TSUKUMO

Participants will meet tsukumogami, kami (gods or spirits) that live in objects. Kami cannot be seen with the naked eye, however participants might be able to summon them by holding onto a 'Strange Bell'. Native toys passed down and throughout Japan are motifs for the kami. From a long time ago, native toys have acted as charms and talismans and have become quite familiar with people. As such I have likened my project to tsukumogami, and titled it 'Tsukumo'. The native toys look somewhat innocent and adorable. They are all filled with unique charm. They are also the crystals of artisan art which has been passed down from a long time ago. By experiencing the project's content, I would like others to feel the charm of Japan's artisan culture and of 'Japan' itself, the country with unique customs. I want to let people know about the existence of Japan's unique native toys. I also want to send the charm of Japan's culture to an overseas audience. I have created this project with these desires.