- Friday, February 12, 2026 7:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
- Venue: Seminar Room D, International House of Japan
- Speaker: Micah Wiles (Craft Artist; U.S.-Japan Creative Artists Program Fellow)
- Language: English (with consecutive interpretation)
- Co-sponsored by the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission
- Admission: Free (reservation required)
Micah Wiles has been on a craft journey through Japan, from Tohoku to Kyushu, visiting traditional basket makers and oke makers. He has been learning the history and techniques of these crafts, and sharing about his own craft traditions based in Kentucky, USA.
In this talk he will share stories of the makers he connected with along the way, and provide insights on the passing of traditions to the next generation. He will showcase the diverse array of basket making traditions in Japan, that varies from region to region, based on materials available and the need of functional containers for daily life. The concept of traditional craft will be examined by revealing how craftspeople strive to maintain old techniques and practices while adapting to the modern times.