As part of our Cultural Programme at MONO JAPAN Fair 2026, we are pleased to present a special MONO MAKERS PROGRAM (MMP) exhibition and lecture, inviting you to explore the creative fusion of Japanese craftsmanship and Dutch design. This special exhibition showcases unique, contemporary objects created through past MMP collaborations, highlighting how tradition and innovation

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 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.

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

1. Is there any financial support for the collaboration if we are selected as the Grand Prize winners? Yes. The Dutch designer will receive a design fee of €2,000. While there is no financial reward for the Japanese participant, they will be invited to join a special study tour in the Netherlands. 2. Can we

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