From January 23 (Fri) to January 25 (Sun), we exhibited at "MONO JAPAN" held in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
＜Click here for information on MONO JAPAN FAIR 2026＞
This was our first joint exhibition since businesses involved in handicrafts from all over Japan gathered to form the "TENOKUNI NIPPON" group!
The members who made up our booth this time were as follows:
Annaj (Upcycled Obi and Obijime)
Hiroshima Fude Sangyo (Kumano Brushes)
KIRIEBIJOU (Paper-cut and Foil Jewelry)
SEIKO YOSHIMURA (Urushi Jewelry)
Watabun (Nishijin-ori and Silk Products)
Sansuido's Kamakura-bori was exhibited alongside the products of these individuals.
Chushin Kobo, a Yamagata casting workshop and fellow member of TENOKUNI NIPPON, participated as a craft booth for Yamagata Prefecture.
Actually, this time, there was a problem right at the start: the luggage we had shipped in advance didn't arrive at the venue.
However, that's the strength of a group exhibition!
Exhibitors scheduled to travel to the site (including myself, of course) received other members' products in Japan before departure and hand-carried as much as they could fit into their suitcases.
As a result, we were able to successfully make the exhibition.
TENOKUNI NIPPON's first exhibition immediately became a test of teamwork.
However, that's the strength of a group exhibition!
Exhibitors scheduled to travel to the site (including myself, of course) received other members' products in Japan before departure and hand-carried as much as they could fit into their suitcases.
As a result, we were able to successfully make the exhibition.
TENOKUNI NIPPON's first exhibition immediately became a test of teamwork.
The venue was the "SUPERNOVA HOTEL," a modernized early 1900s building that was renovated.
After passing the front desk, the hallways continue like a labyrinth, making you feel like you're on an adventure.
I actually got lost……
Our booth was in Room 005 on the base floor.
We utilized the room's furnishings, bed, and even the stairs leading to the loft to display our products, which blended naturally with the atmosphere of the space, resulting in a rather pleasing setup.
For three days, visitors came non-stop, creating such a lively atmosphere that at times, it was impossible to move inside the room.
When speaking with European customers, I got the impression that they value not only the craft products themselves but also the stories and backgrounds behind them.
This time, I had many opportunities to explain products other than Kamakura-bori to customers, so the different kind of customer interaction was fresh and enjoyable!
The Netherlands is the only European country that maintained trade with Japan during the Edo period, and I feel that many people there are still pro-Japanese.
There were quite a few people who had visited Kamakura or were interested in the tea ceremony, and some customers even purchased Kamakura-bori natsume.
＜Click here for Kamakura-bori Natsume product page＞
When explaining Kamakura-bori, there were many instances where people were surprised by its lightness and soft feel, unique to lacquerware, despite its sturdy appearance. Seeing their reactions was very memorable.
Among them, the Kamakura-bori sake cups, which sold out, were particularly popular.
It made me realize once again that the culture of enjoying sake is shared across borders.
＜Click here for Sansuido Kamakura-bori Sake Cup product page＞
Our first exhibition as TENOKUNI NIPPON was a good opportunity to learn about the synergy of a joint exhibition, supported by the strength of our companions.
Unfortunately, the MONO JAPAN fair will conclude with this 10th installment.
(However, the permanent store will continue to operate.)
While TENOKUNI NIPPON's future activities are still being explored, we hope to build on this experience for our next challenge in a different location.
＜Bonus＞
Speaking of Japanese food culture, which is now spread all over the world, it's this.
A Sapporo ramen restaurant in Rotterdam called Takumi Düsseldorf...
Speaking of Japanese food culture, which is now spread all over the world, it's this.
A Sapporo ramen restaurant in Rotterdam called Takumi Düsseldorf...
