Superb crafts and craft-making techniques, firmly built upon traditions and refined over many generations, enchant people and serve as a country's intangible cultural assets. Such techniques, however do not just adhere to original traditions; they continue to evolve as they pass through each generation.

The Japan Pavilion at Maison & Objet 2008, under the theme "Japan Style 2008 - In the Details-", presents 17 such techniques that are uniquely Japanese. Flowing through these techniques are the Japanese spirit and willingness to enthusiastically embrace foreign cultures, along with pride in craftsmanship and dedication to precision. This culture of Japanese craftsmanship - which is alive even in today's globalized internet society - helps distinguish Japan's arts and crafts.

With the aim of reinventing the sprit of Japanese craftsmanship, this year's Japan Pavilion will showcase products made from several of the country's time-honored crafts-making techniques imbued with Japanese culture and history, And through feedback received at Maison & Objet 2008, it is hoped that these techniques can be further refined. Constant evolution is an essential factor that helps such techniques survive through generations: It is this evolution that inspires further innovation and advances in Japanese craftsmanship.

Toshiki KIRIYAMA, General Producer
"Japan Style 2008 - In the Details - "

1 :   Japan Style 2008 - Index Page
2 :   AIDA YUSUKE CO., LTD. Ceramic Art & Environment Art
3 :   AKADA PAINT BRUSH CO., LTD
4 :   fiorichiari by TAKATA SEISAKUSHO CO., LTD.
5 :   FLAMES CO., LTD.
6 :   HAKUICHI CO., LTD.
7 :   HAKUSAN PORCELAIN CO., LTD
8 :   INDEN-YA UEHARA YUSHICHI CO., LTD.
9 :   KANAZU SEN-I CORPORATION
10 :   KURIKYU CO., LTD
11 : NAKAGAWA MASASHICHI SHOTEN CO., LTD.
12 : SAKURA SEISAKUSHO INC.
13 : SHIOYASU URUSHI WARE COMPANY
14 : SHOTOKU GLASS CO.
15 : SOEJIMA ISAO SHOTEN CO., LTD
16 : TOSARYU INC
17 : TSUBOI WOOD CRAFT
18 : TSUYUKI WOOD WORKING PLANT CO., INC.