Passing on Nara’s Traditional Crafts to the Future – Training to Develop Successors to Nara’s Traditional Crafts
Shogakukan Shueisha Productions Inc. (ShoPro) Press Release: October 29, 2025 Passing on Nara’s traditional crafts to the future – Nara Traditional Crafts Successor Training – Nara City is recruiting participants for the 8th class of its Nara Traditional Crafts Successor Training Program. ■What is the “Nara Traditional Crafts Successor Training Program”? The “Nara Traditional Crafts Successor Training Program” aims to pass on the valuable skills and techniques of Nara’s traditional crafts, backed by a long history, to future generations by nurturing and supporting successors to these arts.
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https://nara-kogeikan.city.nara.nara.jp/permanent-exhibit/ ■System overview A. Those under 40 years of age at the start of the training (April 1, 2026) A. Those who have acquired basic skills in the subject for which they wish to receive training. C. Those who have a strong attachment to Nara and are eager to continue working in Nara crafts even after completing their training. Nara Ittobori 1 person Nara Sarashi 1 person April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2029 *However, there is an annual review to renew the training period. Basic instruction from a Nara traditional crafts workshop owner Self-study of Nara traditional crafts techniques at Nara Crafts Museum and other institutions Participation in production demonstrations and other events held at Nara Crafts Museum and other institutions Enroll in a program to strengthen management skills and expand sales channels with an eye toward independence. Present the results of your training to the workshop owner every three months. Exhibit at least once a year at various exhibitions, striving to create works with the aim of having your work selected. After completing the training, cooperate with the Nara Crafts Museum’s activities. Upon completion of the training, participants will donate one piece of their work to Nara City. Incentive 150,000 yen per month ■Recruitment In addition to the regular selection process, we will also hold an information session and networking event (described below). October 7th (Tuesday) – December 10th (Wednesday), 2020 Information session/exchange meeting Saturday, November 15, 2020, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (scheduled) First document screening result notification Late December 2020 Workshop tour (optional) Late December 2020 Second interview selection Mid-January 2020 Second interview selection result notification Late January 2020 Please read the FY 2025 Nara Traditional Crafts Successor Training Trainee Recruitment Guidelines and submit the application documents listed below to the Crafts Museum during the application period (either in person or by mail). If submitting by mail, they must arrive by the final day of application, and should be sent by registered mail or other method that leaves a record, with
“Application Documents” written in red. Nara Craft Museum: 1-1 Aji Manji-cho, Nara City, 630-8346, Japan Please check the link below. Nara City “Nara Traditional Crafts Successor Training” website: https://www.city.nara.lg.jp/soshiki/109/6851.html ■About the Information Session and Networking Event A detailed explanation of the training and a talk session with the workshop owner will be held in a hybrid format, combining on-site and online. In addition, for those participating on-site, a special guest will be invited after the information session to hold a talk session and networking event with fellow craftsmen. –What kind of traditional crafts are Nara Ittobori and Nara Sarashi? –How do you proceed with your training as a workshop owner and apprentice? –What should one do to continue working as a traditional craftsman or artist? We will provide information about the “Nara Traditional Crafts Successor Training Program” from various perspectives. Saturday, November 15, 2025, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (scheduled) *On-site hours until 4:00 PM BONCHI (3-1 Hashimotocho, Nara City) https://bonchi.fun/ 30 people in person / simultaneous online event *Details of the information session and networking event, as well as how to apply, will be announced at a later date.
■Introduction of the 8th Term Workshop Owners Introducing workshop owners who are nurturing successors to Nara’s traditional crafts. In addition, a column delving deeper into the two artists’ passion for traditional crafts will be published later on “Machibito”
(https://machibito.work/). ・Mr. Doi Shikiyo (Nara Ittobori) His studio is located in the naturally rich land of Ikoma, Nara Prefecture. With over 45 years of experience, he is active at the forefront of Nara Ittobori carving. Highly acclaimed for his technique and
expressiveness, he receives orders not only from within Japan but also from overseas. While preserving traditional techniques, he pursues expressions that harmonize with modern sensibilities, creating a wide variety of works, including zodiac animals, festival dolls, and Noh carving, with intricate carvings that make use of the texture and feel of the wood.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/2610/1673/2610-1673-cadabd625b80f05093ea3ef9d97b896c-3900×2600.jpg ・Daisuke Okai (Nara Sarashi) The sixth generation owner of Okai Azabu Shoten, a hemp workshop established in 1863. They manufacture “Nara Sarashi,” a traditional Nara craft that is woven by hand using hand-spun yarn. They have a workshop in Tahara, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, and stores in front of Kintetsu Nara Station and near Sarusawa Pond. In 2017, they launched “Mafu a Mano,” a brand dedicated to conveying the natural charm of hemp yarn. In 2024, they were certified as a Nara Prefecture Traditional Craftsman.
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