This exhibition presents an illustration of how craftsmanship and small industry are embedded in tradition, embrace the new and adapt in a changing society. It focuses on the metalworking industry in Tsubame-Sanjo in northern Japan. More
This region produces the majority of cutlery made in Japan, and its businesses have developed ultra-fine metal-polishing techniques. The area boasts a centuries-old "Living National Treasure" copperware manufacturing tradition.
Biology of Metal: Metal Craftsmanship in Tsubame-Sanjo
Japan House London
6 September - 28 October 2018
Curated by Japan House London
Powered by Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Festival
Curation: Japan House London (Simon WRIGHT)
Creative Direction: method Inc. (YAMADA Yū)
Art Direction & Design: SPREAD Ltd.(KOBAYASHI Hirokazu & YAMADA Haruna)
Photograph & Video: JINGŪ Ōki, KODAIRA Kazuhiro
Video Editing: YAMAGUCHI Takashi, KOYANAGI Shintarō
Music: Sound Lab.(OKADA Haruo), CRITICAL PATH (ONODERA Yui)
English Translation: Zackary KAPLAN, Penguin Translation
Merchandise: Welcome Co., Ltd.(KATŌ Saeko), method Inc.(SATŌ Yuka)
PR(JAPAN): HOW INC.(KOIKE Miki)
Special Thanks: Yahiko Shrine, Sanjō Kaji Dojō, TASAI Michio, Smile Farm Inc., SHIBUYA Kazuma, SAITŌ Yūsuke, SANJŌ MONOZUKURI SCHOOL, SECORI-HYAKKEI, Nitoms, Inc., KATŌ Kumiko, Zoyander Street, MANABE Satoko
Support: Sanjō City, Tsubame City, Tsubame-Sanjo Regional Industries Promotion Center & Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Festival Committee; not forgetting the workers of: Hizukurino Uchiyama, Snow Peak Inc., Kondō Seisakusho Co. Ltd., Hinoura Hamono, Ishikoma Co. Ltd., Gyokusendō, Kiseruya Noboru, Yamazaki Polishing Industry Co. Ltd., Kobayashi Kengyō Co. Ltd., Shinwa Rules Co. Ltd., Hōchō Kōbō Tadafusa, Sanjō Seisakusho Co. Ltd., Marunao Co. Ltd., Nomikaji Tasai, Shinko Basami Seisakusho, Ohizumibussan Co. Ltd., Maruto Hasegawa Kōsakujo Inc., Seven Seven Co. Ltd., Takeda Kanagata Seisakusho Co. Ltd., MGNET Co. Ltd., Yamatoki Seisakusho Co. Ltd., Suwada Blacksmith Works Inc., Suwada London Ltd., Ominato Bunkichi Shōten Co. Ltd., Honai Gardens, Ōiwa Chokin, Yamazaki Kinzoku Kōgyō Co. Ltd., Karasawa File Works Co. Ltd., Tsuboe Co. Ltd. & Aiba Sangyō Co. Ltd.
