Japan Folk Crafts Museum

Overview

The Japan Folk Crafts Museum is an art museum founded in 1936 by Soetsu Yanagi, the founder of the Mingei movement. Yanagi sought to reveal the beauty he found in traditional Japanese crafts and folk items, a beauty he believed had been lost in modern civilization. His concept of "Mingei" values the inherent, timeless beauty found in everyday crafts and folk items, independent of fleeting trends. The museum displays a diverse collection of Mingei works gathered from across Japan, including ceramics, lacquerware, woodwork, textiles, bamboo crafts, metalwork, and dolls. These pieces showcase the skill and ingenuity of artisans, reflecting the history and culture of their respective regions. Exploring the exhibition rooms offers an enriching experience of traditional Japanese aesthetics passed down through generations. The Japan Folk Crafts Museum also hosts several special exhibitions annually, delving deeper into specific themes and facets of Mingei. Recent themes have included "Japanese Life and Mingei" and "Tea Ceremony and Mingei." These exhibitions provide opportunities to reflect on Japanese culture, history, and their connections to modern society through the lens of Mingei. The Japan Folk Crafts Museum is a precious place where you can immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture and aesthetics, even within a bustling metropolis. Escape the city's hustle and bustle, spend some quiet time, and contemplate Japanese art and culture.