"2nd. Craft Small Diameter 2014" will be held on October 4th and 5th in Itayanagi-cho, Kitatsugaru-gun, Aomori Prefecture.

Miyo Yasuda of the executive committee is involved in the operation of the craft fair "C-POINT" that lasted 10 years in Ajigasawa Town, Aomori Prefecture, and now has a workshop called polepole that produces ceramic works. The event started when he walked through the venue "Central Apple Mall" in October 2011 and came up with the idea. "I went to the government office on the same day," he said with a laugh. After two years of preparation, we were able to achieve it.

The "Central Apple Mall" is located in the center of Itayanagi-cho and is a 2.1km long walking path. There are apple objects and information boards where you can learn about the history of the town and apple information. A stream runs along the sidewalk, "there's an atmosphere that's not like Japan," says Mr. Yasuda.

The craft section of the event will openly recruit artists from all over the country. We collected 106 pieces of ceramics, woodwork, glass, etc. from 28 prefectures. In the food department, 13 local restaurants have opened. Foods mainly using prefecture ingredients are lined up, and original lunch boxes and baked confectionery are prepared.

The new “Komichi Cafe” will select the vessels of the nine artists who exhibited and will offer coffee from Cafe De Gitane (Shinoda, Aomori-shi) coffee meister Ken Imai's coffee (starting from 500 yen). The beans and the extraction method are changed according to the image of the bowl, and it will be a booth where you can experience various ways to enjoy coffee.

In addition, we plan a city walking tour that introduces the old townscape and local gourmets of the town. A 40-minute walk will be guided by two staff members who are familiar with the city. Details can be found on the website. Applications will be accepted on the day at the general information desk.

"We also have a variety of events such as sales and planning of limited creative sweets," says Mr. Yasuda. "I would like many people to come and learn about the goodness of Itayanagi Town."

Holding time is 4 days = 10:00 to 16:00, 5 days = 9:00 to 16:00.