Theme Exhibition for Fiscal Year 2026: "Creating and Passing on Hanamaki's Crafts"

The everyday goods and traditional crafts that are an integral part of our lives are miraculous creations born from the unique culture and environment shaped by the interplay of local people and nature. Throughout Japan, there are various crafts that have been deeply rooted in their respective regions for centuries, and Hanamaki is no exception, boasting crafts that have been continuously produced while preserving and passing down tradition and skill.
This exhibition focuses on the Daiyaki pottery, Kajimachi pottery, Narushima washi paper, Hanamaki umbrellas, homespun textiles, and Nanbu-style kokeshi dolls, all of which have been created and passed down within the local culture of Hanamaki. The exhibition showcases these works, production tools, and historical documents.
We hope this will be an opportunity for you to learn about the Hanamaki region through crafts, experiencing the skills, wisdom, and passion that artisans involved in Hanamaki's crafts are poured into their creations.

Exhibition composition

• Daiyaki -Continuing to make it day after day-
• Kajimachi Pottery – A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations –
• Narushima Washi – Craftsmanship that Supports Tradition –
• Hanamaki Umbrella – The Spirit of Connecting Craftsmanship –
• Homespun – A blend of tradition and innovation –
• Nanbu-style Kokeshi dolls – A masterpiece of beautiful craftsmanship –

Related Events

• Workshop: "Making Wall-Mounted Umbrellas"

  

  We will create wall-hanging umbrellas by covering miniature umbrella frames with Japanese paper. There will also be a visit to Takita Craft Workshop, which produces Hanamaki umbrellas.
  You can choose to use existing patterns for the washi paper used to cover the umbrella frame, or have an original pattern drawn on the washi paper.

  Workshop Details

  • Instructor: Nobuo Takita (Takita Crafts)
  • Date and Time: Sunday, July 19, 2026, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: Hanamaki City Museum, Lecture and Experiential Learning Room
  • Capacity: 20 people (first-come, first-served)
  • Cost: 3,000 yen (additional 500 yen if you want a backing board)
  • What to bring: Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. If you plan to draw your own design, please bring art supplies such as paints, colored pencils, or crayons.

  How to apply

  • Please apply using the application form accessed via the QR code on this page, or by phone.
  • Application period: June 19th (Friday) 9:00 AM to July 18th (Saturday) 4:30 PM
  • (Note) Applications will be closed once the maximum number of participants is reached.
    If a cancellation occurs, the application form will become available for booking again, so please check the application form each time.

  Precautions

  • Please be sure to provide a phone number where you can be reached.
  • Only those who have registered can participate. Family members and companions are welcome to observe.
  • If you need to cancel, please do so via the automated email sent to you upon registration, or by contacting the museum directly.
  • Preschool children and elementary school students must be accompanied by an adult.
  • This workshop requires a participation fee of 3,000 yen (an additional 500 yen if you would like a backing board). Please pay in cash on the day of the workshop. Please try to prepare the exact amount to avoid needing change.
    Note: The mounting board is the paper used to attach the umbrella in the photo for wall hanging.
  • We will be going outside to tour Takita Crafts before the event begins, so please take precautions against heatstroke before participating.
  • During the holiday period, the surrounding parking lots become extremely crowded, so we recommend arriving early or using pick-up/drop-off services or public transportation.

  Application form

  

  • You can also register via this link (Wall-hanging umbrella making) (External link)

  Workshop: "Hanamaki Doll Painting Experience"

  

  This is a hands-on workshop where you can paint figurines featuring the zodiac animals of this year and next year, with Ms. Emiko Hiraga from Hiraga Craft Company as the instructor.

  Workshop Details

  • Instructor: Emiko Hiraga (Hiraga Crafts Co.)
  • Date and Time: Sunday, July 26, 2026, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: Hanamaki City Museum, Lecture and Experiential Learning Room
  • Capacity: 20 people (first-come, first-served)
  • Cost: Approximately 2,000 to 5,000 yen. Note: The price varies depending on the type of doll you choose.
  • Items to bring: It's best to wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

  How to apply

  • Please apply using the application form accessed via the QR code on this page, or by phone.
  • Application period: June 26th (Friday) 9:00 AM to July 25th (Saturday) 4:30 PM
  • (Note) Applications will be closed once the maximum number of participants is reached.
    If a cancellation occurs, the application form will become available for booking again, so please check the application form each time.

  Precautions

  • Please be sure to provide a phone number where you can be reached.
  • Only those who have registered can participate. Family members and companions are welcome to observe.
  • If you need to cancel, please do so via the automated email sent to you upon registration, or by contacting the museum directly.
  • Preschool children and elementary school children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • The participation fee for this workshop ranges from approximately 2,000 yen to 5,000 yen, depending on the doll you choose. Please pay in cash on the day of the workshop. Please bring enough money with you.

  Application form

  

  • You can also apply via this link (Hanamaki Doll Painting Experience) (External Link)

  Workshop: Making fans with Narushima Washi paper

  

  We create original fans by attaching Narushima washi paper to the frame.

  Workshop Details

  • Instructor: Yumi Akatsu (Washigoto Laboratory Hyakka)
  • Date and time: Saturday, August 8, 2020, 13:30-15:00
  • Location: Hanamaki City Museum, Lecture and Experiential Learning Room
  • Capacity: 20 people (first-come, first-served)
  • Cost: 1,000 yen
  • Items to bring: It's best to wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

  How to apply

  • Please apply using the application form accessed via the QR code on this page, or by phone.
  • Application period: July 8th (Wed) 9:00 AM to August 7th (Fri) 4:30 PM
  • (Note) Applications will be closed once the maximum number of participants is reached.
    If a cancellation occurs, the application form will become available for booking again, so please check the application form each time.

  Precautions

  • Please be sure to provide a phone number where you can be reached.
  • Only those who have registered can participate. Family members and companions are welcome to observe.
  • If you need to cancel, please do so via the automated email sent to you upon registration, or by contacting the museum directly.
  • Preschool children and elementary school children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • This workshop requires a participation fee of 1,000 yen. Please pay in cash on the day of the workshop. Please try to have the exact amount ready to avoid needing change.

  Application form

  

  • You can also register via this link (Making a fan with Narushima Washi paper) (External link)