Koryuen

News and Views

This section gives you a selection of news, my views, and some stories that I think may be of interest to you, including both essential and peripheral topics in the field of netsuke. In this section, the top-most information is the newest.


Mr. Leigh Sloggett's Concert and Interview

Did you know that Mr. Leigh Sloggett, an Australian netsuke artist, is very active as a guitarist as well?

He is doing an online concert together with other guitarists, Mr. Yoshikawa Chuei from Japan and Mr. Nick Charles from Australia, starting at 8:00pm (Australia time) on May 7, 2020. There will be an interview, and Leigh-san is thinking of briefly talking about his netsuke.

Here is a link to a promotional video of the concert:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfujxX1b4VI

Details such as how to buy a ticket can be seen at the following website:
https://www.boite.com.au



Princess Takamado's Lecture on Netsuke

HIH Princess Takamado gave a lecture on netsuke at Girton College, University of Cambridge on February 15, 2019. Her Highness says that the Q&A is fun, so please watch it via the link below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndkHsjAAkxM&feature=youtu.be



TV Program Featuring Ise Netsuke

A TV program featuring Ise Netsuke will be on air via Katch Network, a Japanese cable TV station which covers the following cities in Aichi prefecture: Kariya, Anjo, Takahama, Chiryu, Hekinan, Nishio, Toyota, and Okazaki. The program can also be viewed at 4K channel of the Japanese cable network. The schedule and the webpage of the program are as follows. If you have an access to the channel, please take a look!

Schedule: April 27 - May 3 (or 24), 2018
Program Webpage (in Japanese):
https://www.katch.co.jp/community/program/3004.html

Postscript: The full program (in Japanese) can be viewed via the following "Jimotv" website until June 28, 2018. Click on the link below, and copy and paste this phrase "東海の肖像" into the search box on the upper right corner of the Jimotv website, and click on the light blue button on the right or press the "return" key on your keyboard. You will find the program titled "東海の肖像「掌に広がる小宇宙 伊勢根付」", then click on the image on the left.
Jimotv website: http://jimotv.jp



Ryushi's Netsuke Class Newly Starts in April 2017

Culture Center Sankei Gakuen in Shin-Yurigaoka, Kanagawa prefecture, commenced a new class of netsuke carving on April 28, 2017. The instructor is the netsuke artist Ryushi (Komada). The class is scheduled from 1:00pm to 3:30pm on the fourth Friday of the month. Japanese language only. For details, please visit the site below and make inquiries directly to the Center.

Sankei Gakuen Website:
https://www.sankeigakuen.co.jp/

Netsuke Class Webpage:
https://www.sankeigakuen.co.jp/search/detail.php?SC=34&CC=81316&OS=34

This announcement was updated on June 26, 2017.



Japan Netsuke Society's New Administration

Japan Netsuke Society's officers were re-selected and accepted at the meeting on July 23, 2016. The former Vice-President Mr. Akabane Katsuhide is chosen as the President. The Society will further grow under the guidance of the new President Mr. Akabane!



Netsuke Artist Tadamine on TV

The Japanese National TV station NHK will have a live report from Ise-Shima region in the program "Asaichi", and Netsuke Artist Mr. Nakagawa Tadamine will speak about Ise netsuke and Masanao. If you have an access to the channel, please watch the show!

Channel: NHK
Schedule: February 22, 2016, program starting at 8:15am, Tadamine will most likely appear around 9:20am
Program website:
https://www.nhk.or.jp/asaichi/
Detains (in Japanese): http://www.nhk.or.jp/asaichi/2016/02/22/02.html



Mr. Tsuge on TV

Mr. Tsuge Kyozaburo, the president of Tsuge Pipe Company Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan, will speak about Japanese pipes and netsuke on a TV program "O-Edo Seminar". If you have an access to the following channel, please watch the show!

Channel: BS Japan
Schedule: starting at 9:00pm, June 16, 2015
Website:
http://www.bs-j.co.jp/ooedoseminar/



Makiko's Book Netsuke in More Publications

My book Netsuke is mentioned in the 'Letter from the Editor' in Japan Netsuke Society's Journal Netsuke no Shizuku No. 73, and IFCA News Letter, both published in April 2015. Furthermore, the book's review appeared in Yomiuri Newspaper on April 12, 2015. I am so delighted!

