Arts and Crafts fair Matsumoto Japan ( Interview with Ito Hirotoshi )

THIS IS NOT A FLEA MARKET! Its a Matsumoto tradition and a fine craft fair known across Japan! I have to say: There are no resellers here its all original hand made and one of a kind stuff.

The Annual Craft Fair in Agata-no-mori on its traditional last weekend in May is always a really nice event with a pleasant atmosphere. Its a real family affair and child-friendly. There is plenty of space to sit down on the grass and have a picnic, and watch the world go by. This event seems to be getting bigger every year. There are many more vendors and the park is positively bulging with visitors looking for something special to take home.

The stalls here offer everything you could possibly imagine at a craft fair and then some. Some things you might expect: the knick-knacks and trinkets, beads and bracelets, from toys to furniture, cloth, clothes and fabrics, incense, candles and one of kind hand bags and shoes. Would you expect to find a working metal smith or a glass blower? Right there! Need a straw brush or bamboo works, hand made fabrics and beautiful Japanese pottery, ceramics, glass and fine carpentry. I even saw a clock maker and some one of a kind hand made watches! Theres a tent for everyone. Not sure what to get for that impressive birthday gift? Look no further! Wander about and have a look around. You will need some yen though, bargains are few & far between. All of the craft workers here are professionals not hobbyists. Cash baby cash!

As for food there are a few tents that offer coffee, beer, ice cream and awesome curry! There was even a person making candy sculptures that were quite amazing and a shame to eat.

To get there: Head away from Matsumoto station on the main street (eki mae dori) and keep walking for about 20mins - until you can go no further. Its a strait shot right out of the main exit at the station.
Check out the city website here its super gaijin friendly and packed with whats up in Matsumoto:

http://welcome.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp/

Ito Hirotoshi is the artist I interviewed.

Ito Hirotoshi is a stone sculpture artist, whose work has been known for its unique structures with a sense of humor.

After graduating from the distinguished Tokyo University of the Arts, Ito was destined to take over his fathers masonry business in his hometown of Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture. He works out of his studio at home, creating his sculptures, while attending his family business.

While taking metal work courses at the university, he became fascinated by his own search for finding new ways to transform the hard and cold images that the metals have, into something soft and warm.

Although his metal work days are over, his search, now shifted to utilizing stones, continues. Ito collects his art supplies, the stones and rocks, along the river banks near by.

Ito Hirotoshi continues to find new and original ways to create sculptures that people would touch and feel the unexpected softness and the warmth of them. He would be honored if his work would add laughs and smiles to people who come in contact with them.

He is very active in promoting the growing contemporary craft traditions of Nagano area, and twenty years ago he and his friends initiated a grass roots project which has grown into an annual craft festival in Matsumoto City, for which he now serves as President.

Keiko Gallery Charles Street Boston Mass

http://www.keikogallery.com/ItoHirotoshi.html

Coilhouse magazine and blog

http://coilhouse.net/2009/01/hirotoshi-ito-the-meat-inside-the-stones/

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[diamencik1]

Did U see jewelery (silver with amber,Gold)at this Matsumoto fair?

[toddatron]

Silver is more common in Japan even with street vendors in Ueno. That's the place to get silver and turquoise. Gold and silver at the craft fair was there but I did not really focus on that sorry. It was was more rustic when it came to jewelry like leather and polished stone.

[johnmonk66]

Hand made leather messenger style bags would sell for a fortune on Ebay, you should buy and sell some.

As a man who also spent his life in construction, I want to buy every piece of furniture you showed, wow, nice quality

[toddatron]

Sweet dude! Yea quality is job one at that fair.

[SagamiharaFuchinobe]

i want to visit matsumoto.

[toddatron]

I want you to visit Matsumoto!

[SargonMan]

If you would be able to video the production of a bamboo broom, with that weave look at the top, I would be very grateful. That knowledge is not known in the west.  Might you be able to do that? Thank you so much.

[NewbrokenMusic]

great job with the video man, I envy you for having met the legend Hirotoshi Itoh! his stone sculptures are famous all around the world, and they are being sold over the net for 1500$ ++ a piece!

do you by any chance know how he makes them? I've wondered if they are all stone and paint, or if he use some metal for the zippers, coins and various cutlery.

[adolfomen38]

very very interesting fair...you should post more of their works..take care...best wishes from mex

[toddatron]

John the vlogger I met referred to Matsumoto as a jewel of Japan