40th Anniversary Special Talk by Living National Treasures: Tamasaburo Bando (Kabuki actor), Kazumi Murose (Lacquer artist), Noboru Fujinuma (Bamboo artist), and Junnosuke Tsuchiya (Textile artist)

Tamasaburo Bando　Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property “Kabuki Onnagata”

Born in Tokyo, he became a trainee of Morita Kan'ya XIV in 1956, making his stage debut the following year. He subsequently garnered attention for his successive major roles, including Princess Shiranue in "Tsubaki no Setsu Yumiharizuki" and Princess Sakura in "Sakurahime Azuma Bunsho." In 1964, he assumed the name Bandō Tamasaburo V. In addition to his successful tours around the world, he has also devoted himself to his work as a dancer, performing at theaters across the country as well as at historic regional theaters such as the Yachiyoza (Kumamoto) and Gofukuza (Aichi), both designated as national treasures. He has received numerous awards both at home and abroad, including the Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France) in 2013 and the Medal with Purple Ribbon (Japan) in 2014. He currently serves as a permanent director of the Japan Actors Association and a director of the Traditional Kabuki Preservation Society. 

Kazumi Murose　Important Intangible Cultural Property "Maki-e"

Born in Tokyo. Graduated from the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts, majoring in lacquerware. Has received numerous awards, including the Tokyo Governor's Award at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Received the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2008. Received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2021. Currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Japan Crafts Council, a public interest incorporated association. His works are held in the collections of the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Tokyo University of the Arts, the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the British Museum, among others. In addition to his creative activities, he is also involved in cultural heritage preservation activities, and actively exhibits and gives lectures both domestically and internationally to convey the beauty and splendor of lacquer.

Noboru Fujinuma　Important Intangible Cultural Property "Bamboo Crafts"

Born in Otawara, Tochigi Prefecture. After studying traditional techniques under Yagisawa Keizo, he pursued original aesthetic beauty and produced intricate and powerful works. He has received awards such as the Japan Crafts Association Chairman's Award at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. In 2004, he was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon. His works are housed in the collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, among others. In recent years, he founded the "Noboru Fujinuma Global Children's Future Dream Fund," and is working to develop talent who will be active on the global stage. 

Junki Tsuchiya　Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property “Monsha”

Born in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture in 1954. After graduating from the Textile Department of Kyoto International Art College, she studied under Shimura Fukumi, a dyeing and weaving artist and current holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property "Tsumugi Weaving." She was first selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1989. In 96, she received the Japan Crafts Council President's Award at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. In 2006, she received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for her Monsha kimono "Gekkei-in." In 2009, she was awarded the Purple Ribbon Medal.