The review in the Yomiuri Newspaper can be viewed at the following webpage (Japanese language):
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/life/book/column/pocket/20150603-OYT8T50053.html

This announcement was updated on July 8, 2015.



Makiko's Book Netsuke Mentioned in Magazines

Japanology Collection Series of books including my Netsuke is mentioned in the May issue of Japanese women's magazines Fujin Gaho and Domani, both published on April 1, 2015. I am so grateful!



A Netsuke Carving Class Newly Starts in 2015

NHK Culture Center in Aoyama, Tokyo, commences a new class of netsuke carving on April 13, 2015. The instructors are the netsuke artists Kuroiwa Akira, Mukaida Yoka, Kurita Motomasa, and Itaru Yamamoto. The class will be held from 1:30pm to 4:40pm on the second and fourth Monday. As of April 2015, the fee is 32,400 yen for 6 classes (from April to June), the price for a tool set is 8,000 yen, and there will be other costs for materials, etc. Japanese language only.

For details, please visit the site below and make inquiries directly to the Center.
Website:
https://www.nhk-cul.co.jp/programs/program_1077161.html

Postscript: The class has been re-scheduled to start in July.

This announcement was updated on May 27, 2015.



Reviews on Makiko's Book Netsuke

A book review on my Netsuke appeared in the AKAHATA Newspaper issued on March 8, 2015, as well as in the weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun (released on March 12), for which I am very grateful!



Book Magazine Recommends Makiko's Book Netsuke

The April 2015 issue (released on March 6) of the Japanese book magazine Da Vinci recommends my book Netsuke, using one full page (on p. 240) of the magazine! A two-page spread of my book is reproduced in the magazine, and the choice of the pages is excellent, because those pages have three netsuke illustrated, and gives an explanation on the crucial element of netsuke. I feel that the editors of the magazine are true masters of book reading. If you can get an access to the magazine, please do take a look!



"Morita Soko's Netsuke on TV" (re-run date changed)

The popular TV program "Bi no Kyojin-tachi" (The Great Masters of Art) on "TV Tokyo" will feature Morita Soko. The show will include interviews with the former President of Japan Netsuke Society Mr. Watanabe Masanori and with the director of Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum Mr. Murata Masayuki, as well as a vegetable-dyeing demonstration by the contemporary artist Mr. Takayama Meikei. Don't miss the show!

On air (TV Tokyo):
10:00-10:30pm, Saturday, January 17, 2015
Re-run (BS Japan):
11:00-11:30pm, Wednesday, February 11 February 18, 2015
Website:
http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/kyojin/index.html



Exhibition of Students' Netsuke at Asahi Culture Center 2014

As an annual event, netsuke created by students of the Center's netsuke carving classes are shown until December 13, 2014, at the entrance of the Asahi Culture Center (on the 4th floor of Sumitomo Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo). On display are wide variety of works by the students and some unfinished pieces of the instructor Ryushi!



"Design of Cats" on "Bi-no-Tsubo"

"Design of cats" will be featured in the popular TV program "Bi-no-Tsubo" on NHK. Works of Zanmai and other contemporary artists will be shown and discussed. Don't miss the show!

Channel: NHK BS Premium
Time: 7:30-7:59pm, Friday, November 14, 2014
Re-run: 11:00-11:29am, Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Internationally on air at NHK World Premium; NHK-on-Demand will offer Pay-per-view for two weeks from November 15.
Website:
www.nhk.or.jp/tsubo/



Chugoku Shimbun Newspaper Features Netsuke Article

Mr. Akabane Katsuhide, the vice-president of Japan Netsuke Society, contributes an article on netsuke to the Chugoku Shimbun Newspaper (published mainly in Hiroshima and Yamaguchi) in regards with the well-received exhibition "Prince Takamado Netsuke Collection and Imperial Costumes" (held at Kure Municipal Museum of Art, Hiroshima, until March 30, 2014). The article appears on Saturday, March 15, 2014. If you can get an access to it, please do read it!



