Villa Kujoyama
Villa Kujoyama, located in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, supports French artists with the backing of the French government. Established in 1992, it provides a quiet environment with residency ateliers and accommodation for artists to focus on their work. The facility encourages cultural exchange between Japan and France through programs with local artists and communities. Surrounded by Kyoto’s traditional culture and nature, Villa Kujoyama is an ideal place for inspiring creativity and fostering cultural exchange.
From Kawagoe Festival to Villa Kujoyama
A mysterious connection led me to visit Villa Kujoyama, a place I had never known before. It began when I met a French designer, Maxime Matias, at the 2022 Kawagoe Festival. I was there to scout the festival as a guide. At the Yamazaki Art Museum, Maxime and I quickly bonded over his deep respect for Japanese culture. I guided him around places like Kita-in Temple, and we talked about various topics (in English). He was in Japan for a short project with Japanese craftsmen. After enjoying beer and gyoza, we watched the nighttime festival floats and parted ways at Hon-Kawagoe Station, exchanging email addresses.
A year passed without contact, then I received an unexpected email from Maxime. He had been selected for a residency at Villa Kujoyama and would spend four months in Kyoto starting in May. This was when I first learned about Villa Kujoyama. Maxime wanted to meet if he visited Tokyo. In May, we met in Tokyo and visited Kiyosumi Garden and the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, and I invited him to my home. This is how I (and my wife) were invited there.
Exploring New Horizons
At Villa Kujoyama, Maxime aims to explore new horizons as a designer by connecting with Japanese artists and craftsmen. He is particularly interested in the art of KODO (the way of incense) and wants to master its techniques. He visits demolition sites of old buildings and antique markets to gather materials from traditional Japanese culture that are disappearing due to modernization, hoping to sense something from them. I’m looking forward to seeing how his experiences in Japan will create a transformation in his work as a designer.
Inspiration from a Foreigner’s Journey into Japanese Culture
I feel fortunate to have encountered a foreigner who has such a deep interest in Japanese culture. Thanks to him, I was able to learn about SUISEKI and catch a glimpse of the world of KODO. Even without understanding Japanese, his attempt to grasp the essence of Japanese culture, integrate it into his own thoughts and sensibilities, and apply it to his own creations is truly inspiring for me. As a tour guide who explains Japanese culture to visitors, it was an interesting experience.
