Shaping materials by hand

Discover the diversity of crafts thriving in Japan today through this conversation with Nagata Takahiro, curator of Hyakkō: 100+ Makers from Japan and participating maker Ichikawa Takashi.

The exhibition brings together almost 2000 works by 123 makers, representing the current state of Japan’s craft scene. Whether in clay, wood, bamboo, glass or metal, the act of shaping materials by hand has long been intertwined with life in Japan. Even in this age of mass production, makers across Japan continue to create works that bring out the character of the materials they use from their local environments.

During this talk, Nagata explains the curation process and the exhibition content. Ichikawa, who runs a studio at the foot of Mount Ibuki in Shiga Prefecture, also joins as a special guest to share how he came to participate in the exhibition and discuss his work.

The exhibition Hyakkō: 100+ Makers from Japan is on display in the Gallery at Japan House London from 3 December until 10 May 2026.

Please note that filming and photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.

About the Speakers

Nagata Takahiro has been working at Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. (MUJI) since 2012, where he has been involved in design and curation for the Atelier Muji gallery as well as exhibitions both in Japan and overseas. Major exhibitions include Mingu (21_21 Design Sight, 2018) and at Atelier Muji Ginza Creative Imagination (2021), Japanese Modern (2023) and New Circulation (2024).

Ichikawa Takashi was born in 1967 in Shiga Prefecture. He graduated from Hokkaido University of Education, Kushiro Campus and continued his studies at the Joetsu University of Education specializing in sculpture. He studied ceramics under Morioka Shigeyoshi and worked at various studios across Japan. In his studio in Maibara City, he creates ceramics and makes accessories that complement his vessels, such as wooden lids, spoons and tea saucers. Apart from ceramics, Ichikawa’s practice encompasses tea gatherings inspired by his interest in tea cultures, wild plants and medicinal herbs. Through his tools, vessels and tea gatherings, he seeks to help people rediscover the joy of living in harmony with nature. His works have been exhibited in Japan and abroad.