Ancient Japanese Silk Braiding Technique Threads Modern Science With Cutting-Edge Advances

For Immediate Release

Revolutionize the Maestro: New Ways of Craftsmanship

Thursday, September 11, 2008, 6:30 pm at Japan Society

New York, NY – Offering an in-depth look at kumihimo, a millenniums-old Japanese art of silk braiding, and how its technique is being applied to new technologies, Japan Society presents Revolutionize the Maestro: New Ways of Craftsmanship. This lecture features one of the world’s most renowned kumihimo artists, Makiko Tada, and Hiroyuki Hamada, professor at Kyoto Institute of Technology. Moderated by Joe Earle, Vice President and Director of Gallery, Japan Society, Revolutionize the Maestro takes place Thursday, September 11 at 6:30 pm and is followed by a reception.

Traditional art forms can serve as launching points for new, cutting-edge products and technologies. Japanese silk braiding, kumihimo, traces its roots to the Jomon era (5500 BC) with techniques now integral to the production of high-strength materials such as the fiber-reinforced plastics used in products from golf clubs to airplane wings. NASA has been researching silk braiding in attempts to develop applications for space travel. In Revolutionize the Maestro: New Ways of Craftsmanship, today’s leading kumihimo authorities Tada and Hamada introduce audiences to the ancient techniques and artistry and explore applications to new technologies.

About Makiko Tada
Makiko Tada graduated from Nihon Women’s University and received Doctor of Engineering from the Kyoto Institute of Technology. Tada has been braiding Japanese Kumihimo (silk braiding) for 40 years and Andean braids for 20 years. She is a researcher, designer of kumihimo, professor of the Kyoto Institute of Technology and lecturer of Nihon Women's University. She has published widely on kumihimo.

About Hiroyuki Hamada
Dr. Hiroyuki Hamada has been Professor of Advanced Fibro-Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology since 1998. He is also Director of Future-Applied Conventional Technology Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology founded in 2005. He has an established record of research in the area of polymeric materials, textile composites, especially the composite materials reinforced with braided fabric. He is a reviewer of many international journals and has acted as chair and co-chair in several professional organizations.

About Japan Society
Founded in 1907 by prominent New York City business people and philanthropists, Japan Society has evolved over 100 years into an internationally recognized nonprofit organization presenting a full range of programs within arts and culture, business, education, family, and public policy. Through over 100 events annually, the Society creates rich encounters and exchanges that offer opportunities to experience Japanese culture; foster sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the U.S., Japan, and East Asia; and improve access to information on Japan.

Tickets and Information
Revolutionize the Maestro: New Ways of Craftsmanship takes place on Thursday, September 11 at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10/$8 Japan Society Members/$5 seniors & students. Japan Society is located at 333 East 47th Street between First and Second avenues (accessible by the 4/5/6 at 42nd Street-Grand Central Station or the E and V at Lexington Avenue and 53rd St.) For reservations, call the box office at 212-715-1258. For further information call 212-832-1155 or visit www.japansociety.org.


Co-sponsored by Kyoto Institute of Technology, Revolutionize the Maestro: New Ways of Craftsmanship is made possible by funding from the Lila Wallace-reader’s Digest Endowment Fund. Additional support is provided by Jack and Susy Wadsworth, Chris A. Wachenheim, the Sandy Heck Lecture Fund, and Ms. Hiroko Onoyama.

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For further information, images and interview requests, please refer to:

Aya Akeura
Japan Society
T: (212) 715-1292
F: (212) 715-1262
E: aakeura@japansociety.org

Kuniko Shiobara
Japan Society
T: 212-715-1249
F: (212) 715-1262
E: kshiobara@japansociety.org