Launch of SABAE URUSHI AWARD 2015 and Traditional Crafts’ Future Project

Keio University Graduate School of Media Design (KMD) has launched “Dentoukogei Mirai Project” (Traditional Crafts’ Future Project) as well as the “SABAE URUSHI AWARD 2015” in collaboration with Sabae City (in Fukui Prefecture, Japan) and Echizen Urushi Lacquerware Cooperative Association.

Throughout this project, new technologies, designs and ideas will be introduced and implemented into the lacquerware industry of Sabae City. In the Japanese language, ‘Urushi’ means the Japanese lacquerware which has been called “japan” in the west. As a part of the Traditional Crafts’ Future Project, “SABAE URUSHI AWARD 2015” will solicit the concepts from the creators all over the world to discover the new possibilities of the Japanese lacquer, especially the new designs of tableware, furniture, stationery, and IT gadgets. On top of prototyping and commercializing the awarded concepts and designs with the cooperation of the lacquer craftspeople in Sabae City, “SABAE URUSHI AWARD 2015” will also play a role in conveying the unique charm of Japanese lacquerware world-widely via social media.

You can apply to this award through the official website, or by mailing to the award office directly. The application deadline is August 23, 2015 (Sun). *Postmark deadline

For the press release of “SABAE URUSHI AWARD 2015”, please see here (in Japanese).
For the official website of “SABAE URUSHI AWARD 2015”, please see here.