Discover Japan’s bamboo craftsmanship through touch in this special object handling session at Japan House London, focusing on Tosa torafu (‘tiger-striped’) bamboo, a variety that grows exclusively in Kōchi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku.
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 and closely examine a variety of bamboo materials and handcrafted objects, including basketry, zōri sandals, tableware and everyday household items. As visitors explore the objects through touch, Yamagishi introduces the materials, craftsmanship, functions and stories behind each piece, encouraging a deeper understanding of bamboo’s role in Japanese cultures and daily life.
A separate object handling session is available for blind and partially sighted visitors. Please visit the dedicated event page for this session for further information.
Visitors can also learn more about Tosa torafu bamboo through a special display on the ground floor on view until 25 August 2026.
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 Tosa torafu 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.
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.
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