THIS IS AN exhibition you should not miss if you are in London anytime before 10 May 2026. It is being held at Japan House London in High Street Kensington, and is called “Hyakkō”. This Japanese word means ‘one hundred makers’. The exhibition is a display of 2000 handmade works made by 123 craftsmen and craftswomen in Japan. The exhibits are all exquisitely made. They are made using one or more of the following materials: ceramics, wood, metals, leather, and glass,

The works are attractively displayed, labelled, and well-lit. Accompanying the exhibits, there is a series of beautifully filmed videos. Each of these shows the makers at work in their studios and workshops in Japan. The videos show how natural materials are gathered, processed, and then transformed into fine examples of applied art.  Many of the items seen being made in the films can be found in the exhibition. Watching the videos is an important part of enjoying the exhibition because you begin to appreciate the skill and artistry employed to create what you can see close-up in the show. I would advise you to watch the screenings first, and then to view the products of the skilful creators who appear in the films.

Not only are the creations wonderful in themselves, but the way that they have been exhibited is a work of art. Whoever designed the exhibition seems to share the superb aesthetic sensibilities of those who created the exhibits. It is worth visiting Kensington to enjoy this visual treat from Japan.