NIIJIMA GLASS ART CENTER STAFF:

Lee JaeKyung

Lee earned a degree in Environmental Design with a specialization in glass art from South Seoul University and a Master of Fine Arts in Design from Tama Art University. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Kei Hee University and Hietchon University, and holds visiting professor positions at Kyunggi University, Sejong University, and South Seoul University.
Lee also completed his doctoral program in Metal Sculpture Design at Hongik University. He is the director of the Glass Division at the Korean Ceramic Foundation, a part-time glass instructor at a public university, and involved in activities at Phoenixpark and Baejae Historical Museum. Additionally, he leads glass-related initiatives at Lalum.

Works:

Chattakan Vongsiri

Chattakan Vongsiri earned a degree in Sculpture from Silpakorn University in Thailand. After joining Bangkok Glass Company (BGC), he studied under Jeremy and Popelka. He further honed his skills at BGC Glass Studio, learning from esteemed instructors such as Osamu Noda, Yumiko, Peter Boul, and Austin Stern. As a recipient of the 32nd Niijima Scholarship, he studied under Nick Mount. He continued his glassmaking journey at the Pilchuck Glass School in the USA, guided by Martin Janecký.

Works:

FUKUNISHI Tsuyoshi

Fukunishi has been a pivotal figure in the Newjima International Glass Art Festival, serving as a Teaching Assistant (TA) multiple times since 2001. He graduated from Toyama Institute of Glass Art and has worked as an assistant at the same institute.
Fukushi has also studied under Lino Tagliapietra at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. He has received the Nijima TA scholarship and studied at Pilchuck Glass School, where he also served as a TA. Furthermore, he was awarded a fellowship from Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center and was a visiting artist at Southern Illinois University.

Works:

HIROTA Ayako

Hirota learned lamp work at Niijima Glass Art Center and later graduated from Tama Art University's Design Department, specializing in three-dimensional design with a focus on glass. Following graduation, Hirota gained experience working in Sasaki Glass Co., Ltd. Hirota further refined her skills in lampworking at Penland Art School and Bild-Werk. Subsequently, she established ah's Workshop.
Hirota was awarded a T.A. scholarship at the 10th Niijima International Glass Art Festival and held a solo exhibition at IOgraphic Gallery. As a lampwork artist, she actively participated in various exhibitions, including solo and group shows.。

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KAKURAI Hidaki

Kakurai has been one of the artists who has dedicated himself to the festival as a teaching assistant for many years. Since establishing his own studio in 2015, he has been actively involved in various activities, including workshops, solo exhibitions, and group exhibitions nationwide. His unique and technically challenging switchback works are particularly noteworthy.

Works:

KAWABE Masaki

Masaki Kawabe graduated from the Department of Life Arts, Faculty of Japanese Culture at Meisei University. He honed his skills at Kanazu Creation Forest Glass Studio and Ezra Glass Studio, and also gained experience at Edols Elliott in Australia.
In 2008, he received the Encouragement Award at the 3rd Glass Grand Prix Exhibition in Toyama and the Grand Prize at the 4th Contemporary Glass Exhibition in Sanyo Onoda. He was also a finalist in the Ranamark Glass Prize in Australia.
He worked as an assistant at the Toyama Glass Art Institute and won the Excellence Award and the Hokkoku Shimbun Company Award at the Echigo Art Festa 2010. Additionally, he received the Tsuchiya Jury Award at the 5th Contemporary Glass Exhibition in Sanyo Onoda and the Grand Prize at the 8th Toyama City Art Exhibition in 2012. After working at Toyama Glass Studio until 2016, he established IZUMO Glass Studio in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture.


Works:

NODA Hiromu

Hiromu Noda received the NHK Akita Broadcasting Corporation Award at the 12th Akita Craft Exhibition. After graduating from Akita Public University of Fine Arts, he pursued further studies with a short-term stay at the Silpakorn University Graduate School in Thailand. Upon his return,
Noda was honored with the Excellence Award at the 73rd Gakuten Art Awards. In 2024, He graduated a Master's degree in Ceramic Research at the Tokyo University of Arts Graduate School of Fine Arts. Same year, Noda honored with the Mayor's award at the Exhibition of Sinkyo ijyutsu kyokai. He Currently enrolled in the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.

Works:

NODA Aya

Noda Aya graduated from the Craft Department with a specialization in ceramics at Tama Art University. She then earned a degree from the Graduate School of Ceramic Art at Kyoto City University of Arts.
Noda gained recognition in the field of ceramics by winning the NHK Akita Broadcasting Corporation Award at the 12th Akita Craft Exhibition. She also served as an adjunct art instructor at Kyoto Seika Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, a private institution.

Works:

YAMADA Izumi

Yamada studied in the Tokyo Glass Art Research Institute and subsequently took up a position at the same institute. During this period, Yamada was awarded a scholarship at the 31st Niijima International Glass Art Festival. Furthermore, Yamada contributed as a special lecturer at Shizuoka Institute of Arts and Culture.
Yamada also served as a part-time instructor at Monotsukuri University, conducting workshops and engaging in creative activities at Atelier En.

