The “Hokuriku Charity Restaurant” continues to elevate their efforts to aid locals in need who are recovering in the aftermath of the recent earthquake that impacted areas within the Ishikawa Prefecture. The charity initiative is led by chefs from celebrated eateries Makinonci and Remref in Kanazawa, and also includes members from various renowned restaurants in the Hokuriku area, including the one-Michelin Star French restaurant, L’Atelier de NOTO and top Japanese eatery Ipponsugi Kawashima.
The celebrated chefs within the initiative take turns traveling through the areas that have been most heavily impacted, with a mission to provide meals to the local communities as they face the long road to recovery. Setting up local kitchens onsite, the chefs dish out hot, delicious meals at a pace of 700-800 per day in some areas in line with their fierce solidarity and loyalty to their regions.
Although Noto-based chef members from Bossom and Villa Della were personally, extremely affected by the extreme damage, they prefer to focus on the greater good and are actively cooking and feeding those in need.
Though meals are flowing, many supplies are still in need so the initiative is also seeking donations to help locals rebuild their lives.
The group launched in 2016, in effort to assist communities in need that faced devastation from the earthquakes in Kumamoto and will continue their initiatives of support throughout this recovery period.
Kanazawa, which means “gold marsh,” has long been hailed as the pinnacle of gold leaf production dating back centuries. Tiffany & Company Japan, in partnership with the World Monuments Foundation continues their journey to foster preservation of Kanazawa’s celebrated gold leaf art scene
Japan’s Kanazawa region has the distinction of being both a center for Ski Spa, as well as ancient gold leaf art.
The Ski Spa concept is red hot in Japan’s Kanazawa region with travelers from around the world hitting the slopes and the thermal soothing waters for well deserved relaxation and healing properties. This region in the southern part of Ishikawa is defined by its geothermal hot springs, renowned for their healing powers that are said to improve digestion, skin conditions and muscle pain. Ski resorts on the outskirts of Kanazawa have become wildly popular not only due to their proximity to this artful, culturally immersive city but also due to the impressive hybrid experience of thrilling skiing plus soothing spa relaxation in incredibly unique settings. Notable areas include:
*Hakusan Ichirino Ski Resort: The largest slope in Ishikawa with easy access from Kanazawa, equipped with ski school and full rentals, traditional style ryokan for overnights and a selection of onsen baths for public or private usage including Japanese cypress bathing room and stone open-air hot spring, soothing scenario after a full day of skiing or snowboarding. The gondola ride is a special highlight, providing a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding mountains
*Kawachisenjo Onsen Kanazawa Seymour Resort: 3 lifts suitable for intermediate and advanced levels, 2395 ft of vertical range and 7 trails plus onsen baths avvailable for public or private usage.
Tiffany & Co. Japan partners with World Monuments Foundation to Foster Kanazawa’s Gold Leaf Art
Kanazawa is also a center for arts
Tiffany & Company Japan, in partnership with the World Monuments Foundation continues their journey to foster preservation of Kanazawa’s celebrated gold leaf art scene with a fresh 3 year initiative that focuses on maintaining the art and passing it on to future generations. The iconic brand proudly launched the “Kanazawa Entsuke Gold Leaf Manufacturing” training program for craftsman with a view to passing this intricate technique on to the next generation of artisans. The average age of celebrated craftsman is 70, hence the overarching goal to focus on preservation and education to emerging younger artisans.
Kanazawa, whose translation means “gold marsh” has long been hailed as the pinnacle of gold leaf production dating back centuries. Today, artisans continue to create exquisite blends that are highly labor intensive, using only the finest material and locally sourced materials. The Ensuke technique refers to framed pieces that are derived from a special gold-beating process to transform the leaf to wafer-thin paper sheets that are down to 1/10th of a millimeter. The painstakingly arduous process of maintaining them intact is an art unto itself, and the sheets are then either bound together for books or used as exquisite décor for lacquerware, statues and shrines.
Tiffany & Co.’s new initiative is centered around the preservation of this traditional craft as was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020. Together in partnership with Kanazawa City, the Ishikawa Prefecture, the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Kanazawa Gold Leaf Traditional Techniques Production Society, 8 hand-selected skilled trainees who have gone through rigorous apprenticeship will continue to be guided.
The Tiffany Foundation has long been an avid supporter of WMF’s projects in Japan centered around restoration and preservation of traditional techniques that carry its heritage stories forward.
