Siam Takashimaya Celebrates 8 Years with WA! JAPAN: CRAFT & MATCHA at ICONSIAM, 3-29 Nov

Siam Takashimaya department store at ICONSIAM is hosting WA! JAPAN: CRAFT & MATCHA under the concept Harmony of Japan to celebrate the store's 8th anniversary, bringing together Japanese handicrafts, kimonos, pottery and matcha culture for exhibition and sale, with several items making their debut in Thailand. The event takes place from 3 to 29 November at Siam Takashimaya department store, ICONSIAM, alongside storewide discount promotions throughout the festival period.

Highlights of Japanese Handicrafts and Exhibitions

A key highlight of the event is a kimono exhibition by IWAMOTO, a brand that has passed down Kyoto craftsmanship for over 30 years, showcasing 10 pieces worth a combined total of over 13 million baht from 4 to 7 November. In addition, there is a display of a Benjarong Tower standing over 2 metres tall by Japanese ceramic artist Takanao Todo, along with the launch of a new collection in collaboration with Bizen Ware artist Hiroyuki Matsui under the name Todo-Bizen.

The event also marks the first launch in Thailand of the fashion brand Margaux Vintage, along with an Eco Bag collection from the brand Ball & Chain co-designed with IWAMOTO featuring Wat Arun and elephant patterns as a Thai Exclusive Design, and the limited-edition Hakuhodo Benjarong Kinoko Brush make-up brush combining porcelain from Okura Toen with Thai Benjarong art. The Craft Zone also features demonstrations of traditional tea whisk making by Suikaen Tanimura Yasaburo Shoten, a craft passed down for over 500 years, an exhibition of over 50 Bizenware pottery pieces with a history of over 800 years, OhiYaki pottery from Kanazawa with a history of over 350 years, a 10th-anniversary Mug collection from the brand WIRED BEAN of Sendai, lifestyle products from the brand SOIL, and coffee brewing equipment from KINTO and Zojirushi, while proceeds from craft products by the brand BANROMSAI will go towards helping underprivileged children.

Matcha Zone and Workshops by Japanese Artists

The Matcha Zone brings together matcha menus and sweets from famous Japanese cafes such as Chacha Kobo Futasume and Kotobuki Seian from Asakusa, matcha ice cream from RIKUYEN, a tea producer with a heritage of over 400 years, matcha sweets from HENRI CHARPENTIER, tea from Nakamura Chaho, a tea shop over 140 years old from Matsue, Global Tea Championship 2025 award-winning matcha from Horiguchi Tea Farm, matcha from the Uji and Yame growing regions by WAFOOD, and tea from ITOEN. In addition, Ryumondo Tea Experience en, a tea shop over 100 years old from Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture, will present the way of the tea ceremony from 8 to 12 November.

From 3 to 12 November at Charoennakorn Hall, M Floor, ICONSIAM, there are workshops conducted by Japanese artists flying in directly for the event, including a kimono show and try-on experience with Senshoku Iwamoto, a meet-and-greet and autograph session with Ball & Chain designer Mihara Hideaki, matcha whisk making classes by Suikaen Tanimura Yasaburo, the art of Kintsugi ceramic repair, Maki-e art by Yumi Tsubota, home decoration by Lebonbon Yoko, rice ball shaping by Yuumi Kuroi, floral sushi roll styling techniques by Chikako Kataoka, and a sakura-themed Japanese Afternoon Tea activity by Master Masuda, alongside Japanese cultural performances throughout the event.

THE WAGASHI FOOD & CRAFTS Festival by 9 Chefs from Japan

Rounding off the 8th anniversary celebrations is THE WAGASHI FOOD & CRAFTS festival from 18 to 29 November on G Floor, Siam Takashimaya, ICONSIAM, inviting 9 chefs from 9 authentic Japanese confectionery shops across various prefectures of Japan to fly in directly and craft special wagashi menus, alongside booths selling traditional Japanese sweets imported from across Japan.

This event is of interest to enthusiasts of Japanese culture and handicrafts, travellers looking for special year-end activities, and those following matcha tea and wagashi confectionery trends, featuring numerous products and activities making their debut in Thailand.