How the project began
In recent years, the shortage of successors among artisans in traditional crafts has become a serious issue. As a company that has been making things for citizens for over 100 years, CITIZEN wants to support the talent that will shape manufacturing for the next 100 years. We have also released many models that incorporate traditional crafts, such as dials made with washi paper and urushi lacquer, and Nishijin-ori straps. As a company engaged with traditional crafts, we launched this project out of a desire to help inherit and protect Japan’s traditions while drawing out further evolution and creativity.
KOGEI
Traditional crafts are expressed by the term “KOGEI,” and their innovation has been remarkable. In general, “crafts” refers to artworks or practical products made by hand, whereas “KOGEI” is more consciously fused with art and design. In recent years, more creators who possess traditional craft techniques have been seeking new forms of expression, and this project focuses on young artists who pursue new expressions while mastering techniques and working with materials.
Project journey
As a special supporter, we were joined by Yoshiko Ikoma—general producer of the traditional crafts × fashion brand HIRUME and brand advisor for CITIZEN L—and moved the project forward together. First, Ms. Ikoma and the project team, including designers, selected candidates, and four finalists were chosen. The criteria for selecting finalists were the quality of their work and whether their making embodies our “Better Starts Now” spirit, which aligns closely with our brand.
The final selection of the two supported artists was made by a vote of all head-office employees. For the first time within the company, we held an exhibition of the works and decided the awardees after seeing the pieces in person.
Works by yūzen artist Yuma Ishii
Works by ceramic artist Moe Kaneda
At the exhibition, we were able to experience the allure of the works that cannot be felt through photographs—their presence and density, attention to detail, and the beauty of the materials.
Perhaps because we are a company that deals with small, intricate products like watches, many employees were poring over the pieces down to the finest details. They seemed endlessly curious about how the artists created their expressions and forms. Although in different fields, the highly polished works by young artists provided great inspiration to employees involved in manufacturing.
Unveiling event
On March 6, 2025, we held an awards ceremony and an unveiling of the supported artists at HIRUME Art Laboratory. A talk session took place, and together with Ms. Ikoma and the award-winning artists Mr. Ishii and Ms. Kaneda, the discussion came alive around their own practices and the future of KOGEI.
Ms. Kaneda creates works notable for delicate blue patterns. She said that her own experiences—memories of living in a seaside town as a child and the views she enjoys from her hot-air balloon hobby—have influenced her current work. In particular, she mentioned that the color most deeply tied to moments that move her heart is blue.
Mr. Ishii participated online because he is on an exchange program in Belgium. He shared that, while working in a production environment abroad, he came to a renewed awareness of the delicacy of handwork in Japanese crafts and the aesthetic sensibilities nurtured in Japan’s craft tradition.
For one week after the unveiling, an exhibition of the works was also held at the same venue. Coincidentally, this year’s awardees both create works centered on blue, and the venue was enveloped in a world of blue.
Going forward, we plan to promote broader awareness of traditional crafts and publicize the artists by producing videos that introduce workshops and creative activities with the award-winning artists. This support project is a long-term initiative to sustain the bearers of traditional crafts, and preparations are already underway for the second edition. We hope you will continue to follow our efforts.