Netsuke Article Series in the Chugoku Shimbun Newspaper

On seven netsuke selected from the special exhibition "Prince Takamado Netsuke Collection and Imperial Costumes" held at Kure Municipal Museum of Art, Hiroshima, in March 2014, the curator contributes an article series to the Chugoku Shimbun Newspaper (published mainly in Hiroshima and Yamaguchi).

The series features one netsuke at a time, and it started on March 4, 2014. If you can get an access to it, please do read it! (Details on the exhibition can be seen at Koryuen's "Exhibitions and Events" page.)



Dr. Kotler's Netsuke Anecdote in Newspaper

A netsuke anecdote of Dr. Philip Kotler, a noted American professor specializing in marketing and collector of netsuke, will appear in The Nikkei Newspaper on December 21, 2013. If you can get an access to it, please do read it!



Exhibition of Students' Netsuke at Asahi Culture Center 2013

As an annual event, netsuke created by students of the Center's netsuke carving classes are on view until December 12, 2013, at the entrance of the Asahi Culture Center (on the 4th floor of Sumitomo Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo). The students include amateurs and professionals, and their works are rich in diversity!



Re-run of "Bi-no-Tsubo"

Four episodes of the popular TV program "Bi-no-Tsubo" on NHK will be on air on Channel 2 (ETV) late at night of October 19, 2013. The four episodes include the one on netsuke, which was highly praised when it was first aired a few years ago. The exact date and time on which the netsuke episode will be on air is still not decided as of October 7, but it will be on air some time between 24:00pm of October 19 (i.e., 0:00am of October 20) and 1:49am of October 20. If you are in Japan and if you haven't seen it, please check the schedules and watch the show!

This announcement was updated on October 13, 2013.



Japan Netsuke Society's New Administration

Japan Netsuke Society's board members were reelected and accepted at the meeting on July 28, 2013. The former co Vice-President Dr. Kimura Ikuko is chosen as the President, and the co Vice-President Mr. Akabane Katsuhide remains in the position. The former President Mr. Watanabe Masanori continues to serve as board member, and we would like to express our sincere gratitude for his efforts as the head of the Society for the last 8 years! The Society will further grow under the guidance of the new President Dr. Kimura and the Vice-President Mr. Akabane!

Apology and correction: I first wrote that Mr. Watanabe's efforts as the head of the Society for the last "6 years", but it was "8 years"! I apologize for the mistake and made the correction accordingly. I admire his great contribution to the Society for such a long period of time!

This announcement was updated on October 12, 2013.




Exhibition of Students' Netsuke at Asahi Culture Center 2012

As an annual event, netsuke created by students of the Center's netsuke carving classes are on view until November 8, 2012, at the Asahi Culture Center (on the 4th floor of Sumitomo Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo). Please take a look at their wonderful works!



Mr. Tsuge on Ad

Mr. Tsuge Kyozaburo, the President of Tsuge Pipe Company Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan, appears in the advertising poster of Terrada Warehouse Company. The poster can be seen on all the Tokyu-line trains for 3 months from September 25, 2012. Terrada Warehouse Company's website also shows some netsuke from Mr. Tsuge's collection, so please take a look!

Terrada Warehouse Company website (Mr. Tsuge's collection):
http://minikura.com/gallery/collector.php?user=2&collect=2/

Tsuge Pipe Company Ltd. website: http://www.tsugepipe.co.jp/



Sagemonoya Website

Sagemonoya of Tokyo, Japan, launched its renewed website (Japanese version) on September 9, 2012. Please take a look!
Website:
http://www.sagemonoya.jp



New Officials of INCA

The following artists assumed the positions of the officials of International Netsuke Carvers' Association in June 2012:

PresidentKuroiwa Akira Vice-PresidentsMukaida Yoka*,
Morimoto Setsuji
TreasurersNakamura Kazuaki,
Mukaida Yoka*
SecretaryKurita Motomasa
General AffairsSakurai Miki AuditorsYatsugi Mokuchu,
Tsubai Ryu
Public RelationsMaeda Ataru, Yamamoto Itaru, Sawai Koen
Official Representing Western JapanHiraga Tanetoshi Ise Chapter ChairNakagawa Tadamine
OfficialMiyazaki Teruo
Honorary MemberRobert O. Kinsey

Note: * (asterisk) indicates the artist assuming two positions.

