I am Takashi Wakamiya, producer of HIKOJU MAKIE and also the 2014 Japan Cultural Envoy. I produce urushi works (lacquerware) in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. This time it’s my pleasure to carry out my cultural exchange mission to London, Edinburgh, Marseille, Paris, Beijing, and Hong Kong from 1st November until 4th December 2014.
Through the introduction of my works and activities in each regional museum, university and gallery, I hope to spread the knowledge of some Japanese culture.
In Paris, I had an exchange meeting with some artists and exchanged art information.
In London, just like in previous years, I joined the annual Asian Art week event. I also saw many great artworks at the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the art auction houses and galleries. During the Asian Art week, many art collectors, researchers, museum officials and artists from all over the world gathered in London. Therefore, it was a very good opportunity to share Japanese urushi and culture.
This time I could complete the mission due to the support of many people. I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. In the future, I will continue to do my best to promote the urushi art.