June

• Online meeting with our Craft Leaders Group (winners from our contests so far) to update new programs and discuss the February 2025 Exhibition in Ginza.
• Sponsored a public event in Tokyo on swordsmanship featuring a 500-year-old martial arts group.

• We secured a permanent exhibition space for our Craft Leaders at The Terminal Kyoto, a trendy public space in the heart of Kyoto’s downtown district.

• First meeting for the apprentices of our Craft Leaders to encourage peer support.
• Completed round one of the applications for our 4th annual Japan Traditional Crafts Revitalization Contest, and began judging process.
• Attended an event at the U.S. Embassy, Tokyo, hosted by the Japan Society of Northern California.

• Gave an in-person presentation to 60 staff architects at the Kengo Kuma and Associates architectural office in Tokyo, introducing them to three of our Craft Leaders.

• Steve was interviewed for a documentary on Japanese craftsmanship.
• Renowned videographer Irwin Wong just completed shooting at the workshops of two of our Craft Leaders, Kuska Fabrics and Lin Ne Bells, for short videos he is creating for them.

July

• Gave an online presentation on Japanese Ceramics to 175 Japan Society of Northern California members.
• Spoke at a symposium held at the Kyoto International Community House.
• Held a public educational Machiya construction-related tour in Kyoto.

• Joined 2023 Ronnie Prize Winner, Shuji Nakagawa for an interview on FM Radio by renowned designer and radio host Kenmei Okamoto.

• Our JC21 monthly presentation featured Urushi Lacquer.

August

• Traveled to Suzu in the Noto Penisula (near
  Kanazawa) to see the kilns destroyed by January 1st earthquake, following up with our commitment of $25,000 to construct a communal kiln. An official ceremony is planned for late November.

• Our JC21 monthly presentation featured Japanese Metal Artist Crafts.
• Held our 2nd meeting for apprentices of our Craft Leaders to encourage peer support.
• The semi-finalists in our contest submitted stage #2 applications. Twelve semi-finalists were chosen; finalists will be decided in October.
• Launched a nationwide online Apprentice Search service.

September

• Attended a meeting of the USJapan Council, in Tokyo.
• Our partner, Gion Naito Construction, is installing the framework (all joinery, without nails) of the first authentic machiya built in Kyoto since before WWII.
• Gave an online presentation on Japanese Gardens to 295 Japan Society of Northern California members.
• Gave an in-person presentation to staff architects at Gensler office in Tokyo with four of our Craft Leaders.

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