Promotion project for communication between artisans and consumers supported by media technology

Abstract

In many regions of Japan, local artisans continue to make traditional handicrafts using natural materials. However, rapid decreases in consumer demand for these products and the lack of younger successors to continue the craft have become serious problems. Possible explanations for this situation include recent changes in the Japanese lifestyle and gaps between traditional crafts made by artisans and the types of products needed by consumers. To solve these problems, the present study proposes a system to connect artisans and consumers directly. For this purpose, we established a website that facilitates communication between artisans and consumers and the generation of new ideas for craft products. We also launched a promotion event including exhibits using augmented reality (AR) and projection mapping technology to raise awareness of the project among consumers. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.