Breaking News: Matsubara Nobuo has been certified as a 'Living National Treasure' (Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder)."
From the Cultural Affairs Council, established by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, it was announced on Friday July 21st that Nobuo Matsubara has been certified as a "Living National Treasure" (Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder) for his exceptional expertise in the field of dyeing and Nagaita-Chugata.
In the category of Nagaita-Chugata, Matsubara becomes the third person in history to receive this recognition, and the second in his family.
His grandfather Sadakichi Matsubara was awarded the prestigious title in 1955 and at the young age of 62, the year Nobuo was born.
As one of the "Four Matsubara Brothers" Nobuo studied under his father, Toshio, after graduating from high school. In their studio located in the nature-rich area of Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture, they preserve tradition while creating remarkable works that appear fresh in the contemporary era. He has received numerous awards over the years at various textile exhibitions, including the Excellence Award at the 38th Traditional Culture POLA Prize in 2018, and was honored with the Order of the Purple Ribbon in 2021. Since 2020, he has served as a director of the Japan Crafts Association, actively contributing to various fields.
At the Ginza Motoji, Matsubara has held seven solo exhibitions since 2009, introducing his splendid works to fans from all over the country.
Nobuo Matsubara has dedicated himself to the cultural preservation of Nagaita-Chugata and has made efforts to provide opportunities for learning through staff study sessions at his studio and lectures held at our gallery, despite his busy schedule with artistic creations.
Everyone here at Ginza Motoji is delighted for Matsubara's well-deserved recognition. We sincerely congratulate him on this illustrious honor
Matsubara Nobuo's Profile
1965
Born in Edogawa, Tokyo, Japan.
1984
Graduated from Tokyo Metropolitan Technical High School, Design Department. Started studying Nagahada Nakagata and Ai-gata dyeing under his father, Toshio Matsubara.
2000
Received the Encouragement Award at the 40th Traditional Crafts New Works Exhibition.
2005
Received the Newcomer Encouragement Award from the Nihon Keizai Shimbun at the 39th Japan Traditional Crafts Dyeing Exhibition.
2006
Received the Newcomer Encouragement Award from the Sankei Shimbun at the 40th Japan Traditional Crafts Dyeing Exhibition.
2007
Received the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education Award at the 41st Japan Traditional Crafts Dyeing Exhibition.
2008:
Received the Chiba Prefecture Exhibition Award at the Chiba Prefectural Art Exhibition (Ken-ten).
2009
Received the Newcomer Award at the 56th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.
2014
Received the Takamatsu-no-miya Memorial Award (highest award) at the 61st Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.
2015
Received the Nihon Keizai Shimbun Award at the 49th Japan Traditional Crafts Dyeing Exhibition.
2016
Awarded by Kisarazu City Mayor.
2017
Certified as a holder of the Chiba Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property "Nagahada Nakagata."
2018
Received the Excellence Award at the 38th Traditional Culture POLA Prize.
2020
Received the Japan Crafts Association Holder Award at the 67th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.
2020
Became a director of the Japan Crafts Association.
2021
Awarded the Order of the Purple Ribbon.
2023
Certified as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).
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