The new officials will make every effort for the Association to continue to thrive!
For information about the Association,
click here.

Please note that, throughout the pages of this website, the Japanese names are given in "family-name first" order. Therefore the artist name follows the family name in the above list.



Academic Thesis by Princess Takamado and Newspaper Article

HIH Princess Takamado wrote a thesis on netsuke, and recently obtained doctoral degree at Osaka University of Arts. Her Highness has been interviewed by Kyodo News, and the article has been published in local newspapers throughout Japan as well as on the internet. The article (in Japanese) can be viewed at the following webpage:

http://www.47news.jp/47topics/e/228902.php



Exhibition of Students' Netsuke at Asahi Culture Center 2011-12

As an annual event, netsuke created by students of the Center's netsuke carving classes are on view until January 12, 2012, at the Asahi Culture Center (on the 4th floor of Sumitomo Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo). Please do take a look - their works are getting better year by year!

Updated on January 12, 2012



Zeshin on TV

The TV program "Bi-no-Kyoen" on "NHK BS Premium" from 9pm on November 28, 2011, features the master artist Shibata Zeshin as "da Vinci of lacquer art". Works are from the famous Khalili collection. If you have an access to the station, don't miss the show!

Website:
http://www.nhk.or.jp/artbs/kyoen/




Old Western Books on Netsuke Offered in Tokyo

'World Antiquarian Book Plaza' will open on the 3rd floor of Maruzen Nihonbashi Bookshop, Tokyo, on November 25, 2011.

Thanks to the efforts of the General Manager Mr. Michael Steinbach and Yushodo Co. Ltd., rare Western books on netsuke, etc. will be offered for sale there, including the famous Netsuke by Brockhaus (some thousand euros) and Netsuke by Jonas, depending on the stock. Please visit there and take a look!

Place: World Antiquarian Book Plaza on the 3rd floor of Maruzen Nihonbashi Bookshop
Address: 2-3-10 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-8245
Webpage (in Japanese):
http://myrp.maruzen.co.jp/twb/wabp/

Updated on June 27, 2017



"Prince Takamado Collection" Room Opened at TNM

"Prince Takamado Collection" Room was opened to the public on November 1, 2011, on the 2nd floor of Tokyo National Museum's Japanese Gallery (Honkan) to display the netsuke collection of TIH Prince and Princess Takamado. The assemblage was generously donated by the Princess to fulfill the late Prince's wish that a national museum should have a substantial display of contemporary netsuke.

Rotated every 3 months, some 50 pieces out of Their Highnesses' collection covering major artists and materials will always be on view. The catalogue has also been published.

As the first Japanese public institution that permanently shows modern netsuke, the Museum's opening of the room will accelerate the promotion and development of the field.

Related webpage:
http://www.tnm.jp/modules/r_exhibition/index.php?controller=item&id=2885&lang=en




Netsuke on TV

Netsuke will be featured in the "BS Japan" TV program "Me kara Uroko no Kotto-juku" (entertainment show/lecture featuring antiques), particularly in November 2011 (Thursday 9pm, rerun at Saturday 1pm). Kaigyokusai's rat will appear in the show on November 10, and Ise Masanao piece(s) in another show during the month. If you have an access to the station, don't miss the show!

Website:
http://www.bs-j.co.jp/kottou/




Earthquake Related News (April 27)

The netsuke artist Suzuki Rin, who was mentioned in the message of March 18 below, returned home on April 11, after spending a month in a shelter. (She gve me the news on the 12th, and I'm sorry for taking long to share it with you!)



Zanmai on TV

As informed below, the netsuke artist Zanmai will appear in the Japanese TV show "Admatic Tengoku", and it has been rescheduled to April 9, 2011.

Website:
http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/adomachi/index.html




Earthquake Related News (March 19)

Tobacco and Salt Museum of Shibuya, Tokyo, is having an exhibition of Ukiyoe featuring theatrical subjects, but the museum will be closed until March 22 due to the situation concerning the recent earthquake despite the fact that there was no damage to the facility. Other museums may be taking a similar action, so if you are planning to visit a museum, you might want to check and see if it's open or not.




