Cultural Treasures | A Live Tour of Kyushu’s Craftsmanship

  

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Embark on a captivating online journey with our two-part program, blending Kyushu’s craft culture and tourism. Watch the recording of our live virtual visit to Nakamura Ningyo, a renowned traditional Japanese doll-making studio that has preserved the artistry of crafting exquisite dolls for generations. We delved into the fascinating world of Japanese craftsmanship with fourth generation and future organization leader, Hiromine Nakamura, who shared the intricate processes, detailing, and historical significance behind these culturally rich creations. Mr. Nakamura was joined by global fashion designer Tamae Hirokawa who introduced her perspectives on Japanese design as represented in her presentation for the Design Museum Japan exhibition, highlighting the work of Nakamura Ningyo as part of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival.

Following this immersive experience was an enlightening presentation by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). The second part of this program uncovered the hidden gems and explored the diverse landscapes that make Japan’s island of Kyushu a must-visit destination. Rose Lifschitz (from Japan National Tourism Organization Los Angeles Office) guided viewers through some of Kyushu’s enchanting locales and cultural hotspots, provided insights into its scenic wonders and unique experiences awaiting travelers.

Festivals

Scenery

Program

• 5:00 PM – 5:15 PM | Opening Remarks
• 5:15 PM – 5:40 PM | Livestreaming from Fukuoka
• 5:40 PM – 6:00 PM | Presentation by JNTO
• 6:00 PM – 6:15 PM | Q&A
   

About the Speakers

Hiromine Nakamura is the fourth generation and future head of Nakamura Ningyo. Born in 1986, he has a very unique concept for his work. He has tasked himself with the question, “If a skilled doll maker from the Edo period were to suddenly time-travel to the present day, what kind of dolls would they create?”By focusing on both the past and the present, Hiromine has worked tirelessly in elevating classical Japanese dolls to the level ...  Read more.

of contemporary works of art. He has accomplished this by utilizing traditional sculpting and coloring techniques that have remained unchanged since ancient times.

Tamae Hirokawa is a fashion designer specializing in the creation of seamless knit wear. A graduate of Bunka Fashion College, she went on to be mentored by Issey Miyake. While in charge of knitwear and managing the men’s collection, then moving onto the women’s collection with Miyake she established SOMA DESIGN in 2006, which brought together fashion, graphic, sound and visual design. Concurrently, she launched the ...  Read more.

design project "SOMARTA” and her "Skin Series," fashion which embodies a second skin using seamless knit technology based on the concept of expanding "the possibilities of clothing on the body.” Skin Series garments incorporate patterns over the whole body comprised of artisan-crafted decorations and embroidery created through a seamless manufacturing process. Hirokawa’s designs have been worn by artists in Japan and abroad, including Lady Gaga and Madonna. In 2017, fashions from SOMARTA's signature "Skin Series" were acquired by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, attracting worldwide attention. In 2014, she held a solo exhibition "Tamae Hirokawa: Genealogy of the Body" at Shibuya Seibu in Tokyo, and in 2021-22 she was invited as the guest artist for the Oita Prefecture arts festival, “in BEPPU" where she designed a dazzling multi-media exhibition on the theme of matsuri or “festival".

Rose Lifschitz is the Marketing Coordinator at JNTO’s Los Angeles office, with nearly ten years of experience living and working in Japan. She moved to Japan in 2013 on the JET Programme, teaching in public schools and working with local government to provide guidance to fellow participants adjusting to life in Japan. She later moved to Tokyo to work as an information concierge and tour guide, ...  Read more.

providing general resources, translation services, and educational tours of the Nihonbashi area to tourists and locals alike. She returned to the United States in 2022 and soon after joined JNTO, expanding on her previous duties of introducing small local areas to instead focus on Japan as a whole. Rose's passion for promoting tourism in Japan has directed her throughout her career. She has presented to Assistant Language Teachers in Japan on topics such as effective intercultural communication and navigating culture shock. She has also shared her knowledge with travel professionals across the United States on topics such as Japan 101, recommended itineraries, cruising destinations, and regional charms.

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