More than 20 years have passed since our foundation was established in 1994 with the goal of preserving traditional woodcut printing techniques and cultivating artisans.

From the beginning, the foundation has initiated various enterprises to help preserve and pass down the advanced techniques of ukiyo-e woodcut prints that captivated the people of Edo (present-day Tokyo). Our technical training institute founded in 1998 has helped nurture the artisans of tomorrow by selecting young individuals who aspire to become artisans of traditional woodcut prints, through interviews and a rigorous review process of applications taken from the general public, and providing them with technical seminars. At the same time, our activities to promote the preservation of techniques have garnered the cooperation of not only domestic but also overseas artists, thus facilitating the creation of traditional woodcut prints for the present day. And by heeding the requests of various institutions and countries, our foundation has focused its energies on activities that help heighten awareness and circulate traditional woodcut printing techniques throughout the world. Today, our various endeavors are gradually producing results. Time and patience are needed to educate talent and preserve techniques. The seeds we have sown and carefully nurtured through the years to preserve techniques are now budding, and in the future we will continue our efforts to help them thrive and flourish.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported our foundation’s activities since its establishment, and ask for your continued support and cooperation in the future.

Isamu Adachi
Chairman
The Adachi Foundation for the Preservation of Woodcut Printing