Kansai Event report
A look back at our seminar Craftsmanship: Cross Perspectives France × Japan :
Three panel discussions, each exploring one of the major issues; seven inspiring and inspired speakers; a lively networking buffet; and nearly 100 delighted participants who traveled specifically from Tokyo, Ishikawa, and Fukuoka: here is a glimpse into the success of this first collaboration in Kyoto between the Institut Français du Kansai and the Kansai Office of the CCI France Japon, focusing on the important topic of traditional crafts and their future in the current socio-economic context.
On June 18, 2026, the Institut Français du Kansai hosted the first event dedicated to the evolution of craftsmanship practices between France and Japan. The first session focused on the numerous opportunities for modernization offered by the digital transformation of businesses. We explored two key areas in particular: internal management systems, on the one hand, and methods for distributing craft products—particularly logistics—on the other.
We were able to learn from the systems introduced and implemented byPierre Vauvy to rationalize the internal operations of the family-owned business, Okayama Kōgei, particularly in order management (more than 500 fabrics tracked in real time), the indexing of design patterns (more than 20,000 references), and customer relations (real-time color-matching tests for patterns via video conferencing).
Meanwhile, Thomas Bertrandhas worked with Ship&Co over the past two decades to develop highly effective logistics solutions for large-scale international shipping. He has also shared his insights with us regarding online visibility and the importance of a combined physical presence. The time savings generated by these solutions allow artisans to spend more time focusing on the creative process.
International outreach was also at the heart of the discussion between Kōtarō Nishiboriand Ema Okamoto during the second roundtable, which focused on opening up artisanal excellence to the international market. In addition to efforts to introduce foreign customers to traditional Japanese craftsmanship,this process of renewal first began within Japan through interactions with other creative fields. The curiosity of both speakers led them to rethink Japanese design and cultural norms, paving the way for new collaborations with foreign artists and breaking into new markets that were previously considered saturated.
Finally, the seminar ended with a remarkable presentation by Toma Yamazoe, Mayuko Sano, and Emina Morioka on the process of transcreation of cultural resources: the challenge of transforming heritage into new value. Drawing on their respective roles in the political, academic, and private sectors, these three speakers demonstrated how the implementation of innovations and initiatives on a global scale is driven by the commitment and engagement of both private and government stakeholders.
Following the final panel discussion, Ms. Sandrine Mouchet, Consul General of France in Kyoto and Director of the Institut Français du Kansai, concluded the seminar by highlighting the essential role of traditional crafts in strengthening the ties between France and Japan.
Each of these actors plays a significant role in fostering trends that are well suited to the economic landscape, with the key players being the local residents and artisans, without whom a healthy ecosystem that benefits everyone cannot exist.
Following these roundtable discussions, the French and Japanese participants continued their discussions throughout the evening, with the generous support of our sponsors Mouton Cadet and Veuve Clicquot, over an exceptional French buffet showcasing the tastes of France.
Thank you all for your enthusiastic participation in this seminar, which proves that the far too often neglected topic of traditional craftsmanship deserves renewed attention. We look forward to your continued involvement, ideas, and future efforts to help develop it further!
Many thanks to CoeFontfor providing its live translation system.
