Organizer Information:
Toma House AIR is operated by Takabatake Trust, a general incorporated association based in Nara, Japan. Since its founding in 2017, the organization has been committed to preserving and revitalizing cultural assets through contemporary art. Its core project is the restoration and creative reuse of an 18th-century former Shinto priest family residence, designated as a registered cultural property. The Trust organizes exhibitions, artist residencies, and public programs that introduce traditional Japanese crafts to a global audience and foster cross-cultural exchange.
Website: https://tomaunrestored.com/artistresidency/
Title & Description:
Toma House AIR: Kintsugi & Hyōgu Artist Residencies in Nara, Japan (Fall 2025)
Toma House AIR invites international artists, craft practitioners, and researchers to participate in two specialized residency programs rooted in Japanese restoration arts:
Kintsugi Residency
This 4-week program offers an immersive introduction to the traditional art of kintsugi—repairing ceramics using natural urushi lacquer and gold. Led by British artist Clementine Nuttall, who has a long experience in kintsugi and urushi conservation, the residency guides participants through a step-by-step process: urushi preparation, filling techniques, gold application, and polishing. Participants will learn both the aesthetic and philosophical dimensions of kintsugi, and will leave with their own toolkit and the foundational knowledge to continue working independently. No prior experience is required.
Kintsugi open call link:
https://tomaunrestored.com/artistresidency/kintsugi2025/
Hyogu Residency: The Art of Paper Mounting and Framing
This is a unique English-language hyogu residency program, focusing on the mounting and framing of paper-based artworks, especially hanging scrolls (kakejiku). Conducted in collaboration with SEIKADOU—a studio with over 100 years of history—the 4-week course teaches participants the full mounting process: from historical and aesthetic foundations to three stages of urauchi (backing), cutting and attaching decorative elements, and final scroll finishing. Participants will complete two kakejiku using traditional techniques and tools, and take home a professional set for future use. A special guest lecture is provided by Bunkazaihozon Co., Ltd., one of only ten studios in Japan authorized to restore National Treasures.
Hyogu open call link:
Both programs are held at Toma House AIR, a heritage building nestled in the historic Takabatake district of Nara, and are supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan.
Category:
Visual Arts, Traditional Craft, Paper Art, Ceramics, Conservation, Interdisciplinary, Heritage Arts
Eligibility:
Open to international artists, artisans, designers, and researchers. No prior experience is necessary. Applicants must be able to follow instructions in English and be comfortable living in a traditional Japanese house.
Location:
Toma House AIR
1325-1 Takabatake-cho, Nara-shi, Nara 630-8301 Japan
(A historic 18th-century residence near Nara Park)
Key Dates:
Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
Program Dates:
Kintsugi: Oct 4–31, 2025 (Session A) / Nov 8–Dec 5, 2025 (Session B)
Hyogu: Sep 27–Oct 24, 2025 (Session A) / Nov 1–28, 2025 (Session B)
Program Fees (Special Opening Discount Enabled by Cultural Affairs Grant):
Thanks to funding from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, we are pleased to offer significantly reduced fees for the inaugural 2025 sessions. Fees include accommodation, instruction, workshops, materials, field trips, and a traditional tool kit to take home. Prices vary by room type:
Kintsugi Residency
Room A (largest studio-bedroom): JPY 380,000 (Standard: 584,000)
Room B (small single room): JPY 358,000 (Standard: 562,000)
Rooms C & D (Toma Beige): JPY 314,000 (Standard: 518,000)
Hyogu Residency
Room A: JPY 440,000 (Standard: 880,000)
Room B: JPY 418,000 (Standard: 858,000)
Rooms C & D (Toma Beige): JPY 374,000 (Standard: 814,000)
Participants cover their own travel, meals, insurance, visa and personal expenses. Fees include tax and handling charges.
Awards & Benefits:
-Intensive 4-week program taught by expert artisans and cultural professionals
-Studio and accommodation in a registered cultural property
-Hands-on training in traditional Japanese restoration arts
-Guided field trips and community engagement
-Artisan-grade toolkit and handbook included
-Opening-year grant-supported discounted fee
Contact Information:
Website: https://tomaunrestored.com/artistresidency/
Email: info@tomaunrestored.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toma_unrestored/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFsYQQ10jaA
Additional Details:
-Only 4 participants per session
-Program conducted in English (Mandarin support available)
-No smoking permitted on premises (cultural property regulation)
-Applicants must be able to stay in a traditional two-story house with shared facilities
-No application fee
