Craftsmanship: Cross Perspectives France × Japan

Panel 1: Digitalization and traditional craftsmanship: a new source for creating value?

Moderator: Jean-François Rauch

• Pierre Vauvy, Okayama-Kōgei General Affairs Department Manager
• Thomas Bertrand, CEO and founder of Ship&Co

How are digital technologies transforming traditional crafts, their distribution channels, and their business models ? From online visibility and e-commerce to new communication strategies and the globalization of customer bases, this roundtable discussion will explore the opportunities and limitations of digitalization for traditional craftsmanship.
Through the shared perspectives of actors involved in promoting and spreading Japanese craftsmanship, the speakers will examine the new types of value generated by digital technology, at the crossroads of innovation, transmission, and the market.

Panel 2: Going global: challenges and strategies for accessing high-value markets

Moderator: Lauriane Jagault Onari 

• Kōtarō Nishibori,  President of Hiyoshiya Co., Ltd and TCI Laboratory Co; Ltd
• Ema Okamoto, Nishijin Okamoto Okamoto Orimono Co., Ltd Executive Managing DIrector 

In the face of trade globalization and shifting public expectations, how are craftspeople and arts and crafts businesses building their international development? This roundtable discussion will explore the strategies implemented to access high-value-added markets, including adapting to cultural contexts, preserving traditional skills, brand positioning, and storytelling around craftsmanship.
Drawing on concrete experiences between Japan and other countries, the speakers will share their insights on the necessary conditions for sustainable internationalization that remains true to the identity of their craft.

Panel 3: The transcreation of cultural resources : the challenge of transforming heritage into new value

Moderator: Agathe Zongo

• Emina Morioka, Director of LVMH Métiers d’Art Japan and Corporate Affairs Director of LVMH Japan
• Toma Yamazoe, political figure and former mayor of Yosano
• Mayuko Sano, professor at the Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University 

To build the future on inherited cultural resource s nurtured and elevated over time, it is essential to redefine their value through processes of industriali sation. Yet no powerful brand can emerge without the ability to choose — and the determination to deliberately set certain elements aside. Bringing Japanese, French and European perspectives into dialogue, this panel re-examines the relationships between territories, makers and markets.

Many thanks to our sponsors

If you would like to benefit from the visibility of this event and the reputation of its organizers to highlight your commitment to traditional artisans, we warmly invite you to contact us in order to support the organization financially.