Blogg: Exchange report from Japan

Hej, I am Saki Hagihara, and I studied at Handarbetets vänner (HV) as an exchange student from Kawashima Textile School (KTS) in Japan, from September to November 2025. I would like to share my impressions of HV.

In the beginning, I was nervous because I was not able to understand Swedish or speak English well. But all my HTU2 classmates and teachers welcomed me warmly, and there was always someone to help me with translation when needed. Because of them, I was able to enjoy and successfully complete my studies at HV.

At fika or lunch times, everyone often talked about how textile arts and handcrafts were regarded in society, and how we could continue to be creators in today’s society. HV students were usually kind and sunny, but each had a strong passion for handcrafts and clear hopes for the future. They worked diligently and seriously. I was impressed every day by how my classmates could come up with a lot of high-quality designs in a short time, then choose one and finish it beautifully as a product. I learned a great deal from working with them.

I mainly joined Damask weaving class and Kvadrat meter project. HV’s education was very practical. Both teachers and students clearly saw becoming creators as their goal: creating original work based on what they had learned and working as professionals.

For example, Elisabeth Isaksson and Lisa Juntunen Roos gave us an assignment to create original patterns after analyzing weaving techniques in each Weaving theory class. In the square meter project, we had time to discuss while comparing examples of past agreements for exhibiting our works at a café outside the school. Katarina Evans also told us to record how long each work took, so that we could estimate delivery times and calculate prices in case we receive orders. I also noticed that students could put a price on their work when exhibiting it. Considering the price during the process helped students recognize themselves as creators.

Studying at HV with brilliant students and teachers who have incredible professional skills was my greatest pleasure and a precious experience. I am currently working as a part time assistant teacher at KTS, where I hope to continue applying what I learned at HV in my work.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our principal Minna Engström Heino, who gave me this opportunity to study at HV, and to Maneka Gosh, who encouraged me to write this piece and kindly offered me accommodation during my stay in Stockholm.

I look forward to seeing everyone at HV continue their wonderful work.

Thank you very much for reading.

The link to Kawashima Textile School website:
www.kawashima-textile-school.jp

The Instagram account of Kawashima Textile School:
@kawashimatextileschool