For six days from Wednesday, July 15 to Monday, July 20, 2026, the 9th floor Art Stage at Hankyu Umeda Main Store will host "Craftsmanship Connects: Nantucket Baskets – New Styles Rooted in Tradition," an event introducing the profound world of the American traditional craft known as the Nantucket basket. The exhibition and sale will feature works by 16 talented artists, centered on instructors from the Japan Nantucket Basket Association. Baskets with new designs that harmonize with contemporary lifestyles and modern fashion, while retaining their classic beauty, will be gathered together under one roof.
A Basket Bag to Cherish for Years, Perfect for Formal Occasions Too
The craft originated on Nantucket Island in the United States. Thanks to its elegant appearance, it has been loved around the world as a basket bag that suits formal occasions as well as everyday wear. This exhibition showcases exquisite pieces where the warmth of handcraftsmanship meets luxurious materials, ranging from refined new works combining beautiful woods such as walnut and maple to artistic pieces made with mammoth ivory.
Customizable to Fit a Modern Lifestyle
In addition to the baskets themselves, a wide range of accessories and customization parts let visitors incorporate tradition into everyday styling. The lineup includes elegant inner bags (drawstring pouches), leather handles available in a variety of colors, and miniature baskets that can also double as bag charms, adding a playful touch to contemporary fashion.
A Variety of Workshops for Beginners and Experts Alike
Workshops will be held daily throughout the event, giving visitors the chance to experience the joy of weaving and making Nantucket baskets. From palm-sized mini sand pails and pendants to cool round bangles, participants can create their own original items with careful guidance from instructors, even if they have never tried it before. A free "weaving experience" that requires no reservation is also available on an ongoing basis for anyone who wants to join in casually.
In recent years, as mass production and mass consumption are being reconsidered, interest has been growing in handcrafted items that can be cherished for years. Basket bags, a summer style essential, are no exception, with more and more shoppers placing importance on quality and the story behind each piece. This event was organized with a focus on the American traditional craft of the Nantucket basket, aiming to convey the deep appeal of a traditional craft and the richness of bringing it into daily life through new designs suited to modern lifestyles and hands-on workshops.
Event Overview
Period: July 15 (Wed) – July 20 (Mon, national holiday), 2026
Location: Hankyu Umeda Main Store, 9F Art Stage
Note: Closing at 5:00 PM on the final day of the event
