MAISON & OBJET PARIS 2026: Gurunavi presentará demostraciones en vivo de "Magewappa"

Gurunavi, Inc. announced the inauguration of its special pavilion, "JAPAN WOOD x CRAFTSMANSHIP*", at MAISON & OBJET PARIS 2026, to be held from Thursday, September 10 to Monday, September 14, 2026, in Paris (France). *Managed by Gurunavi, Inc. as part of a project for the promotion of Japanese wood products, subsidized by the Forestry Agency of Japan. The main attraction of the pavilion is the live demonstrations of "Odate Magewappa", a nationally recognized traditional craft originating from Odate City, Akita Prefecture. Its roots date back over 1,000 years, as evidenced by 10th-century archaeological findings of bentwood vessels preserved in volcanic ash. Since its establishment as an industry approximately 400 years ago, it has been passed down through generations as a high-level craft technique. Yoshimasa Shibata, one of only 16 nationally certified craftsmen in Odate Magewappa, will travel to Paris to showcase his artisanal mastery in person. At the pavilion, Shibata will perform demonstrations of "Mage-kakou" (bending process), in which natural cedar wood, softened in hot water exceeding 80°C, is instantly bent guided solely by the artisan's fingertip intuition; and "Kaba-toji" (bark sewing), in which the joints are finished with wild cherry bark as if sewn. This interactive showcase offers a valuable opportunity to witness firsthand the craftsmanship that highlights the natural beauty and functionality of materials to create durable products, designed to be cherished and preserved over time. The exhibition features over 40 carefully selected pieces, including Odate Magewappa, furniture, decor, and tableware, that combine advanced Japanese woodworking with modern design. Leveraging the natural appeal of wood, such as its rich fragrance, thermal regulation, moisture absorption, and antibacterial properties, the showcase offers innovative proposals for contemporary and sustainable European living spaces. Approximately 70% of Japan's land area is covered by forests, of which about 40% consists of forest plantations. While forest plantations account for only about 8% of the world's forest area, Japan has one of the highest proportions globally...