Discover Japan’s bamboo craftsmanship through touch in this special object handling session at Japan House London, designed for blind and partially sighted guests. Focusing on Tosa torafu (‘tiger-striped’) bamboo, a variety that grows exclusively in Kōchi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, the session offers an opportunity to explore Japanese bamboo culture through tactile engagement.
The session is led by Yamagishi Yoshihiro, fourth-generation president of Taketora, a family-run bamboo company founded in 1894 in Kōchi and dedicated to preserving the tradition of Tosa torafu bamboo. Named for its distinctive tiger-like markings, this rare bamboo has been cultivated and crafted in the region since the Edo period (1603–1868).
Participants are invited to handle a variety of bamboo materials and handcrafted objects, including basketry, zōri sandals, tableware and everyday household items. As visitors explore each piece through touch, Yamagishi introduces the materials, craftsmanship, functions and stories behind each piece, offering insights into bamboo’s role in Japanese cultures and daily life.
About the speaker
Yamagishi Yoshihiro is the fourth-generation president of Taketora, a bamboo company founded in 1894 in the village of Awa, Kōchi Prefecture, home to tora ‘tiger’ bamboo, a rare variety found nowhere else in the world. Under his leadership, Taketora continues to transform this distinctive material into a wide range of products, from baskets, kitchenware and footwear to bamboo charcoal and even a fully functional electric bamboo vehicle. A passionate advocate for Japanese bamboo craftsmanship and environmental sustainability, Yamagishi has helped bring international attention to the cultural and practical value and potential of bamboo. In 2018, he became the second Japanese national to be appointed a World Bamboo Ambassador by the World Bamboo Congress.
Booking tickets
Booking is conducted using Eventbrite. Please note that this event is designed for blind and partially sighted guests. Companions, guides, personal assistants and guide dogs are very welcome.
When booking, please let us know about any access requirements, including whether you would like sighted guiding from the entrance of Japan House London to the workshop space, whether you will be attending with a companion, or whether you will be bringing a guide dog. This helps us plan the space and support attendees appropriately.
If you have any questions about this event or how to book, please email [email protected], or call us on +44 (0)20 7932 7100.
Please note that filming and photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.
Image description: Seated on a wooden floor, Yamagishi Yoshihiro holds a large handwoven bamboo basket, while an assortment of bamboo baskets and trays of different shapes and sizes are arranged in front of him.
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