[Tokyo Governor’s Award] Kusanagi Keiko of Kusanagi Senshoku Kobo and Iwabuchi Atsushi of Nakakin Glass Selected as Tokyo Meisters

Kusanagi Keiko of Kusanagi Senshoku Kobo and Iwabuchi Atsushi of Nakakin Glass have been recognized as recipients of the Tokyo Meister award, presented by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to honor outstanding skilled artisans.

The Tokyo Meister award program honors Tokyo-based craftspeople who demonstrate exceptional mastery in their field, serve as role models to other artisans, or make significant contributions to the training and transmission of traditional techniques.

Below are the profiles of this year’s recipients, along with links to their featured stories on the Edogawa Collection.

■Kusanagi Senshoku Kobo, Kusanagi Keiko
A hand-painted yuzen dye artisan, Kusanagi carries out every part of the dyeing process herself, from design to finishing, drawing on deep knowledge and refined techniques developed over many years. In addition to product development, she actively runs workshops and works to promote the art and culture of dyeing, playing a key role in the industry’s growth.

Updating the Dyeing Classics—Yuzen, Komatsuna, Marbling…
See Kusanagi’s creations here.

■Nakakin Glass, Iwabuchi Atsushi
A glass craftsman with 22 years of experience making Edo glass, a Tokyo-designated traditional craft, Iwabuchi is known for his mastery of the Pokan technique, used to create two-layered irogise glass with striking color contrasts, and for shaping large vases and other works. He is also active in training the next generation of artisans. In 2012, he received an Edogawa City Technical Achievement Award and was certified as a Tokyo Traditional Craftsperson in 2018.

Adding Sparkle to Everyday Life: The Beauty of Layered, Colored EdoGlassware
See Nakakin Glass’s creations here.