Having relocated from Tokyo to Kanazawa in October 2020, the National Crafts Museum is a welcome addition to the cities growing profile as an arts and crafts centre. The only major institute in Japan to focus solely on traditional crafts, the museum exhibits around 1900 pieces including ceramics, glass works and dyed textiles, along with more modern pursuits such as graphic and industrial design.

The collection dates from the Meiji Period (1868-1912) to the present day and holds a large number of Important Intangible Cultural Properties including 130 pieces considered masterpieces of modern craft. Through the exhibitions, visitors can gain an appreciation for the diversity of modern crafts and the influence of regionality of the techniques and materials used.

The museum is located in Kanazawa’s ‘Kenrokuen Cultural Zone’, in close proximity to the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, the Ishikawa Red Brick Museum and Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater. Positioned only a short walk from the 21^st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, the DT Suzuki Museum, Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Gardens, the precinct is one of Japan’s most enjoyable cultural destinations.