Plaza Style “Barbapapa,” born from earth, meets traditional crafts. A special collaboration to mark the 55th anniversary of the work’s creation and the 5th anniversary of the National Crafts Museum’s relocation: “Pour Your Feelings into the Pottery

[Plaza Style] “Barbapapa,” born from the earth, meets traditional crafts. A special collaboration to mark the 55th anniversary of the work’s creation and the 5th anniversary of the National Crafts Museum’s relocation: Report on the “Pottery Workshop: Filled with Feelings” ​
Plaza Style Press Release: September 4, 2025 “Barbapapa,” born from the earth, meets traditional crafts. A special collaboration to mark the 55th anniversary of the work’s creation and the 5th anniversary of the National Crafts Museum’s relocation: A report on the “Pottery Workshop: Filled with Feelings” More than 30 elementary school students participated, trying their hand at making their own unique clay creations. StylingLife Holdings Inc., Plaza Style Company (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo), in collaboration with the National Crafts Museum and the National Art Research Center, held the “Pottery Workshop: Filled with Feelings” at the National Crafts Museum (Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture) on August 10th. Image
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This project was born from the natural connection between Barbapapa, born from clay, and pottery, which is also made from clay. This year also marks the 55th anniversary of Barbapapa’s creation as a picture book in France, and the 5th anniversary of the National Crafts Museum’s relocation from Tokyo to Kanazawa, making this a special collaboration to celebrate these milestones. Our instructor was Ohi Chozaemon (Toshio) XI, a ceramic artist who was inducted into the Japan Art Academy this year. He taught us the important mindset to have when working with clay and our own work, and the participants created their own unique pieces. ■What is “Barbapapa”? “Barbapapa” was born in France as a picture book in 1970. It all began in a cafe. It’s said that the character originated from a doodle that mathematician Taras Taylor exchanged with architect Annette Chizon during a chance conversation. Since then, this mysterious character, capable of transforming into any shape at will, has become beloved in over 40 countries around the world. Seven lively, unique children surround the dependable Barbapapa and kind Barbamama. In addition to messages filled with love for family, people, animals and the earth, the show also features many humorous reply scenes that foster the creativity of viewers, making it a popular series loved by many people, from children to adults. Official website) https://www.barbapapa.jp/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/3436/1002/3436-1002-05e5f423d2f21a720d657d8b31b4c6b4-789×260.jpg ■ A workshop where you can touch and become familiar with the soil, and face and shape your own thoughts and feelings 32 elementary school students participated on the day. First, under a lecture by instructor Chozaemon Ohi, participants were given a moment to “quietly calm their minds and think of loved ones” before touching the soil. The purpose of this project was not simply to create a tangible result of their fun interactions with clay, but to remind them that clay and people are connected in the cycle of nature. The children envisioned their families and friends in their minds, building their excitement for the project. The project involved dividing one kilogram of clay in half. The first half involved making tea bowls, and the second half involved freehand work. Many children struggled with the difficulty of shaping the first bowls, but by getting a feel for the clay and working with their hands, each child completed a bowl with a unique shape and expression. Although the shapes are irregular, each piece is imbued with the creator’s thoughts, resulting in a warm and inspiring piece.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/3436/1002/3436-1002-9c8410c143ed85bcc74d45c09a1142a4-3900×3900.jpg Photography: Kimihiro Hono During the free-form project in the second half of the class, the children came up with a wide variety of ideas, including making another bowl, animal or character figurines, and trying their hand at creating uplifting shapes and patterns. Spending time working with clay naturally brought smiles to the faces of the children, and after they finished, satisfied expressions filled the venue. The clay used this time was moist clay made for pottery, unlike regular clay or sand. The children enjoyed the special feel of the clay and experienced the two joys of “creating something” and “spinning their thoughts.” This day spent with Barbapapa will remain in the children’s hearts as a time when they can simultaneously experience the joy of crafting and the kindness of caring for others.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/3436/1002/3436-1002-1763e24fbabdf54d3cb190f2d1a682e6-3900×3900.jpg Photography: Kimihiro Kata ■About the National Museum of Japanese Art The National Crafts Museum opened in Kitanomaru Park, Tokyo, in 1977 as the Crafts Gallery of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. For over 45 years, as Japan’s only museum specializing in crafts and design, it has continued to promote and disseminate craft and design culture. Even after relocating to Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture in 2020, the museum’s basic philosophy remains to collect, preserve, research, and study a wide range of artworks from various regions and genres both in Japan and abroad. Through exhibitions and learning programs, the museum introduces new and fascinating aspects of the worlds of “crafts” and “design.” Official website)
https://www.momat.go.jp/craft-museum/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/3436/1002/3436-1002-45349f4e91b180e9ac380799b6ffff9f-1440×576.jpg Photo: Takumi Ota ■Instructor Profile 11th generation Chozaemon Ohi (Toshio) Born in Kanazawa in 1958 as the eldest son of Ohi Chozaemon, the 10th head of the Ohi kiln (a recipient of the Order of Culture and a member of the Japan Art Academy), a tea potter whose history dates back to the Edo period. He completed his master’s degree at Boston University Graduate School in 1985. He assumed the name of Ohi Chozaemon XI in 2016. He will become a member of the Japan Art Academy in 2025. While carrying on the traditions of Ohi ware, including participating in the design of the Toyota showroom and the Milan Salone, he is active in a wide range of fields both domestically and internationally as an artist and designer. He is a visiting professor at Kanazawa University, a recipient of the Good Design Award (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), a recipient of the Hungarian National Order, and a recipient of the Imperial Prize and the Japan Art Academy Prize.
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