Japan Earthquake 2011

On March 11, 2011, a series of massive earthquakes and tsunami hit Tohoku and Kanto regions of Japan along the Pacific Rim. I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to those who have been affected by the events.

Fortunately my family and I are all safe. Even in the north-west part of Chiba prefecture where we live, the quakes were so great that, during the first one, I thought our house might possibly collapse if the quake had continued. A few things got broken, but no serious damage to our house. Luckily all the lifelines are intact here in our neighborhood.

Regarding the people in the netsuke community: International Netsuke Carvers' Association has no member in the Tohoku region (Tohoku includes Sendai, Miyagi, Fukushima - the severely affected areas of Japan). The collector Mr. Uchiyama Hiroshi lives in Ibaraki prefecture of Kanto region (one of the epicenters of massive quakes is off the coast of Ibaraki). Fortunately his house is fine. According to him, as of March 17, the artist Ms. Suzuki Rin has evacuated to a shelter with her family, because tsunami water came into her house, damaging the first floor. Mr. Uchiyama brought some relief goods to her. The artist Mr. Okuda Kodo also resides in Ibaraki. As of March 13, he didn't have electricity or water, but he and his family are all fine.

The artist Hiraga Tanetoshi who lives in Shiga prefecture (western Japan) told us that he felt a slight sway while he was standing and sketching. The sway was so mild that he thought it was a symptom of stroke. Shiga prefecture is about 500 to 600 kilometers away from the epicenters, suggesting how large the quakes were.

I will keep you posted if I receive any news. I updated "Message from Makiko" section on "What is Koryeun?" page, and some information might overlap, but please do read it.

Posted on March 18, 2011



Zanmai and His Studio on TV

The netsuke artist Zanmai and his studio will appear briefly (several seconds?) in another popular show on TV Tokyo called "Admatic Tengoku". Don't miss it!

Website:
http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/adomachi/index.html

Postscript: Due to the special news reports on the recent earthquake, the show on March 12 seems to have been cancelled. The website indicates that it's scheduled to be on air on March 19.

Updated on March 18, 2011



Works of a Famous Ise Artist on TV

On Tuesday, March 15, 2011, works of a noted netsuke artist from Ise will appear in the popular TV show "Nandemo Kanteidan", aired on TV Tokyo, Japan. (Japan Netsuke Society cooperated with the show.) This program is similar to British "Antiques Roadshow" where a variety of arts and crafts are appraised. Let's watch to find out the results!

Website:
http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/kantei/

Updated on February 21, 2011



Exhibition of Community Club Tamagawa Students' Netsuke at Takashimaya 2011

IMAGE
For the first time, netsuke created by students of the netsuke carving class at Community Club Tamagawa will be on display (together with other crafts) from January 26 to 31, 2011, at Roof Gallery (Tamagawa Takashimaya Dept. Store which is located in front of Futako Tamagawa Station, Tokyo). Please take a look at netsuke showing the students' originality!



Exhibition of Students' Netsuke at Asahi Culture Center 2010

As an annual event, netsuke created by students of the Center's netsuke carving classes are on view until December 9, 2010, at the entrance of the Asahi Culture Center (on the 4th floor of Sumitomo Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo). The display has more than 70 marvelous pieces, and it is a must to see!



Netsuke Featured in Sunday Mainichi!

Color article featuring netsuke will be appear in Sunday Mainichi, Japanese VERY popular weekly magazine. The issue comes out on December 1, 2009. The article recommends Koryuen (this website) to the readers - what an honor!



Netsuke Interview on Radio

Ms. Yoshida Yukari of Sagemonoya, Tokyo was interviewed by a radio personality Mr. Nakayama Hideki, and it was on air (radio station called TBS) in Tokyo area on September 20, 2009. Some stations on TBS's network will air this show on the following schedules. If you have an access to the stations, don't miss it!

TBC (Tohoku Hoso): 7:30pm, Sep. 26, 2009
KNB (Kita-Nihon Hoso): 10:30pm, Sep. 27, 2009
CBC (Chubu-Nihon Hoso): 10:30pm, Sep. 27, 2009
MBS (Osaka Manichi Hoso): 2:00am, Sep. 24, 2009
RKC (Kochi Hoso): 11:30pm, Sep. 27, 2009

The website on this program is as follows:
http://www.tbs.co.jp/radio/dorobou/



Netsuke on Air in Australia

"Collectors", a very popular TV program in Australia, will feature netsuke. The show includes an interview with the netsuke artist Ms. Susan Wraight (in her studio!). The program will be on air sometime in August 2009. If you are in Australia, don't miss it!

