Traditional Crafts of TokyoTraditional Crafts of Tokyo 東京の伝統工芸品

Tokyo Building TOKIA

Experience a life of traditional crafts.
4 areas to enjoy learning about late Edo life, and modern life with traditional crafts!

Tokyo Building TOKIA

Four areas are established in the west passage: “Cloth, E“Food, E“Life Eand “Fun. EThese areas offer a look into late Edo life, while offering ways to incorporate the aesthetic into a modern lifestyle.

Cloth: Considering Edo and modern fashion

Cloth: Considering Edo and modern fashionThe “Cloth Earea includes an exhibition referencing illustrations of late Edo textile stores. One could expect such interesting collaborations as a textile store set up like a modern apparel shop. Observing how the late Edo style incorporates with modern sensibilities should give attendees a taste of the era. What’s more, exhibitions suggesting how to incorporate traditional crafts into modern outfits introduce fashion items made with traditional crafting techniques, such as stoles, neckties, handkerchiefs and more.
A collection of trays for every month displayed side by side for your viewing pleasure. Perceive the depth of Japanese food culture.

Food: Japan’s abundant food culture

Food: Japan’s abundant food cultureThis area employs dishes and vessels of Edo glass in the scene of a traditional Edo restaurant. In addition, a display of 12 food trays incorporating traditional crafts are arranged in a modern display, under the theme of Japan’s conventional seasons. Catch a glimpse of Japan’s rich food culture. Notice the explanatory panels on the background of the food trays. Be sure not to miss the traditional Edo sliding screens themed across 12 months.
A collection of trays for every month displayed side by side for your viewing pleasure. Perceive the depth of Japanese food culture.

Fun: A market of Edo era talismans

Fun: A market of Edo era talismansDuring the Edo period, there was a place in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi known as “Jikkendana E This bustling area was lined with shops that would sell festival dolls and kamuro dolls for the dolls festival in March, kabuto dolls and carp banners for the Boy’s Day celebration in May, and more. The “Fun Earea strives to recreate the atmosphere of the Jikkendana. A pyramid of Edo kimekomi dolls and a of Edo cloth applique-like portrait wall work to reinforce this effort. An ideal spot to grab media to upload for all to see.
A bustling exhibition reminiscent of a festival. Travel back in time to enjoy a slice of the Jikkendana experience.

Life: Living with traditional crafts

Life: Living with traditional craftsA presentation of an Edo merchant’s home. Many traditional crafts make an appearance here, so please take a look. What’s more, there are displays of interior decoration incorporating traditional crafts for a modern living room, entranceway, bedroom and study. Traditional crafts meld into contemporary lifestyles with ease, enhancing the spaces they occupy.
Use this as reference for bringing traditional crafts into your own modern home.

A cornucopia of artisan demonstrations and live performances

A cornucopia of artisan demonstrations and live performances

Observe traditional crafting techniques

Observe traditional crafting techniques

Demonstration booths within two of the venues will hold different demonstrations by Tokyo traditional craftsmen every day. What artisans can you see when you visit? Please see their honed technique with your own eyes.

Showcase of comic dialogue and Edo era anecdotes

Showcase of comic dialogue and Edo era anecdotes

An interactive comedy event pulling themes from audience suggestions. This flow between performer and spectator is what live performance is all about. The performance takes place on an Edo street, and the performance revolves around Edo era anecdotes.

Music old and new with the sound of traditional crafts

Music old and new with the sound of traditional crafts

During the event, professional musicians will perform Tokyo koto and Tokyo shamisen music. You can enjoy the charming instruments utilized by each performer, who play modern songs on a pop stage.


*Items on display and exhibition details are subject to future changes.
*All pictures are concept images.
*Map design & illustration by Workshop Jin, Inc.