The promotion of traditional Japanese crafts has taken quite a blow since the onset of COVID-19. Most major trade fairs in Japan and overseas, such as Milan¡¯s Salone del Mobile, Paris¡¯ Maison & Objet and Tokyo¡¯s IFFT Interior Lifestyle Living ¡ª all of which would have included Japanese craft sections and booths ¡ª were canceled. This month, ¡°On: Design¡± looks at one event that did manage to take place, and another that has turned to a digital platform.

New ways to keep up traditions

, organized by Japan Traditional Crafts Densan, whose served as the event¡¯s hub, was held earlier this month. Thirty Tokyo-based shops each introduced and sold products by craft organizations and artisans from across Japan.