Travel Geeks online: made in Japan — 23 June 2020

With its vast wealth of crafts, which employ an astonishing array of techniques and technologies, exploring Japan’s culture is a fascinating way to see the country. Join us as we discuss where to go, what to see and how to do it.

By National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Published 8 Jun 2020, 17:59 BST
The next Travel Geeks session, taking place on 23 June 2020, explores Japan's craft-making heritage.

The next Travel Geeks session, taking place on 23 June 2020, explores Japan's craft-making heritage.

Photograph by Getty images

***This event has already taken place. Watch the recording on YouTube, or discover more events by National Geographic Traveller***

With its vast wealth of crafts, which employ an astonishing array of techniques and technologies, exploring Japan’s culture is a fascinating way to see the country. Join us as we discuss where to go, what to see and how to do it.

Japan has so much to offer visitors but for those who want to discover a new depth to the destination, a trip based around crafts can be deeply rewarding. There are myriad small, often family-based manufacturers all over the country, and with so much regional variation, discovering how people live, work and learn is key to understanding local communities. From glassware to ceramics, metalwork to wood carving, craft tourism offers the chance to take lesser-trodden paths and uncover a different side to Japan.

Although travel is currently difficult, stay inspired as we team up with Japan House to learn about the culture of this perennially popular destination. 

Join us online from 18.00 on Tuesday 23 June. Travel Geeks is just an hour long and offers you the chance to hear from our experts and join in the lively debate.

The speakers at Travel Geeks: Made in Japan. Left to right: Simon Wright, Pico Iyer, Hisono Hitomi, Matt Joslin, Jo Fletcher-Cross.

Photograph by National Geographic Traveller (UK)

THE PANEL


Hitomi Hosono

Hitomi was born in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. She studied the Kutani ceramic tradition in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, before continuing her artistic training in Copenhagen and London. She’s known for her intricately carved and botanically inspired ceramic pieces which look to the aesthetic traditions of both Japan and Europe. In 2018, she was chosen to be the first ever artist-in-residence at Wedgwood. Hitomi's pieces can be found in the permanent collections of the British Museum and the V&A.

Matt Joslin

Matt, who’s marketing and communications manager at the Japanese National Tourism Organisation, has been passionate about Japan ever since he started learning the language and inhaling the pop culture in his early teens. He has lived and studied in Tokyo, travelled the country from top to bottom and will tell anyone who’ll listen about the diverse wonders of off-the-beaten-track Japan. 

Simon Wright

Simon, who’s director of programming at Japan House, has more than 30 years of experience of either working in or with Japan. He heads up the programming team at Japan House London and has been with the Japan House project from the beginning. He’s passionate about activities which evolve through co-creation and co-production and works closely with a wide variety of artists and content holders from Japan on a daily basis. 

Pico Iyer

Pico Iyer is the author of more than a dozen books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Japan and Autumn Light. He regularly contributes to The New York Review of Books, Granta, the Financial Times and dozens of magazines around the world. His three recent TED Talks have received seven million views so far.

Jo Fletcher-Cross

Jo’s a contributing editor at National Geographic Traveller (UK) and is particularly enthusiastic about food, art, theatre, the Eurovision Song Contest, comedy and Dolly Parton.

loading

Explore Nat Geo

  • Animals
  • Environment
  • History & Culture
  • Science
  • Travel
  • Photography
  • Space
  • Adventure
  • Video

About us

Subscribe

  • Magazines
  • Disney+

Follow us

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society. Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved