Exhibition "Summer Attire - Two Days of Handicrafts and Cafe -" Held at One of the Oldest Western-Style Buildings in Kobe, 137 Years Old

For two days, July 11 (Sat.) and 12 (Sun.), 2026, the Kitano Medium House in Kobe's Kitano Ijinkan district will host "Summer Attire - Two Days of Handicrafts and Cafe -" (Organizer: WAtelier Japanese Lifestyle & Craft Collective).

The venue, Kitano Medium House, is a historic Western-style building built around 1889 as the private residence of Russian trading merchant Stadnick and his wife, and is considered one of the oldest in Kobe's Kitano Ijinkan area. This building, now 137 years old, reopened in May 2026 as a cultural complex with the theme "The Pearl Mansion."

Encounter Japanese Handicrafts in a Historic Western-Style Building

Nine artisans who propose Japanese handicrafts for modern lifestyles have gathered as the creative unit "WAtelier." At the venue, you can enjoy the charm of craftsmanship with all five senses through exhibitions and sales, as well as workshops such as dyeing, mizuhiki (decorative knotting), and pearl processing.

Additionally, there will be a Japanese dance beautiful posture experience and a talk show by Ms. Fujikuro Miyake, the first female Kyogen performer. You can experience the world of traditional performing arts, which is gaining attention again with the movie "National Treasure." A cafe is also available within the building, where you can relax while enjoying sweets and drinks.

Talk Show by Female Kyogen Performer Fujikuro Miyake, Mini Posture Experience by Wafure's Hiromi Onoe

The event's unique appeal lies in the opportunity to interact with artisans, learn about their creative backgrounds and aspirations, and experience craftsmanship firsthand. Please enjoy the new cultural landscape created by the encounter between a historic Western-style building and Japanese handicrafts at Kitano Medium House.

This event also aims to create a new hub for promoting Japanese handicrafts, using the historic Ijinkan building as its stage.

Exhibitors

Shibata Textile (Established 1886 - Renowned Tango Chirimen silk crepe weaver)

Wafure (Japanese lingerie designed and produced by Japanese dancer Hiromi Onoe)

MIZUHO (Accessories featuring "Cotton Pearls" and "Pearls" as the main elements)

Kasoyou (Original kimonos and shibori dyeing workshops by dyeing artist Kotaro Nakano)

Koubouen (Fragrance and mizuhiki works, workshops to enjoy handicrafts)

Takara Pearl (Kobe-based blue pearl brand)

SHIRABE (Interior bonsai brand that complements modern living)

MEDAA, (One-of-a-kind parasol and bag brand upcycled from kimonos)

Tsunagaru 7 Lemonade (Popular lemonade with a refreshing taste and cotton candy)

Kasoyou Wafure MIZUHO

MEDAA, Shibata Textile Koubouen

SHIRABE Tsunagaru 7 Lemonade Takara Pearl

Event Outline: "Summer Attire - Two Days of Handicrafts and Cafe -" Presented by Kitano Medium House

Date & Time: July 11 (Sat.) & 12 (Sun.), 2026, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Venue: The Pearl Mansion / Kitano Medium House (Kobe Kitano Ijinkan District)

Address: 2-9-1 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Admission Fee: 500 yen (tax included)

Admission tickets will be sold on the day of the event at the venue, or can be purchased online in advance.

Those who apply for Ms. Fujikuro Miyake's talk show do not need to purchase an admission ticket as it is included in the talk show ticket.

[Main Contents] - Exhibition and sale of kimonos, silk products, interior fabrics, room wear, lingerie, pearl accessories, mizuhiki crafts, parasols and bags made from kimonos.

- Japanese dance experience, shibori dyeing experience, mizuhiki and fragrance workshop, pearl processing experience.

- Cafe service.

- Talk show by female Kyogen performer Fujikuro Miyake (July 11, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM).

- Garden Meeting (After the talk show on July 11).

URL: https://ksy.sub.jp/summer/

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watelier_jlcc

Inquiries: 078-855-3900 (Kitano Medium House)

About WAtelier Japanese Lifestyle & Craft Collective

"WAtelier Japanese Lifestyle & Craft Collective" is a new creative unit that proposes Japanese handicrafts for modern lifestyles, connecting people, things, and the future.