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The Traditional Craft Center, located a convenient 0 minutes from JR Ikebukuro station, offers handy one-stop shopping for a range of Japanese crafts. It's all here and it's all for sale - from pottery, lacquerware and carving knives for your everyday needs to more esoteric bows and arrows, washi (paper products), calligraphy brushes and even furniture.
Something of a cross between a museum and a department store, the center houses its all-inclusive permanent collection on the first floor, with over one hundred items on display. It's limited to items that are made mostly by hand; that embody traditional techniques (dating back at least 100 years) and traditional materials; and that are used in the course of everyday life. We were greeted at the door by an impressive display of the different types of wood used in Japanese crafts - giant 9-foot limbs from a few dozen tree species.
Upstairs on the second floor, in-depth exhibits focusing on specific crafts are staged for two-week periods. These temporary shows are usually worth a look, often featuring live demonstrations of technique by visiting craftsmen. Recent exhibitions have showcased pottery from Gifu, forged blades from Osaka, wooden mosaics from Hakone and various crafts from Okinawa.
Japanese speakers doing deeper research can also take advantage of the reference library, the video corner, and a craft clinic that dispenses advice on repairs.
by Bjorn Katz
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Japan Traditional
Crafts Center
Metropolitan Plaza Building, 1-11-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro
03-5954-6066
http://www.kougei.or.jp/
located in Metropolitan Plaza 1-3F
0 min. from JR line Metropolitan exit
Open 11am-7pm
free admission
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