Agency for Cultural Affairs FY2025 research report on securing tools and raw materials necessary for traditional craft techniques.
Key Points
1. Background and Purpose of Survey
- Difficulty in obtaining traditional tools and raw materials due to social structure and lifestyle changes
- Sustainable securing of tools and materials essential for intangible cultural property protection
- Actual condition survey of Important Intangible Cultural Property holder groups
- Development and practice of efficient survey methods
2. Survey Targets and Methods
- Survey of Important Intangible Cultural Property holder groups
- Interviews with Selected Conservation Technique preservation groups
- Understanding actual conditions through on-site inspections
- Selection of survey implementation groups through public recruitment
3. Main Survey Implementation Groups and Results
- Tsugaru Lacquerware Technique Preservation Society: Securing lacquer and wood base materials
- Echigo-jofu and Ojiya-chijimi Technique Preservation Association: Plant-based raw materials like ramie
- Case studies of other traditional craft technique groups
- Analysis of supply chain current status and challenges
4. Future Direction and Recommendations
- Strengthening cooperation between raw material producers and craft technicians
- Support for research and development of alternative materials
- Building systems for successor training and technique transmission
- Establishing sustainable supply systems
This report presents concrete measures for stable securing of necessary tools and raw materials to pass on Japan's traditional craft techniques to the next generation.