A group was formed to promote and sustain traditional Japanese carpentry skills by developing and presenting a prototype "UTSUWA" modular Japanese room in Osaka.
They expanded to international markets, particularly in Germany, known for its modern architecture.
Current and Future Activities
Expo 2025
We participate in Osaka's EXPO 2025, aiming to develop and showcase "UTSUWA" domestically and internationally, creating diverse markets to sustain and advance traditional craftsmanship and artisan skills.
UTSUWA Project in YOSINO
The Utsuwa Project, which began in Osaka in 2015, is now entering a new phase with the development of a physical model home.
We are renovating a traditional farmhouse in Yoshino—Japan's sacred land of forestry—into a residence where people can actually live.
This project also serves as the starting point for a new participatory program:
AIR (Artisan-in-Residence), where young artisans, apprentices, and lovers of traditional craftsmanship from around the world can gather, learn, and exchange skills.
[Mooshaus]Old house in Yoshino town,Revitalization demonstration experiment house-Case 1
International Collaboration with Germany
We also organize international forums and UTSUWA events in Germany, facilitating exchanges of ideas among artisans and collaborative UTSUWA construction projects.
Initiatives in Yoshino Town (Nara Prefecture )
In Yoshino Town, we have designated it as the field for the UTSUWA project and are conducting a model renovation project with UTSUWA members, working alongside artisans from Berlin.
Media
June 15, 2022 A press release was published on PR TIMES.
June 16, 2022 Featured in Akia Noribanyus.
November 9, 2022 Another press release was published on PR TIMES.
History
2015: Inception of the "UTSUWA" project in Osaka.
2018: Launch of the UTSUWA project in Berlin.
July, 2021: Establishment of the UTSUWA Project Execution Committee.
October, 2021: Acceptance into TEAM EXPO 2025 Co-Creation Challenge.
Achievements
February, 2024 Japanese-German UTSUWA-DANGI Online talk programme with Japanese and German craftspeople
January, 2024:"UTSUWA2024 Woodworking Technique Online Live Event in Yoshino - Traditional House Revitalization Project - Part 1" held.
February, 2023: UTSUWA 3.0 Event Report Meeting in Osaka.
November, 2022: Hosting of the "Craftsmanship Connecting Japanese and German Artisans" exhibition in Berlin (Event Official Website) (Supported by the Japan World Exposition Commemorative Fund).
August, 2022: Development of UTSUWA 3.0.
July, 2022: Successful completion of Readyfor crowdfunding.
June, 2022: Implementation of Readyfor crowdfunding (Project Official Website).
December, 2021: Hosting of the Japan-Germany "UTSUWA" Forum in Osaka (Event Official Website).
2020: Development of UTSUWA 2.0.
2015: Development and exhibition of UTSUWA 1.0.