Note: This website was automatically translated, so some terms or nuances may not be completely accurate.
LEXUS NEW TAKUMI PROJECT Craftsmen from across Japan showcase their works and give presentations.
LEXUS held the "LEXUS NEW TAKUMI PROJECT Presentation" at Bellesalle Tokyo Nihonbashi in Chuo Ward on January 18.
Lexus (Toyota Motor Corporation and Lexus dealerships nationwide) views revitalizing Japan from the local level as a major theme. This project supports young "craftsmen" who are tackling new manufacturing with free thinking while utilizing local characteristics and techniques, helping them spread their wings from their regions to Japan and the world. It started in April 2016.
Craftsmen participating in the project were recruited through "regional recommendations" by newspapers nationwide, partner organizations (DESIGN ASSOCIATION NPO / TOKYO DESIGN WEEK), and support members, as well as through "open applications" submitted by the craftsmen themselves. From these, a selection committee chose 52 craftsmen representing all prefectures.
The selected artisans prototyped products aligned with the project theme, leveraging their skills and ideas with support from Lexus in each region and advice from support members. The presentation on the 18th served as an opportunity to showcase their products and conduct business discussions with buyers.
Following the presentations, a project event took place on stage.
Mr. Koji Mishima, Manager of Lexus Domestic Sales Department, explained the project's purpose: "Lexus, as a Japanese luxury brand, continues to challenge the world and values supporting master craftsmen's manufacturing. This project was launched with regional contribution in mind." He added, "We hope you enjoy the core Lexus spirit within these products, along with the craftsmen's ideas and techniques."
Supervisor and producer Kundo Koyama and four support members took the stage. Each announced their "Noteworthy Craftsman" selected from the 52 participants.
Architect Kengo Kuma, also a support member, stated via video message: "Japan has diversity, and I want artisans to have more confidence. The project's role is to provide a strategic perspective to the work." He added, "Please actively share your work with the world," sending a message to the artisans.
Koyama stated, "One key factor in this project's success was involving regional newspapers." He explained, "The newspapers' support and coverage raised expectations around the project, likely boosting the artisans' motivation." He emphasized that what truly matters is who encounters the works. He concluded that the attendance of over 150 buyers at the venue was highly significant.
He addressed the artisans, saying, "Consider today not as the finish line, but as the starting point. Please continue creating your works."
Project Site: https://lexus.jp/new-takumi/
■ "Featured Craftsman" Selected by Support Members
Was this article helpful?
Share this article
