About Traditional Craft Products

Traditional Craft Products of NIIGATA Designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry

Since ancient times, various craft industries have been active throughout Japan. The specialized skills are used for making household items, and have been passed down from one generation to the next. Each type of craft has its own regional characteristics. 219 items have been officially recognized and awarded as ‘Traditional Craft Products’ by The Japanese government (Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry) in February 2015. This is a scheme for the preservation of traditional crafts. 16 items are made in 13 different parts of Niigata. It is the second highest handicrafts production prefecture after Kyoto.

The criteria of Traditional Craft Products as follow,-
- The craft item must be used mainly in everyday life.
- They must be hand-made.
- The traditional skills, techniques and raw materials must have been in use for over 100 years.
- The craft item must have been contributing for the development of regional enterprises.

The official label is usually displayed on the craft for its recognition.


LINKS

○Traditional Crafts in NIIGATA (Niigata Prefecture)
http://www.pref.niigata.lg.jp/shogyoshinko/1293144423860.html

○Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square
Introduction of all ‘Traditional Craft Products’ in Japan, Exhibitions, Online shop
http://kougeihin.jp/home.shtml (Japanese)
http://kougeihin.jp.e.oo.hp.transer.com/home.shtml (English)

○Traditional Crafts in NIIGATA(Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/912352078784416/ (Japanese)