Taketombo works to bring more attention and resources to rural regions of Japan. Whether you are making a pit-stop in our town or joining week(s)-long residency, your participation will bring new energy to aging historic craft towns outside of metropolitan vicinity.
Think before you join the crowd in Toyko and Kyoto.
We look forward to help you build the most creative and remarkable experience in Japan while you bring positive impact to Japan through your travel.
Lights-OFF
at the woodshop
Our goal has always been telling stories of lesser-known but important traditional crafts and places.
Since May 2023, lights have been off at one wood shop. No more hammer and clangor. We are witnessing an inconvenient reality of a 173-old family maker business having to halt production.
We do not want to be just an onlooker.
What can we do to raise awareness and bring interests back to these important craft heritage of Japan?
GOENNE FEATURE
Labor of Love
Water mills have been supporting the livelihood of Yame residents for hundreds of years. Baba Watermill is the last remaining active watermill producing cedar leave powder in the region. Takeshi and Chieko Baba are guarding a family business, maintaining a historic asset and retaining the traditional way of production.
INITIATIVE
what is
Living through 3 years of pandemic,
we built new vocabularies, we adopted different habits, we lived through isolation, we mourned, we recovered,
and most importantly we reflect on our behaviour and lifestyles.
While Taketombo continues to prompt responsible and insightful journeys,
we also looked into sustainable consumption, and re-look at the value of handmade commodities.
What can we re-learn about Product that Lasts?
What is the "Forgotten Normal"?
In 2020, we launched GOENNE
ta-ke-tom-bo
We named our program after a traditional propeller toy hand-made in wood or bamboo, dated as far back to Nara or Heian period (8th century).
Our goal is to empower traditional crafts and let them take flight in the 21st century.
伝統工芸を発展させていくための新しい枠組みを提供し、
それを羽ばたかせていきたい「タケトンボ」には、そんな思いが込められています。
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Japan travel design studio
"RETHINKING OLD HOKURIKU BANK BUILDING" (1924)
READ BLOG STORY
Before you join the crowd in Toyko and Kyoto.
Think and look beyond. Become a responsible and social-conscious traveler.