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Senior

Exploring Kyoto’s Traditional Industries: Hands-on Learning and Cultural Insights for IB Students

First-year IB course students were divided into groups and visited the workshops of craftsmen involved in traditional industries, where they had various hands-on experiences. This year, the students visited workshops specializing in Kyo-Yuzen dyeing, Nishijin weaving, Kyo-Sensu (Kyoto folding fans), Kyo bamboo crafts, Kyo-Uchiwa (Kyoto fans), Kyo confectionery, Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics, Kyoto ceremonial attire, Mizuhiki crafts, and Kyo pickles. Each of these crafts has developed over a long period in the Kyoto region. By visiting these workshops and interacting with the products, the students were able to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture. In addition to learning about the craftsmen’s techniques, they also gained insight into the philosophy behind their work and how they interact with others.

In the first semester, the students conducted research and market studies to explore sustainable traditional industries. Through these hands-on experiences, they were able to connect with the Japanese culture that underlies these industries. Moving forward, the students will continue to investigate how Kyoto's traditional industries can thrive in the future and what kind of Kyoto they should aim to create.















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