International Beads Biennale Hiroshima Exhibition Awards 2024
Comments from the Panel of Judges
Mitsuharu Hirose / Knit Designer
This time also proved a challenge for me to rank the many outstanding works. As I am not an expert inbeads, I cautiously cast my votes while listening to the comments and opinions of each judge. The
grand prize-winning piece truly evoked the spirit of the African land, as its title suggests. The gold
prize was awarded to a work that garnered votes for its fresh and innovative idea. The piece I selectedfor the Judges' Award is a Teddy Bear. It is connected with Irish-style motifs woven with beads. It was abit unfortunate that the colors were somewhat subdued. In a contest, I believe what matters most is
how much of an impression the work leaves on the viewers.
Yoshiko Takahashi / Part-time lecturer at Bunka Gakuen University and Wayō Women's University
We receive numerous wonderful submissions every time. With each occasion, I am increasingly amazedand moved by the high level of completion, delicate craftsmanship, and beautiful techniques displayed.
This time, I felt that the quality of the works was so high that it would not have been surprising if anyof them had won the grand prize or other top awards. Therefore, the selection process was quite
diﬃcult. Among them, the top works stood out for their unique, diverse, sometimes even wild use ofbeads, exceeding the conventional concepts of beadwork. I was impressed and captivated by these
innovative expressions. In both categories, I look forward to seeing further ingenuity and creative
evolution in the future.
Mutsumi Carpenter / Full-time lecturer at Bunka Fashion College
Each work exhibited a high level of technical and artistic completion. The pieces, created with freeimagination and expression, perfectly embodied the theme of the Beads Biennale, "Beauty, Love andPeace". Judging these works was incredibly enjoyable and ﬁlled me with happiness. "The Secret Spring"
beautifully and mysteriously expressed the artist's vision of a spring welling up with ﬂowers throughbead embroidery with various shades of blue. It sparked endless imagination, making me wonder withwhat and how would I pair it, or where I would wear it to. Therefore, I decided to award it the SpecialPrize.
Kimie Suto / Beads Artist
From the Grand Prize Winner to the Honorable Mention pieces, all the works overﬂowed with theenthusiasm and creativity of the creators, and I express my sincere respect for each and every one ofthem. In particular, the Grand Prize Winner, 'Blessing of the Land' seemed to stand out from the otherpieces with its level of completion and moving expression. As well, the Gold and Silver Award pieces
fascinated the screening panel with their own distinctive beauty and appeal. I am deeply grateful toeveryone who submitted an entry to this exhibition. Your expression and technique with beads were
well on display and I was moved by your passion and eﬀort. I hope that your creative endeavors willcontinue to develop further and that you will continue to take on new challenges.

Iwao Yamanaka / President and CEO of TOHO CO., LTD.
2024 marks the 5th International Beads Biennale Hiroshima. This year also, we received many
excellent pieces from countries around the world. In the Costume Jewelry category, there wereintricately worked pieces boldly adorned with beads, while in the Art category the screening process
was made diﬃcult by so many works using beads in an inﬁnite number of ways and clearly displaying
the great potential of bead art. Beads were originally meant for connecting people. Taking advantageof this occasion we hope to realize, even if only in some small way, a world where everyone, beyond
national borders, can have a sense of peace through beads art.