Awu Chen 1/30/25 Awu Chen 1/30/25

Thread is paint, the needle a brush, and AI the canvas | Kiyomi Osawa

At 17, she challenged the embroidery industry by calling herself an artist. Now, at 70 and partially blind, she remains a relentless advocate for yokoburi embroidery artisans.

Awu Chen 1/15/25 Awu Chen 1/15/25

Digitizing Tacit Knowledge | Hosai Matsubayashi XVI

Capturing the tacit knowledge of artisans—the intricate gestures, muscle memory, and time-honored craftsmanship.

Awu Chen 12/24/24 Awu Chen 12/24/24

Yurameki Healing Light | 嵐山の水

A tale of healing, dreams, and the preservation of craftsmanship.

Awu Chen 12/19/24 Awu Chen 12/19/24

The Terminal Kyoto | A Harbor for Creativity

The Terminal Kyoto, once home to the founder of ”木崎呉服店” the prestigious kimono firm Kizaki Gofukuten, has become part of our HAKO network hosting exhibitions, workshops, and events.

Awu Chen 10/4/24 Awu Chen 10/4/24

Yume Korozome | Yusai Okuda

Yusai-sensei's masterpiece, titled "夢こうろ染" Yume Korozome, unveils a mesmerizing dance of dreams and colors.

Awu Chen 4/11/24 Awu Chen 4/11/24

Kamisoe | Ko Kado

"The technique is more important than the concept." - Ko Kado, Karakami craftsman

Awu Chen 12/21/23 Awu Chen 12/21/23

The Hidden World of Geishas

The Cultural Significance of "Ichigen-san o kotowari"

Awu Chen 12/12/23 Awu Chen 12/12/23

HAKO | 箱

Whether you're an artist or a patron, we invite you to immerse yourself in Kyoto's rich craft heritage and gain insight from the lifelong wisdom of its living national treasures.

Awu Chen 10/1/23 Awu Chen 10/1/23

Weaving Centuries | Bringing 300-year-old Craft On-chain

Beyond the intricate beauty and collaborative spirit that define traditional Japanese craft lies a pressing issue — a craft crisis that has cast a shadow over centuries-old traditions. The decline of craftsmanship isn’t limited to one craft; it’s a systematic problem affecting all traditional crafts in Japan.