Craft is born out of the land and lives on through the hands of people. No form of craft can be seperated from the environment, both natural and cultural, in which it was created.
For centuries, Kyoto has been the home of a vibrant, inter-connected craft industry, built on the natural resources within its watershed: from the rivers to the trees and plants and all other forms of life the water supports. That watershed includes Keihoku, a mountainous region to the north west which historically supplied much of the lumber for the great architecture of the ancient capital. From here we offer a unique vantage point from which to explore the themes of making and craft and the wider contexts in which they exist.
Residents stay at our traditional country house in the heart of the mountainous region of Keihoku, 45 minutes drive north of Kyoto city.
For more than 1000 years Keihoku has had a reputation for supplying the high quality timber used in the city’s great architecture.
Here, much of the ancient wisdom and the old ways of life has been passed down to the modern day, in turn attracting a new wave of young people interest- ed in learning these more sustainable practices.
Aiming to restore craft to its place in the natural cycle of the forest. The Forest of Craft project includes planting the raw materials on which craft depends for the future generations and engaging in education around forest care and the relationship between the things we use and where they come from. In the Keihoku site we have planted more than 200 urushi trees to date.
Taking inspiration from the fab lab movement, Fab Village Keihoku is a maker space for both professionals and hobbyists with a focus on woodworking. Fab Village Keihoku(FVK) is where traditional knowledge and modern technology meet: as well as providing space for young craftspeople, we also collaborate on research into making processes and materials with local universities.
Through our work with craftspeople and professionals related practices rooted in tradition, we have built a unique network across disciplines. We have built a strong base of knowledge on the inter-connection of craft, culture, industry, infrastructure and nature. Residents can be introduced to specialists in fields of their interest at request. (Arrangements need to be made in advance, contact us to find out how we can meet your needs)
Our residence is built in the local kominka (country house) style with a view of the cedar-covered mountains in Yamaguni, Keihoku. A three minute walk to the Oi river, where in early summer swarms of firefly gather at night and in later in the season people come from far and wide to fish forthe local delicacy Ayu.The house has a two large tatami rooms, one carpeted room & fully-fitted kitchen including gas stove, rice cooker, family-size fridge, utensils & tableware. The bath and toilet is situated in an annex facing the main entrance. There is also a spacious, newly-rennovated workspace with a desk for residents to work in.The workshop for custom-made wooden urushi surfboards by Siita is located on the property, housed in a two-story mud-walled storehouse. Additionally, the spacious outdoor area and garden provide greater spatial freedom for creation.
Applicants will be screened according to suitability. Even if you don't have a clear idea of what you would like to do on your residency, as long your work or themes of interest align with the values of Residence Fuu, feel free to enquire as it's possible that we will be able to come up with an arrangement.
Apply NowFor more information the residency including costs please see this PDF.
