize the elegance of Japanese fashion. Methods like "shibori" (tie-dye) and "kasuri" (ikat weaving) create intricate patterns and textures.
Lacquerware, or "urushi," involves coating objects with lacquer for a glossy, durable finish. This craft produces bowls, trays, and decorative items, with techniques like "maki-e" adding gold or silver designs.
Paper crafts, including "origami" and "washi" (Japanese paper), showcase the creativity in Japanese artistry. Origami turns paper into sculptures, while washi is used in traditional screens and modern stationery.
These crafts are artistic expressions that embody patience, precision, and harmony with nature. At the Handmade in Japan Fest Winter 2025, visitors can explore these crafts, meet artisans, and try creating their own pieces.