Works:

YANAGI Kentaro

Following his graduation from the Tokyo Glass Art Institute, Mr. Yanagi dedicated himself to education, becoming a lecturer at Shizuoka University of Culture and Arts and establishing his own studio, Atelier Homura. Concurrently, he shared his expertise as a part-time lecturer at the University of the Arts and served as a technical advisor for the Niijima International Glass Art Festival. His teaching extended to the Tokyo Glass Art Institute and Pilchuck Glass School.
Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Mr. Yanagi was awarded the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the Japan Crafts Award. He has actively engaged in the global glass art community, conducting demonstrations and lectures at international conferences such as GAS and ILGAF. Through his teaching at universities and workshops, Mr. Yanagi continues to inspire and educate the next generation of glass artists.

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YANAGISHITA Hideki

After graduating from the Department of Physics at Sophia University, Yanagishita gained work experience at a major Japanese computer manufacturer. He then completed a one-year glassblowing course at the Notojima Glass Workshop. Subsequently, he worked as both an assistant and an instructor in several glass studios.
Additionally, Yanagishita actively engaged in freelance creative work and participated in numerous workshops. He has learned from many renowned glass artists, including Yan Erik Ritzman, Dante Marioni, Ben Edols, Dick Marquis, James Mongrain, Karen Willenbrink, and Toots Zynsky.

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KUROKI Rika

Kuroki Rika graduated from the Glass Department at the California College of Arts and Crafts. She organized and staffed events at the Miasa Glass Workshop and served as an instructor at the Niijima International Glass Art Festival. She also contributed to the editing and writing of "Glasswork" magazine.
Kuroki was actively involved as both a staff member and an invited artist at the Niijima International Glass Art Festival. Currently residing in Canada, Kuroki's works are exhibited in prestigious art museums worldwide, including the Corning Museum of Glass, Dusseldorf Art Museum, and the Koganezaki Glass Museum.."

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INOUE Mami

Inoue Mami started her career as an interpreter in the International Department at FM Tokyo from 1983 to 1988. Following that, she worked at ADECCO as an English conversation checker and executive secretary with interpreting duties from 2005 to 2015. she continued in a similar role at IMAGICA GROUP from 2015 to 2018. Currently, she is a freelance interpreter, translator, and English teacher. Koganezaki Glass Museum.."

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AONUMA Hiroki

Aonuma spent 18 years enjoying the beautiful sea and nature of Niijima. He then obtained a teaching license in physical education from the Faculty of Physical Education at Tokai University. Subsequently, he gained experience as a health and physical education teacher in middle school and was dispatched as a member of the JOCV (Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers) to Kuridhufushi Island in the Maldives.
Upon returning to Japan, he worked as a school-age childcare instructor for a private company specializing in school-age childcare. Currently, Aonuma is based on Niijima in the Tokyo Islands, working as a video creator.

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MATANO Koji

Matano established and organized the Miasa Glass Workshop, served as the editor-in-chief of Glasswork Magazine, and was involved in the system design and operation of the Osaka World Trade Center Photo Museum. Since the 9th Niijima International Glass Art Festival, he has been responsible for public relations and internet construction at the Niijima Glass Art Center. Additionally, Matano founded and manages the Okubiwako Wooden Boat Center and currently serves as a board member of the Takashima Bird Watching Center in Shin-Asahi, Takashima City.

Works:

NODA Osamu

Osamu Noda graduated from the Glass Department of Tama Art University's Product and Glass Course and the Glass Department of the Graduate School of Fine Arts at Illinois State University. Subsequently, he taught as a part-time lecturer at Tama Art University and served as the director of the Niijima Glass Art Center. Additionally, he was active as a civic instructor at Tokyo Metropolitan Niijima High School and served as an international council member for the Pilchuck Glass School.
He won the Encouragement Award at the Craft Competition Exhibition in Takaoka, a Craft City, and received the Japan Craft Award at the Japan Craft Exhibition. Furthermore, Osamu Noda participated as an invited lecturer in the 1st Thai Glass Art Festival.

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NODA Yumiko

"Yumiko Noda graduated from the Glass Department of Tama Art University's Product and Glass Course and the Glass Department of the Graduate School of Fine Arts at Illinois State University. Subsequently, she worked as an Associate Director at the Niijima Glass Center and served as an instructor at the Pilchuck Glass School in the United States. She also held the position of International Council Member at the Pilchuck Glass School. Furthermore, Yumiko served as a workshop instructor at Akita Public University of Art and participated as an invited lecturer in the 1st Thai Glass Art Festival. Her achievements include winning an award at the 28th Traditional Craft Exhibition for Various Crafts."

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YAMAMOTO Ayano

After graduating from Joshibi University of Art and Design, Yamamoto has been actively working as a staff member at the Niijima Glass Art Center.

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WATARAI Yuri

"Watai graduated from the Department of Sculpture and the Research Department at the Toyama Glass Art Institute and has been actively working as a staff member at the Niijima Glass Art Center."

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TAKAHASHI Yoshihiro

After graduating from the Sculpture Department and completing the graduate program at the Tokyo Institute of Glass Art in 2023, Takahashi began working as a staff member at Niijima Glass Art Center the same year.

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YOSHIDA Naotaka

In 2013, after completing his advanced studies at the Tokyo Glass Art Institute, Yoshida joined Shiki-no-Sato Glass Studio. Following five years there, he returned to the Tokyo Glass Art Institute in 2018. After leaving the institute again in 2023, he began working at the Niijima Glass Art Center in 2024.

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NISHIO Ryugen

Nishio graduated from Waseda Saga High School in 2019 and went on to study animation at Tokyo Zokei University. He completed his degree in 2023 and currently works as a part-time art instructor at Niijima High School.