HandMade In Japan Fes' 2026 to Launch "HMJ Re:Edit," a New Initiative for Creative Perspectives, with Inaugural Theme "The Lives of Mountain Animals and People."

Creema Inc., which operates Japan's largest handmade marketplace "Creema," will hold a new project called "HMJ Re:Edit" for the first time at the HandMade In Japan Fes' (HMJ) at Tokyo Big Sight on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, 2026, offering new discoveries and encounters from a creative perspective. The first edition, themed "The Lives of Mountain Animals and People," will feature hands-on content that touches on the question of coexistence between humans and wild animals.

In recent years, news about the relationship between wild animals and human society, such as bear sightings and crop damage, has become more frequent. The number of bears captured with permission in fiscal 2023 reached approximately 9,000, and crop damage from wild birds and animals, including deer and wild boars, exceeds 16 billion yen annually nationwide. However, there are few opportunities to learn about the underlying changes in the natural environment and local lifestyles, or what happens to the captured wild animals. "HMJ Re:Edit" hopes to provide a chance to reflect on the cycle of life and our relationship with nature by exploring the current situation and background of wildlife.

The project will feature hands-on content where visitors can learn about the issues surrounding wild animals by seeing and touching. The area will include panel displays introducing the current status of wild animals like bears, a market by creators involved with animal materials and game meat (gibier), workshops using wild boar leather and deer antlers, and food trucks serving gibier dishes.

"HMJ Re:Edit" is not a place to find answers, but a place to take home questions. Its purpose is to create an opportunity for each individual to think for themselves while being exposed to various realities and perspectives, rather than affirming or denying any particular stance or viewpoint. This project does not promote any specific way of thinking about wildlife damage control or gibier consumption.

<HMJ Re:Edit Vol. 1 "The Lives of Bears, The Lives of People"> Dates: July 11 (Sat) & 12 (Sun), 2026, 11:00-19:00 Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, West Halls 1 & 2, Area H Fee: Free (*Separate admission fee for HandMade In Japan Fes' is required)

Content Introduction ■ Panel Displays The displays will provide an easy-to-understand introduction to the lives of wild animals like bears and deer and their relationship with humans, starting from familiar questions like "What are bears like?"

Market A market will be held by creators involved with gibier and animal materials, featuring items like leather goods made from wild boar and accessories using deer antlers. Exhibiting creators will convey the background of the materials and their approach to life through their craft.

Featured Creators (excerpt): - Gibier Deer Leather ENISICA: Crafts bags from the leather of culled deer. - yoki: A Leather Sommelier Professional who also creates items using deer and bear leather. - gibierskincare: An ethical skincare brand that adds new value to discarded wild boar fat. - A・I・C: Transforms often-discarded animal hides into high-quality leather using low-environmental-impact methods.

Workshops Visitors can experience crafting with animal-derived materials. - Make a keychain with boar leather: Fee: 1,000 yen - Deer antler ring making workshop: Fee: 3,500 yen

Food Trucks To ensure the lives of culled animals are not wasted, gibier food will be served. It is high in protein, low in calories, and delicious thanks to advanced processing techniques.