ARTerrace Joins Japan Kōgei Association
Jul 28, 2025
News
ARTerrace Becomes a Supporting Member of the Japan Kōgei Association
ARTerrace Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Tetsuro Shinoda; hereinafter “ARTerrace”) is pleased to announce that it has joined the Japan Kōgei Association (Honorary President: Her Imperial Highness Princess Kako; President: Motohiro Mibu; Executive Director: Masami Zeniya, Honorary Director of the Tokyo National Museum) as a supporting member.
Background of Membership
The Japan Kōgei Association is an organization comprised primarily of Living National Treasures (holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties), along with distinguished traditional craft artists and technical specialists. At present, it counts approximately 1,200 full members, including leading holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties.
In 2019, Anchor Ship Partners Co., Ltd., a group company of ARTerrace, gained the opportunity to engage in the luxury cruise ship “Asuka” project through an investment in NYK Cruises Co., Ltd. Internationally acclaimed, the Asuka series has often been described as a “moving museum” and even a “floating Japan Pavilion,” given its unique cultural value.
This initiative led, in 2021, to a formal collaboration with the Japan Kōgei Association, enabling ARTerrace to connect directly with Living National Treasures and other master artisans. These encounters allowed us to experience first-hand the unparalleled beauty of their works, their extraordinary technical expertise, and the profound dedication behind each creation.
These experiences formed the starting point of ARTerrace’s mission—to share the fascination of Japanese crafts with the world and to contribute to the further advancement of traditional crafts.
Looking Ahead
With its new membership in the Japan Kōgei Association, ARTerrace will accelerate initiatives that fuse tradition with innovation, working to bring the beauty and spirit of Japanese traditional crafts to audiences both in Japan and worldwide.
Reference Japan Kōgei Association
About the Japan Kōgei Association
Established: June 1955 Location: 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo (within the Tokyo National Museum)
Representative Officers: Honorary President Her Imperial Highness Princess Kako; President Motohiro Mibu; Executive Director Mami Zeniya Main
Activities: Research, documentation, and training related to traditional craft techniques Organization of exhibitions, workshops, and lectures on traditional crafts International promotion of Japanese traditional crafts Publication and distribution of periodicals and literature related to traditional craft techniques