The website on this program is as follows:
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/collectors/



Netsuke appears on a Japanese Special TV Program

In December 2008 there were reruns of netsuke episode of TV series "Bi no Tsubo" on NHK (Japanese national TV channels). To celebrate the new year 2009, special program of the series will be on air - a kabuki actor playing a role of a utility merchant from Edo period, will be showing a netsuke of Kyoto-school Tomotada and an ox netsuke.

The website on this program can be reached at:
http://www.nhk.or.jp/tsubo/
On-air schedules are as follows:
7:00am - , January 3, 2009 (NHK general channel)
Rerun: 3:00pm - , January 4, 2009 (NHK educational channel)
Rerun: 3:05am - , January 11, 2009 (NHK general channel)



Exhibition of Students' Netsuke at Asahi Culture Center '08

As an annual event, netsuke created by students of the Center's netsuke carving classes are on view until December 11, 2008, at the entrance of the Asahi Culture Center (on the 4th floor of Sumitomo Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo). Some of the students have become professional, and there are so many wonderful works to see!



Rerun of Japanese TV Program Featuring Netsuke

Japanese TV series called "Bi no Tsubo" on NHK channels (Japanese national TV channels) will offer reruns of the episode on netsuke, the episode of which was made possible with the cooperation of Sagemonoya gallery of Tokyo. Contemporary artists Masami and Zanmai, as well as the President of the Japan Netsuke Society Mr. Watanabe and other collectors appear in the program.

The website on this program can be reached at:
http://www.nhk.or.jp/tsubo/
Rerun schedules on NHK channels are as follows:
10:00pm - , December 12, 2008 (NHK educational channel)
0:45am - , December 19, 2008 (NHK educational channel)
7:00am - , December 19, 2008 (BS-hi)
11:05am - , December 19, 2008 (NHK general channel, only in some areas of Japan).
5:15am - , December 20, 2008 (NHK general channel, in some areas of Japan).

If you have access to those channels, dan't miss this show!



Koryuen Discount @ Paragon Returns!

The 10% Koryuen discount program at Paragon Book Gallery's Website has resumed since October 2008! The present service applies to all the publications(!) except for sale items, subscriptions, and shipping cost. Please click here for more information.



Sad News: Artist Michael Birch

Mr. Michael Birch, who had long been a leading netsuke artist in England, passed away in September 16, 2008. We hope he rests in peace.

Updated on November 26, 2008



How about Tasteful Combination of Netsuke and Sake?

Japanese sake (rice wine) with a label of a netsuke created by the artist Toshiki living in Shimane prefecture who is devoted to revive the local Iwami-style netsuke. He and a local liquor shop cooperated in making this sake labeled "Iwami Netsuke" in the hope of promoting this wonderful traditional craft to a wider audience.

Unfortunately domestic shipment only, so if you have a chance to go to Shimane, please visit the liquor shop to buy one, or view the following web pages to enjoy the tasteful combination of traditional netsuke and sake!

[Minamiyama Liquor Shop]
Address: Green Mall 1F, 2306-30 Kakushi-cho, Gotsu-shi, Shimane, 695-0016
Website:
http://goutsu.com/shop
Information on the sake: http://goutsu.com/shop/netsuke
Web page featuring Toshiki's work: http://goutsu.com/toshiki



Exhibition of Students' Netsuke at Asahi Culture Center '07

This has turned to be an annual event - netsuke created by students of the Center's netsuke carving classes are on view from December 13 through 27, 2007, at the entrance of the Asahi Culture Center (on the 4th floor of Sumitomo Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo). Please take a look, as you will see that the students are improving year by year!



Exhibition of Students' Netsuke at Asahi Culture Center

At the entrance of the Asahi Culture Center (on the 4th floor of Sumitomo Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo), netsuke created by students of the Center's netsuke carving classes are on view from December 14 through 28, 2006. The works are very well-done, so please go there and have a look!



Netsuke Anecdote in the Beatles Program on NHK

Recent, frequent presentations of netsuke programs by domestic TV stations are quite pleasing, and this time the general channel of NHK (Japanese national TV station) will present a program on August 21, 10:00pm - 11:00pm, to mark the 40th anniversary of the Beatles' first visit to Japan, in which director of Japan Netsuke Society and art dealer Mrs. Wakayama talks about her fond memories of giving netsuke to each member of the rock group as gift. Enjoy the show! (NHK BS has already presented it.)



Netsuke Program on a Japanese Pay Channel

If you are subscribing ACTON TV through SkyPerfecTV, WOWOW or some CATV in Japan, a netsuke program titled "Masterpieces of Japanese Items: Netsuke" are on air throughout July 2006. Appearing in the show are the President of the Japan Netsuke Society Mr. Watanabe, netsuke artist Bishu and his son Masahiro, the owner of the Gallery Hanakagesho Mr. Hashimoto, and the potter Izumi. The program is scheduled as follows, so please watch it!
July 11, 2:00pm - 2:30pm. July 13, 7:30pm - 8:00pm
July 15, 6:30pm - 7:00pm. July 19, 10:30pm - 11:00pm
July 21, 10:00pm - 10:30pm. July 22, 10:00am - 10:30am
July 24, 11:30pm - 12:00am. July 27, 12:30am - 1:00am
July 30, 11:00pm - 11:30pm
For further information, please visit the ACTON TV website:
http://www.actontv.com/tv/contents/select_wa/



Netsuke Featured in Japanese National TV Program

Netsuke will be featured in the Japanese TV program called "Bi no Tsubo" on NHK Edcational channel (one of the Japanese national TV channels). It will be on air from 10:00pm to 10:25pm on Friday, June 9, 2006. Contemporary artists Masami and Zanmai, as well as the President of the Japan Netsuke Society Mr. Watanabe and other collectors will appear in the program. The website can be reached at:
http://www.nhk.or.jp/tsubo/
If you have access to the channel, please don't miss it!

Postscript: The program was fun with congenial atmosphere! Re-runs on NHK channels are scheduled as follows: 7:30 - 7:55pm, June 12, 2006 (Hi-vision); 2:30 - 2:55am, June 13 (Satellite 2); 11:30 - 11:55am, June 14 (Hi-vision); 5:15 - 5:40am, June 17 (General).

This announcement was updated on June 10, 2006.



Exhibition of Students' Netsuke at Asahi Culture Center

At the entrance of the Asahi Culture Center (on the 4th floor of Sumitomo Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo), netsuke created by students of the Center's netsuke carving classes are on view until January 26, 2006. The display shows how much improvement the students have made over the year!



Netsuke Article in JAL Magazine

An article on netsuke may appear in the JAL (Japan Airlines) in-flight magazine, either in June or July issue. If you are planning to fly with JAL during those months, please take a look!



Students' Netsuke at Asahi Culture Center 2004

The annual exhibition of students' works are shown at the Center until November 11, 2004. The students have made significant progress! Click here for details.



New Officials of INCA

The following artists assumed the positions of the officials of International Netsuke Carvers' Association in June 2004:

PresidentNakagawa Tadamine Vice-PresidentsKuroiwa Akira*,
Mukaida Yoka*
General AffairsKuroiwa Akira* TreasurersNakamura Kazuaki,
Mukaida Yoka*
AuditorsAoki Mitsuyuki,
Morimoto Setsuji
SecretariesYamada Yoji,
Wachi Ippu
Official Representing Western JapanHiraga Tanetoshi Ise Chapter ChairSakai Masami
OfficialsSata Sumi, Miyazaki Teruo, Tsubai Ryu, Maeda Ataru, Kurita Motomasa, Inoue Takeshi
Honorary MemberRobert O. Kinsey

Note: * (asterisk) indicates the artists assuming two positions.

The new officials' efforts will help the Association continue to thrive ever more!
For information about the Association,
click here.

Please note that, throughout the pages of this website, the Japanese names are given in "family-name first" order. Therefore the artist name follows the family name in the above list.

This announcement was updated on March 14, 2005.




To see the past News and Views, click here!



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