HATA Natsumi & KAWAKAMI Kotoha
Domestic Internships
Selling works by artists facing traditional Japanese culture
Experience from planning and planning to event implementation
| Name of participating students | HATA Natsumi, KAWAKAMI Kotoha |
| practicum site | Tanimura Kyozome Co. |
| program-name | Domestic Internships |
| Period | June 14 – June 16, 2023 and August 12 – August 22, 2023 |
Reasons for choosing the practicum site
Mr. Hata:
I sympathized with the owner’s wish to “connect Japanese traditions and culture,” and also thought that I could acquire important skills for my future job, such as customer service, sales, and project management, through my internship at Tanimura Kyozome.
Mr. Kawakami:
I sympathized with the concept of the store, which wants many people to know about the works of artists who are sincerely devoted to the culture and work on their creations, while Japanese traditions and culture are in decline, and I wanted to work on the issue of how to pass on truly valuable works to the next generation and connect them to the next. I wanted to tackle the issue of how to convey and connect truly valuable works of art to the next generation.
What was the most memorable or pleasant experience during your practical training?
Mr. Kawakami:
I was very happy when I was able to convey the charm of my work to customers, and when they empathized with the charm of the work and purchased it.
I was also very happy when one customer came to me two days in a row after the purchase to talk about how he used the work and how good it was, and I felt that I was able to convey the good qualities of the work.
HUMAN GALLERY Store
Mr. Hata:
I had an opportunity to interview an artist in the course of my work and asked the Eikei Photo Club to photograph the interview.
When I received the finished photos, I was delighted to see that my intentions were conveyed to the club members and that what I wanted to convey through the photos became tangible.
What was your biggest challenge throughout your practical training?
While the internship provided me with a variety of experiences, I also faced many challenges.
In particular, it was very difficult to complete 100 design proposals for tote bags to be used in the workshop within a limited time frame. However, we did not give up, and I consider it a great development that we were able to think of a way out and the best way and kept working until the end.
Tote bag workshop
Did you notice any changes in yourself before and after the training?
Mr. Hata:
Through the internship, I was able to learn which part of the job I would like to do in the future I am more attracted to by being able to plan and execute a single project.
In addition, through talking with many artists, I was able to experience their enthusiasm and passion for their work, and I felt the quality of what people create. It was also an opportunity for me to think about how I can bring out the best in people like the owner, Mr. Tanimura.
Ms. Kawakami:
I participated in the internship because I sympathized with the concept of human gallery’s store, and through the practical training, I was able to appreciate once again the quality of the products made by the artists. Although I have not yet decided on a specific career after graduation, I would like to become a person who can create something truly valuable, and not just in the field of making things.
Cherish and connect new encounters
Talk Show at Eikei Festival
During the practical training, we had a workshop where we made our own tote bags by drawing pictures and writing letters on them.
At that time, I met Ms. Vivienne Sato and was impressed by her way of thinking.
At the 1st Eikei Festival held in October, we invited Ms. Vivienne Sato and planned a talk show with Professor Hayata.
New encounters are connecting and expanding.
(November 2023)
