Japanese Traditional Culture

DENKEN-TEST News (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group)

Supporting Traditional Crafts Through the Power of Connection: A Chance to Think About Innovation and Change

[MUFG Craft Project] “Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori" experience event held at the Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Nagoya Building in February 2024 (Provided by MUFG)

We want to make use of the “Connecting Power" that financial institutions have. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) launched the “MUFG Crafts Project" in the summer of 2023 to support traditional craft industries such as ceramics, lacquerware, and textiles. In light of the current situation of traditional crafts, which are in a critical situation due to reasons such as a lack of successors, Ms. Akiko Shikimori, Chief Corporate Branding Officer, who is the leader of the project, emphasized that “Creating a platform that connects all stakeholders involved in crafts will support traditional crafts." “This year, we will create a system that involves 120,000 group employees, and strengthen concrete support activities to make the project a success", she said.

◇ Why Financial Institutions Support Crafts?

According to The Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries, the number of employees in traditional crafts (approximately 62,700 people) and production value (approximately 96 billion yen) as of 2016 were both down about 80% compared to around 1980. In light of this situation, the MUFG Crafts Project was planned as part of a social contribution activity, with the aim of promoting activities that cannot be carried out through loans and other financial services alone.

MUFG has set “Becoming a force that moves the world forward" as its Purpose (Raison D'être for the company), and has set out “Preserving and Passing on Culture" as one of its priority areas for social contribution activities. Regarding the reason for choosing crafts, Ms. Shikimori pointed out, “Crafts have not only woven traditions, but have also repeatedly challenged and innovated according to the times. It is something that is required of modern companies, and it gives us an opportunity to think about how we can change as business people, and it gives us learning and awareness”. She went on to say her aim was, “Showcasing our image of changing for the future will also increase MUFG's corporate value".

The relationship between financial institutions and traditional culture is by no means weak, and various initiatives are being undertaken around traditional crafts that have been passed down in the region. Yamaguchi Bank operates the Yamagin Museum, which exhibits Hagi Ware and other items. The Ryukyu Bank is holding a design contest for Bingata, one of Okinawa's most representative traditional dyeing techniques. With MUFG, one of Japan's leading financial institutions, embarking on full-scale support for the traditional craft industry, it seems likely that such efforts will accelerate in the future.

Ms. Akiko Shikimori of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group gives an interview in March in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.

◇ Strengthening Information Dissemination and Supporting the Next Generation

As the first step of the project, MUFG held an exhibition in the lobby of Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Main Building (Tokyo) last summer to introduce traditional crafts by artisans from all over Japan. In February of this year, a hands-on experience session for the traditional dyeing technique “Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori" was held at the Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Nagoya Building, which was open to everyone from children to adults.

In the future, they plan to aim to create a system that organically connects the efforts of the national and local governments, related organizations, and private companies to promote traditional crafts. Ms. Shikimori expressed his hope that “It will become a source of new ideas that will hone craft techniques and inspire innovation". This year, they will also focus on supporting the next generation of creators, and are considering creating a support and award system for students studying crafts, and opening seminars and courses. At the same time, they plan to focus on changing and educating consumers, and disseminating information that connects and makes visible the various activities of various organizations in each region.