Kanazawa Utatasuyama Kogei Kobo

The Kanazawa Utatsuyama Kogei Kobo was established on November 1, 1989 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the city of Kanazawa. The kobo (workshop) is as an institution that specializes in KOGEI (crafts), and is responsible for the preservation and development of KOGEI in Kanazawa as well as the promotion of cultural activities. Kanazawa is known for its tradition of excellence in KOGEI, which developed from the activities of the Osaikusho (Kaga Clan Kobo). To retain the spirit of its forerunners, the Kobo adhered to three principles: "To train artists who will work actively at the international level," "To exhibit KOGEI to the public," and "To encourage the public to participate in KOGEI." Through exhibitions and workshops for the public, it strove to continue to develop the culture of KOGEI. Since 1989, the kobo has offered traineeships to artists and has cultivated trainees to have the creativity to use their art to respond to the changing times.
30 years after its foundation, the kobo was renovated and re-opened on November 1, 2019 in commemoration of the 130th anniversary of the founding of Kanazawa City. The three principles of the kobo were also updated to reflect its changing nature. These renewed principles include: "To train artists who will work actively at the international level," "To connect with the world proactively," and "To diffuse authentic KOGEI (crafts) all over the world." The Kobo aims to be a focal point for producing world-class craftspeople who play active roles in KOGEI while also adjusting to the changing times.