The Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Museum will reopen on March 20, 2026 (Friday, National Holiday), following its first major renovation since opening in 1982. This is one of only two prefectural traditional crafts museums in Japan.
The renovation includes a significantly expanded shop selling traditional crafts from throughout the prefecture, as well as a newly added café.
To celebrate the reopening, the museum will host a variety of opening events designed to appeal to all generations, including a collaborative exhibition with world-renowned miniature photographer and Mitate artist Tatsuya Tanaka, an animal art exhibition using newspaper by sculptor Kohei Azuma, and a "Kumamoto Museum Rally" connecting the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art and the Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Museum.
About the Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Museum
The Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Museum is one of only two prefectural traditional crafts museums in Japan.
Following this major renovation, the second floor now features six exhibition rooms (expanded from two), including an open exhibition space with views of Kumamoto Castle. The first floor includes a newly established café and lounge area that can also be used as a rest space. The expanded shop features seasonal displays and serves as an ideal photo spot.
- Location: 3-35 Chibajo-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed: Every Monday and New Year's holidays (if Monday is a national holiday, closed the following weekday)
- Official Website: https://kumamoto-kougeikan.jp/
Takumi Craft Shop
The Takumi Craft Shop features all prefectural-designated traditional crafts in one location, from masterpieces such as Higo象がん (Higo inlay), ceramics, cutlery, and wood and bamboo crafts to charming folk toys like Hikoichi tops and Konoha monkeys, with custom orders also available. From everyday items to special gifts, this attractive shop offers a comprehensive experience of Kumamoto's craft culture in one place.
COFFEE KADO - Japan's Top Extraction Technique
A specialty coffee roastery in Kumamoto operated by Yohei Kubota, the 2017 Japan Hand Drip Champion. The shop serves coffee using Japan's top extraction techniques with carefully selected beans from around the world. The coffee balances "bean character" with "daily drinkability," featuring a mellow, sweet aftertaste.
Reopening Commemorative Events
Special Exhibitions
Two special exhibitions will be held to commemorate the reopening.
- Period: March 20, 2026 (Friday, National Holiday) to May 17, 2026 (Sunday)
- Admission Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM *March 20 only: Opens at 10:30 AM
- Venue: Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Museum, 2nd Floor Exhibition Rooms
- Admission: Free
Special Exhibition 1: Miniature Kumamoto Travel Mon
With the cooperation of Tatsuya Tanaka, a world-renowned miniature photographer and Mitate artist, this exhibition recreates beautiful landscapes from throughout Kumamoto using miniature art. The works use traditional crafts and agricultural products as landscape elements, showcasing Kumamoto's creative recovery from the earthquake, including Kumamoto Castle and the Aso region, as well as various attractive landscapes from around the prefecture.
Related Events
① Tatsuya Tanaka Artist Talk (Advance reservation required, Free, Capacity: 50)
- Date & Time: March 20, 2026 (Friday, National Holiday), 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
- Venue: Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Museum, Basement Conference Room
- Reservation URL: https://kumamoto-kougeikan.jp/spexhibition/r7ex1.html
② Tatsuya Tanaka Autograph Session (First-come, first-served)
- Date & Time: March 20, 2026 (Friday, National Holiday) ①11:30 AM to 12:00 PM ②2:00 PM to 2:30 PM
- Venue: Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Museum, 2nd Floor Exhibition Room
- Eligible: Book purchasers at the venue
Tatsuya Tanaka Profile
Born in Kumamoto Prefecture in 1981. In 2011, he began "MINIATURE CALENDAR," an art project that reimagines everyday objects from a miniature perspective. He has continued posting new works online daily ever since. In 2017, he created the title sequence for NHK's morning drama series "Hiyokko," and in 2020, he participated as a creator for the Japan Pavilion at Dubai Expo. His Instagram followers exceed 4 million.
Special Exhibition 2: Kohei Azuma Exhibition - NEWS PAPER ANIMALS
An exhibition of dynamic animal sculptures created by sculptor Kohei Azuma using only newspaper and cellophane tape.
Related Event
Kohei Azuma Workshop (Advance reservation, Fee required, Capacity: 10 per session)
- Date & Time: March 20, 2026 (Friday, National Holiday) ①1:00 PM ②3:00 PM (approximately 1 hour each)
- Venue: Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Museum
- Fee: ¥1,100 (tax included) per person
- Capacity: 10 people per session
- Reservation URL: https://kumamoto-kougeikan.jp/spexhibition/r7ex2.html
Kohei Azuma Profile
A sculptor who creates dynamic animals using only newspaper and cellophane tape. First presented at the 2012 Poland Biennale. His unique expression of breathing life into familiar materials captivates audiences from children to adults.
Kumamoto Museum Rally
To commemorate the reopening, a "Kumamoto Museum Rally" will be held in collaboration with the adjacent Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art. Special gifts will be available for those who enjoy both facilities' offerings of art and traditional crafts.
- Period: March 20, 2026 (Friday, National Holiday) to March 31, 2026 (Tuesday) *Excluding closed days
- How to Participate:
- Obtain proof of visit to the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art (ticket, pamphlet, photo, etc.)
- Receive a gift at the Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Museum
