JCC E-Magazine February 2017

During the start of the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony of Singapore Style x Ishikawa Traditional Craft Collaborative Product Exhibition was held at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on last Wednesday, 11th January 2017. The exhibition showcased the fruits of three different collaborations, showing products of Ishikawa’s traditional crafts incorporated with Singaporean design – in the spirit of last year’s SJ50.

Minister Naohiro Tsutsumi, Deputy Chief of Mission and Acting JCC Director, commenced the opening by welcoming the Singaporean designers and Ishikawa Prefecture traditional craftsmen to our centre, alongside over 50 guests from diverse fields who graced the ceremony. Mr Mitsuru Narita, Director of the Ishikawa Prefectural Government Singapore Representative Office, then gave an insight introduction about Ishikawa Prefecture.

Following which, each Singaporean designers and Ishikawa Prefecture traditional craftsmen proceeded to introduce their collaboration products, namely Yamanaka Lacquerware Okadaya Shikki x Supermama, Wajima Lacquerware Tohachiya x Temasek Polytechnic School of Design and lastly, Kaga Yuzen Hisatsune Yuzen x Singapore Botanic Gardens & Toh Garden. They spoke about their journeys, experiences and inspirations about the collaborations and designs.

Guests also had the opportunity to see live demonstrations on the making of Kaga Yuzen and Wajima Lacquerware by two Japanese craftsmen. Japanese sake from Ishikawa prefecture in beautiful lacquerware cups and light refreshments were served at the opening ceremony as well.

Guests attending the opening ceremony.

Visitors attending the Yamanaka Lacquerware gold leaf decoration (coaster) workshop.

As part of the opening event, guests had the unique experience of making their own traditional craft under the guidance of skilled craftsmen from Japan on 11th January 2017. These included the chance of dyeing a handkerchief, coating lacquer on a pair of chopsticks, or decorating a coaster with gold leaves.

Due to overwhelming response, those who were unable to participate could still have the rare chance to personally observe and witness the mastery of the Ishikawa traditional craftsmen.

H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda also visited the exhibition on 12th January 2017, viewing the exclusive and beautiful products that feature the three tie-ups – Kaga Yuzen, Yamanaka lacquerware and Wajima lacquerware – between Singaporean designers and Ishikawa Prefecture craftsmen.

As a result of this event, many guests learned more about Ishikawa Prefecture, and expressed an interest in visiting the area one day!

H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda viewing the collaborative Wajima lacquerware products between Tohachiya and Temasek Polytechnic School of Design.

Minister Naohiro Tsutsumi, Deputy Chief of Mission and Acting JCC Director, commencing the opening and welcoming guests.		Mr Mitsuru Narita, Director of the Ishikawa Prefectural Government Singapore Representative Office, giving an insight introduction about Ishikawa Prefecture.
Mr Yoshisuke Okada, President of Okadaya Shikki, speaking at the ceremony and their collaboration with Supermama.		Mr Edwin Low, Founder of Supermama, speaking at the ceremony and their collaboration with Okadaya Shikki – showcasing smartphone covers designed by a Singaporean that turned motifs of Singapore’s national flower, the orchid into shimmering gold and silver makie with Yamanaka Lacquerware .

Mr Masahide Shioji, a craftman from Tohachiya, speaking at the ceremony and their collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic School of Design.		Mr Lim Chong Jin, Director of Temasek Polytechnic School of Design, speaking at the ceremony and their collaboration with Tohachiya.
One of Temasek Polytechnic School of Design students speaking her inspiration for her design – hair ornament made to resemble the bamboo poles used for drying clothes commonly found in HDB blocks, a scene that can be found in everyday living for the common Singaporeans.		Dr David Middleton, Coordinating Director, Research & Conservation & Keeper of Herbarium at Singapore Botanic Gardens speaking at the ceremony and their collaboration with Hisatsune Yuzen and Toh Garden – Shawls were designed and made using the colouring from the petals of orchid found in Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Mr Toh Hong Yi, Owner of Toh Garden, speaking at the ceremony and their collaboration with Hisatsune Yuzen and Singapore Botanic Gardens.		Mr Toshiharu Hisatsune, an artisan at Hisatsune Yuzen speaking at the ceremony and their collaboration with Singapore Botanic Gardens and Toh Garden.
Mr Toshiharu Hisatsune, an artisan at Hisatsune Yuzen, demonstrating Kaga Yuzen at the ceremony.		Mr Toshiharu Hisatsune, an artisan at Hisatsune Yuzen, demonstrating Kaga Yuzen at the ceremony.

Mr Masahide Shioji, a craftsman from Tohachiya, demonstrating Wajima Lacquerware at the ceremony.		Mr Masahide Shioji, a craftsman from Tohachiya, demonstrating Wajima Lacquerware at the ceremony.
Guests attending the ceremony and viewing the exhibition.		Guests attending the ceremony and viewing the exhibition.
Visitors attending the Yamanaka Lacquerware gold leaf decoration (coaster) workshop.		Visitors attending the Kaga Yuzen dyeing experience (handkerchief) workshop.
Visitors attending the Kaga Yuzen dyeing experience (handkerchief) workshop.		H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda viewing the collaborative Kaga Yuzen products between Toshiharu Hisatsune, Singapore Botanic Gardens and Toh Gardens.
H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda viewing the collaborative Yamanaka lacquerware products with Select Shop, Supermama.

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