Reimagining Traditional Crafts with Cutting-Edge Technology

When

Location

Event type

Upcoming
May
  • April 13, 2025 — June 10, 2025 Japan 13 Sunday Japan
    Exhibition

    Augmented Human

    The Swiss Pavilion program at Expo 2025 will showcase a variety of engaging activities, including Robo Food by EPFL, where edible robotic parts will be explored in an expert exchange; The Reality of Deep Fakes, also by EPFL, which bridges experts and the public in discussions about digital authenticity; SushiTech Startups by Swissnex, highlighting cutting-edge technologies in a start-up and industry exchange; Future of Cinema by HEAD (Geneva University of Art and Design), focusing on innovative trends in cinema; and Rethinking museum collections by ZHdK (Zurich University of the Arts), exploring the digitalization of cultural heritage and its accessibility through a targeted exchange.

    Info & tickets
  • May 8, 2025 — May 10, 2025 Japan 08 Thursday Japan
    Startups, Exhibition, Innovation

    Swisstech Pavilion @ SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025

    The Swisstech Pavilion at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 Global Startup Program will showcase the latest trends and cutting-edge research of high-tech Swiss Startups to a vast public of corporate partners and investors. The Swisstech Pavilion is organized by Swissnex in Japan in partnership with Swisstech (Presence Switzerland, Innosuisse, Swissnex, Switzerland Global Enterprise), Swiss Business Hub Japan and the Science & Technology Office Tokyo at the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan.

    Info & tickets
  • May 13, 2025 — June 2, 2025 Japan 13 Tuesday Japan
    Arts, Exhibition

    Swissnex Window #6: Reimagining Traditional Crafts with Cutting-Edge Technology

    Swissnex in Japan presents “Reimagining Traditional Crafts with Cutting-Edge Technology,” the 6th edition of the Swissnex Window exhibition series. Watch the fusion of tradition and innovation unfold a dialogue between culture and technology.

    Info & tickets
  • May 22, 2025 Japan 23 Thursday Japan
    Arts, Exhibition

    Reimagining Traditional Crafts with Cutting-Edge Technology

    Explore how traditional Japanese crafts can be revitalized and transformed through the integration of cutting-edge technology. This event will serve as a platform for exploring the transformative potential of technology in the realm of traditional crafts as part of a global initiative by the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich and Swissnex. By showcasing the pioneering work of Takafumi Matsunaga, and the expertise of thought leaders like Yoichi Ochiai, it will shine a light on how the convergence of tradition and technology can shape a sustainable future for cultural heritage.

    Info & tickets

Program

  • 5:00pm – Welcome by Swissnex
  • 5:05pm – Intro: Sophie Grossmann (online), Museum für Gestaltung Zürich
  • 5:15pm – Presentation: Video artwork Mirage by Takafumi Matsunaga
  • 5:30pm – Panel Discussion: Yoichi Ochiai × Takafumi Matsunaga (Moderator: Hideki Yoshimoto)
  • 6:00pm – Q&A Session
  • 6:15pm – Guided Tour of the Swiss Pavilion
  • 6:40pm – Networking Reception
  • 8:00pm – End of the event

Event start time

Speakers

Background

Japan has a deep and celebrated history of craftsmanship, from intricate woodwork and textiles to the art of katagami stencil-making. However, these traditional crafts face a dual crisis: an aging population of craftspeople and a declining interest among younger generations. As a result, many artisanal techniques risk fading into obscurity.

In response to this challenge, initiatives such as Craft x Tech have emerged. These initiatives aim to leverage the latest technological advancements to not only preserve these crafts but also reimagine them for the modern era. By integrating traditional practices with contemporary design and technology, Craft x Tech demonstrates how innovation can breathe new life into tradition while engaging future generations.

Featured Speaker: Yoichi Ochiai

At the forefront of this movement is Yoichi Ochiai, a renowned media artist, academic, and director of the Digital Nature Laboratory at the University of Tsukuba. Ochiai’s groundbreaking work focuses on the intersection of art, science, and technology, reinterpreting nature and tradition through a digital lens.

Through his artworks, Ochiai has redefined the possibilities of craftsmanship by blending traditional materials and methods with futuristic approaches such as 3D printing, computational design, and augmented reality. His projects often reflect a deep respect for cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation.

During the event, Ochiai will share insights into his creative process and present some of his seminal works that explore the fusion of traditional crafts with advanced technologies. His perspective will provide valuable commentary on how art and science can collaborate to reinterpret and sustain heritage crafts.

Highlight: The Katagami Reimagined

A focal point of the event will be the reinterpretation of historical katagami—traditional Japanese paper stencils used for dyeing textiles—drawn from the collection of the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich. These stencils represent an enduring link between Japan and Switzerland, showcasing the rich cultural exchange between the two nations.

Japanese video artist Takafumi Matsunaga has transformed these historical artifacts into a stunning CGI-generated short film titled Mirage. This film bridges the gap between past and future by reimagining katagami motifs through the lens of digital storytelling. The intricate patterns of the stencils come to life in a mesmerizing visual narrative, illustrating how traditional crafts can inspire contemporary art and design.

Ochiai will provide expert commentary on Matsunaga’s work, offering insights into how historical artifacts like katagami can inform and inspire innovation in the digital age.

Organizers

  • Swissnex
  • Museum für Gestaltung Zürich

With the support of

  • Presence Switzerland
  • Swiss Pavilion