NEWS

On Saturday, July 5, Creaxel (Kuri)—a student-led organization supported by APU’s Project B —held a hands-on bamboo craft workshop titled “KuriShop” on the APU campus. The event aimed to foster deeper connections between APU students and local artists in Oita through sustainable design and cultural exchange under the theme “Heart to Home.”

Creaxel promotes design thinking and community-building through handnade crafts, with a focus on sustainability and intergenerational storytelling. Since January 2025, the group has hosted several activities. “KuriShop”, the workshop held in July, welcomed 30 participants and featured bamboo artists Kobo HUTAN and Yuki Minagawa. As a central activity, students and artists co-created original crafts based on personal items that each participant brought from home. These objects served as conversation starters, enabling stories and emotions to guide the design process—a creative approach rooted in design thinking principles.

During the session, artists shared their processes and demonstrated how raw bamboo is sourced and prepared for crafting. Participants expressed admiration for the attention to detail and care that go into handmade work. In a post-event survey, 100% of attendees described the workshop as enjoyable, and more than 90% of participants reported feeling inspired to reuse or upcycle materials, discovering beauty in what might otherwise be considered waste.

Beyond skill acquisition, the event offered opportunities for deep reflection. One participant shared, “The bamboo artworks took a long time. It made me realize how much love is put into every detail.” Another student remarked, “I realized that we can always make a place our home through the crafts we create.” Despite diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, participants communicated effortlessly through the shared language of art. The act of making together fostered a sense of belonging, empathy, and shared purpose—core values of Creaxel’s mission.

Looking ahead, Creaxel will participate in Beppu Art Month this November with their upcoming event KuriPath, a creative expo that builds on the connections and insights gained so far.