Discover traditional brands at Nihombashi Takashimaya

For collectors and art lovers who appreciate the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship, the upcoming Nihombashi Takashimaya Department Store It’s a must-do event. This is an opportunity to see and buy masterpieces from some of Japan’s most famous stores.

From February 19 to 24, the 76th “Master Craftsmen and Long-established Shops of East and West Japan” exhibition will focus on the long-standing traditional brands of the Ginza Murasaki Association and the Kyoto Red Association. These timeless accessories and decor embody a refined artistic sense honed over generations.

The exhibition has a loyal following and a fascinating history; it’s particularly attractive because the products on display can actually be purchased on-site. Its origins date back to 1950, when the Association of Master Craftsmen of the East and West was established at Higashi Honganji Temple in Kyoto. At a time when fine crafts were rarely displayed publicly, the association aimed to introduce the elegance of traditional crafts to a wider audience. Nihonbashi Takashimaya was selected as the central hub for the Kanto region, and Osaka Takashimaya was chosen as the hub for the Kansai region.

The historic Nihonbashi Takashimaya Department Store is an architectural treasure in itself, built in 1933 during the early Showa era. It blends Japanese and Western styles to capture the spirit of the times and was the first department store designated an important cultural property in 2009.

Ginza Craft Shops: From Edo Art to Modern Classics

Ginza, Tokyo’s famous high-end shopping district, will represent East Japan at the event exhibition. Known for its skilled craftsmen and artisans since the Edo period, Ginza was reborn during the Meiji period after a devastating fire in 1872. Rebuilt with the help of Irish civil engineer Thomas Waters, who drew inspiration from European urban centers, it became a symbol of Tokyo’s urban modernity.

Yamatoya

One of the key players in the Ginza Murasaki Association is YamatoyaIt is a handbag store with a long history, founded in 1912. At that time, many Japanese people wore kimonos and brought their belongings with them furoshiki Wrapped in cloth; Yamatoya’s innovative custom handle bags offer a stylish way for individuals to express themselves. Adapted from a European style, Yamatoya’s top-handle Boston tote is an iconic style in Japanese fashion. These zippered bags are a revolutionary change from furoshiki or drawstring style bags. Today, the brand continues its tradition of designing classic silhouettes that are built to last.

Yoshinoya

Another highlight is Ginza Yoshinoyais a heritage shoe brand that has been creating comfortable, high-quality footwear for more than a century. Yoshinoya has always adhered to the concept of “comfort is beauty” and launched product series suitable for various foot types, ages and lifestyles. At the show, their women’s slip-on loafers (designed to be stylish and durable) will be on display, showcasing their dedication to Japanese hospitality and craftsmanship.

dongzhai

dongzhai This is a long-established Kyoto-yaki specialty store located in Ginza. Following the first store in Kyoto, the Kiyomizu store, the Ginza store opened in 1936. Known for its hand-painted original designs of pottery and porcelain, Tosai creates elegant traditional tea ceremony utensils, tableware, sake drinkware, and more. Although their products span multiple categories, they are all unified by Tosai’s design philosophy: depicting the chic charm of Tokyo and inheriting the elegance of Kyoto.

Kyoto Craft Shops: The Birthplace of Japanese Crafts

Representing Western Japan in this exhibition is Kyoto, the ancient capital and cradle of traditional Japanese crafts. As the seat of the Imperial Family, Kyoto championed craftsmen who to this day have had a huge influence on the origins and development of Japanese crafts. Some of these cultural heirlooms include Kyoto pottery (Kyoto ware), kimono, lacquerware, folding fan (Jingquan).

Miyawaki Uizumi

Founded in 1823, Miyawaki Uizumi It is one of the most respected folding fan specialty stores in Kyoto. Tomioka Tessai, the last literary painter at the end of the Edo period, named this shop after a precious tree in Kyoto. Meiying. Fan making was very popular as one of the three major crafts in Kyoto at that time. It was loved not only by the nobles, but also by ordinary people. In modern Japan, fans symbolize transitions and decorate special occasions. they appear in children’s Mr. Qiwu Ceremonies, Weddings and Traditional Drama. Miyawaki Umeizumi embodies the precious history of hand-painted fans, always adhering to the concept that “a fan must pass through the hands of craftsmen 87 times” before it can shine brilliantly.

ITOCHU Corporation

ITOCHU Corporation is a long-established Kyoto shoe brand that has been dedicated to shoe aesthetics for more than 130 years. Its products are highly regarded for their sophistication and superior comfort.

Itochu Corporation’s motivation for creating traditional Japanese clothing is the unique pursuit of beauty. The company incorporates various traditional techniques nurtured in the ancient capital of Kyoto, including dyeing, weaving and embroidery. Utilizing these technologies, it creates a range of innovative and unique products dawn Sandals and bags.

Nishikawa

A cornerstone of Japanese bamboo craftsmanship since 1831, Nishikawa Specializing in Kyoto weldinga traditional screen or blind. By incorporating bamboo crafts into tea ceremonies and flower arrangements, it helps elevate bamboo crafts from a functional use to an art form.

Designed by second generation shop owner Oshiki Sudare (parlour shutters), making this famous decorative feature – which had previously adorned the homes of noble and samurai families – widely accessible to the public. Some of Nishikawa’s carefully crafted items include woven basket bags; flower cage (flower baskets used in flower arrangements and sometimes in Japanese tea ceremonies), lighting fixtures and dining accessories.

Enjoy desserts and drinks

After browsing, take a pleasant break at Sue Fu Qing Q cafe stall or Saruhiko Coffeeboth of which hold pop-ups within exhibition. Suetomi AoQ Cafe Stand is a branch of the legendary Kyoto confectionery brand established in 1893; this is the brand’s first store in the Kanto region.

Indulge in their signature financier cake red beans (red bean) salt bread, perfect for refueling after a long day of shopping. For coffee lovers, Saruhiko offers a chance to experience Tokyo’s vibrant coffee culture. Founded in Ebisu, Tokyo, Sarutahiko is known for its carefully crafted seasonal lattes and single-origin pour-over coffee.

The 76th “Eastern and Western Japan Craftsmen and Time-honored Brands Exhibition” will be held from February 19th to 24th at the 8th floor of Nihombashi Takashimaya. Open February 19-24 10:30am-7:30pm; Closed February 24th 6:00pm

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