The program aims to explore the intersection between Dutch and Japanese craft culture and to create a collaborative products that reflects the talent and creativity of each creators involved in the project. Application deadline is 15 May 2024!

What is MONO MAKERS PROGRAM and how it started.

In early September 2025, a team formed through the MONO MAKERS PROGRAM 2024—a cultural initiative connecting Japanese traditional artisans with Dutch creators—visited Kyotango, a scenic region in northern Kyoto Prefecture. Facing the Sea of Japan, Kyotango is roughly twice the size of Amsterdam and is a land rich in fisheries, agriculture, and natural beauty. It

We are excited to announce the selected collaborations for the MONO MAKERS PROGRAM 2025, a cross-cultural initiative connecting Japanese manufacturers with Dutch designers to create new value through craft, dialogue, and design. After a careful and thoughtful selection process, the jury has chosen the following two collaborations for their exceptional potential and resonance with the

Tsuyoshi Kato is the founder of kiten.kyoto and the third-generation leader of Katouken Flag Store (加藤健旗店), a Kyoto-based workshop with a history spanning over 70 years. Known for producing traditional flags, noren (暖簾), and happi coats (法被) for festivals, shrines, and public institutions, the studio stands as a quiet yet resilient guardian of Japan’s visual

Meet Laura Luchtman! Laura is the founder and designer behind Kukka Textile & Surface Design. Teaming up with Tsuyoshi Kato of Kiten.kyoto, the duo was awarded the Special Jury Prize in the 2024 MONO MAKERS PROGRAM. Laura started her career in fashion but soon found her true passion in textile design. She founded Kukka, a

In 2024, two unique collaborations were selected as part of the MONO MAKERS PROGRAM. Both collaborations were showcased at the Kyoto International Gift Show, held on March 12–13, 2025. As part of the MONO MAKERS PROGRAM presentation, Shohei Kubo and Tsuyoshi Kato introduced the outcomes of their projects and shared insights into their collaborative experiences

The MONO MAKERS PROGRAM (MMP), hosted by MONO JAPAN and NN Life, will continue in 2025, with the Open Call opening on Monday, April 7! This program has consistently yielded impactful results, bringing together Japanese artisans and production specialists and Dutch creators to collaborate on innovative new products that shape the future. Additionally, the program

 Today, we’re excited to share an update on the project by Dutch artist Sigrid Calon and Shohei Kubo from KANMAKI. Together, this creative pair has been exploring innovative ways to merge Sigrid’s distinctive artistic vision with KANMAKI’s expertise, rooted in Japanese tradition. Their journey exemplifies the heart of the MONO MAKERS PROGRAM: celebrating cross-cultural collaboration and

The MONO MAKERS PROGRAM, co-organized by NN Life Japan and MONO JAPAN, is a unique initiative that brings together Japanese craftsmanship and Dutch creative talent. This year, the program’s finalists, Shohei Kubo of Kansai Makitorihaku Co., Ltd., and Sigrid Calon, as well as special award winners Tsuyoshi Kato of Kato Kenki Co., Ltd., and Laura

On May 20th, the application period for the MMP closed, and we received many highly motivated applications. Thank you to everyone who applied! Mark your calendars! The winners of this year’s MMP will be revealed on Friday, May 31st. We apologize for any confusion caused by previous announcements suggesting the results would be out at

Mae Engelgeer and Yohei Oue are collaborating on the MONO MAKERS PROGRAM. Currently, they are developing interior products using Washi paper, with the prototype stage concluding in February. They are set to unveil their new products for the first time at the Kyoto Gift Show in March. With the MMP ending at the end of

We are pleased to invite you to a special Networking Dinner on Wednesday, 22 October 2025 in Rotterdam. On this occasion, we will welcome five Japanese members visiting the Netherlands, including the winner of the MONO MAKERS PROGRAM 2025. This will be a wonderful opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and enjoy an inspiring evening together.

Dear MMM Members, We are excited to invite you to the upcoming MONO JAPAN Fair, taking place in Rotterdam from September 13th. This year, our MMP program has brought together two exceptional Dutch-Japanese collaboration pairs. Sigrid and Shohei are currently working together with our hands-on support, while Laura and Tsuyoshi (Kiten) have independently progressed to

Thank you to those who applied to the MONO MAKERS PROGRAM. After much deliberation, we are proud to announce the winning duos of this year. First prize: Sigrid Calon (Artist) & Shohei Kubo (KANMAKI) Photo: Sigrid Calon Photo: Shohei Kubo Special jury prize: Laura Luchtman (Studio Kukka) & Tsuyoshi Kato (Kiten.kyoto) Photo: Chromarama expo by Kukka, image by

We are very happy to announce that NN Life Japan and MONO JAPAN have decided to continue operating the online platform MONO MAKERS MEET (MMM) as a meeting place for Japanese-Dutch creative cooperation beyond April 2024. The International collaboration program MONO MAKERS PROGRAM (MMP), which was open for applications last year, will also be implemented