Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center
Beppu’s bamboo ware was designated a Traditional Craft Product by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in 1979, and the Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center was founded in 1994 to promote bamboo goods production. The Center’s goals include ensuring effective use of local bamboo resources, preserving traditional bamboo crafting techniques, and educating and training young artisans. The Center’s predecessor was the Beppu City Craft Institute, founded in 1950 to promote advancements in bamboo ware crafting techniques. It remained in operation until 1994.
The Center’s two exhibit rooms provide an in-depth view of bamboo as a material, crafting tools and techniques, bamboo ware created for both practical and artistic purposes, and prominent craftspeople from Beppu. It also offers multimedia presentations and has a space for events and special exhibitions.
In keeping with the goal of educating future craftspeople and preserving crafting techniques, the Center is also equipped with a research area and training rooms, where promising young artisans can hone their skills. Visitors can make a simple flower basket or a pair of bamboo bells in the classroom space. Those wanting to learn more can sign up for a longer-term class.
At the museum cafe and shop, opened in 2017 following facility renovations, visitors can relax after viewing the exhibits and purchase bamboo products to take home.