It is the epidemic that seeks novelty, going through repeated change, that is the true nature of “unchangeability” (fueki) – that which never changes. Traditional crafts develop and continue to live on as part of our lives today by means of inheriting techniques from our ancestors, while being flexible in meeting the demands of their use.

There is a remarkable warmth and appeal in traditional crafts created as a result of the assiduous effort, steady handiwork and fixation with tradition demonstrated by craftsmen that specialize in their production.

– Tradition For The Future –

A region with one of Japan’s most highly concentrated collections of traditional crafts, Taito-ku is a city that has retained the shitamachi “downtown” culture and character inherited from the Edo period; even today, after Edo has changed into Tokyo, bringing about a change in lifestyles and values. Inheriting and carefully maintaining the shitamachi spirit cultivated by their ancestors, craftsmen also continue to make traditional crafts.

Traditional crafts and the craftsmen that make them, raised by the history and culture that surrounds them, are some of Taito-ku’s most valuable treasures.

Our center hopes to play a part in passing on traditional craft arts to future generations by promoting their appeal, becoming a point of exchange between craftsmen and the public, and cultivating human resources that will become the next generation.

Opened as the “Edo Shitamachi Traditional Crafts Museum”, aiming toward the preservation and promulgation of traditional crafts, and to contribute toward the revival & cultivation of the production of traditional crafts.

Reopened under the new name “Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center”, after renewing facilities and revising exhibition methods.