Rebecca Salter -- President of the Royal Academy of Arts

Born in Sussex, United Kingdom. She graduated from the Faculty of Art and Design at Bristol Polytechnic. In 1979 she moved to Japan, studied for two years at Kyoto City University of Arts in Kyoto, and continued her artistic practice in Japan until 1985. While living in Kyoto, she studied woodblock printing under the printmaker Akira Kurosaki, deepening her understanding of Japanese aesthetics. She is known for restrained, delicate two-dimensional works using materials such as cotton and linen. In 2019 she became the Academy's first female President since its founding in 1768.

Takao Moriki -- President, Moriki Paper Co., Ltd.

Based in Tokyo, he is the third-generation head of an export trading company specialising in washi (traditional Japanese paper). He promotes the value and potential of washi in Japan and internationally, working closely with craftspeople and production regions to supply high-quality washi to more than 50 countries worldwide. He also encourages the use of washi for conservation papers and fine-art applications, and is involved in international exhibitions and lectures.

Hirotaka Yamada -- President and Representative Director, Geisodo Publishing Co., Ltd.

The fourth-generation leader of Geisodo. After graduating from Doshisha University in 1994, he joined the company and was appointed Representative Director in 2010. He also serves as Chair of the Kyoto Print Publishing Cooperative Association.
Founded in 1891, Geisodo is an art publisher producing drawing-practice books, art albums, design reference books and photographic collections for the arts and crafts community. In 1918 it opened a branch office in Yushima (Tokyo), and it continues to publish using traditional woodblock printing.

Makoto Nakayama -- Woodblock printer (surishi), Sato Woodblock Print Studio

Born in Kumamoto. He graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Kyoto Seika University and trained under the master printer Keizo Sato. Through exhibitions, live demonstrations and educational workshops in Japan and abroad, he shares the appeal of woodblock printing. His work spans a wide range, from reproduction ukiyo-e prints to contemporary printmaking and small-scale items.
In 2019 he received the Kyoto Prefecture Award for Outstanding Skills in Traditional Industries. He currently serves as Deputy Director and Head of the Kyoto Branch of the Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Carving and Printing Technique Preservation Association, an organisation designated by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs for the preservation of traditional techniques.

Kyoko Hirai -- Woodblock printer (surishi), Sato Woodblock Print Studio

Born in Osaka. She graduated from Kyoto Seika University, majoring in printmaking. Since 1998 she has trained under Keizo Sato, mastering traditional woodblock printing techniques. Through Japan Foundation programmes, she has worked internationally as a demonstrator and workshop instructor at universities and museums.
In 2014 she was certified as a Kyō-mono Recognised Craftsperson (Kyōhanga). She is currently a board member of the Kyoto Branch of the Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Carving and Printing Technique Preservation Association, and a part-time lecturer at Kyoto City University of Arts and Kyoto Seika University.