Unveiling the Artistry and Manufacturing Process." Here, we invite you on a captivating journey that delves deep into the heart of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in the world of exquisite artisanal treasures, where every piece tells a tale of dedication, precision, and the intricate manufacturing process that brings these creations to life.
With a series of insightful videos, we lift the veil on the intricate steps undertaken by skilled artisans. Witness firsthand the fusion of tradition and innovation as we guide you through each meticulous phase of creation. By shedding light on the manufacturing process, we celebrate not only the finished products but also the dedication, passion, and expertise that go into crafting these exceptional pieces.
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Iga kumihimo
What is Kumihimo?
“Kumihimo” refers to a cord that is woven diagonally, unlike woven fabrics that are done horizontally and vertically. It is a practical gem with a wide variety of colors, elasticity, and durability.
【Iga-Kumihimo Craftsman】Mr. Hirai
Kumihimo Hirai / Michitaka Hirai A craftsman with an unusual background, he became a system engineer after graduating from university before assuming the position of the fifth generation of Kumihimo Hirai. We are developing unprecedented products in the hope that more customers will use our products. We hope you will enjoy our product development in line with modern needs.
Tokyo silverware
What is Tokyo Silverware?
Metal crafts are made mainly in Taito, Arakawa, and Bunkyo wards of Tokyo. It is a craft in which silver is formed and finished by using traditional techniques are forging engraving and finishing process.
【Tokyo Silverware Craftsman】 Mr. Izumi
A craftsman who has been making Tokyo silverware in Tokyo since 1979. After graduating from an art school, he travelled around Japan for a year. He sometimes delivered newspapers to earn money. During the time, he was thinking about his future and ended up with making silverware. The company is known for making not only silverware, but also rings, buckles and other products that are in tune with the modern age. Careful and detailed handwork fascinates those who seethe making process.
Owari cloisonne
What is Cloisonne?
Cloisonne enamel ware is a decorative craft in which silver wire is set on a metal base and a glassy glaze is attached to the silver wire. There are two types of cloisonne enamel techniques: “wired cloisonne,” which uses the silver wire as the outline of the design, and “wireless cloisonne,” in which the silver wire is removed at the timing of applying glaze or not used from the beginning in order to create a fuzzy impression. Both of these techniques, which can only be seen with cloisonne enamel ware, fascinate people who see them.
【Owari Cloisonne Craftsman】 Mr. Kato
A craftsman who has been making Owari cloisonne enamel ware in Aichi Prefecture since 1947. Originally, he wanted to become a modeler involved in car design, but he was so impressed by Yasuyuki Namikawa's work that he decided to take over the family business of cloisonne enamel ware production. Even though the other workshops around him were closing, he continued to produce cloisonne enamel works day after day to keep the tradition alive. He specializes in fine wired cloisonne enamel works such as white plum and bold wireless cloisonne enamel works.
Edo kumiko
What is Edo kumiko?
Kumiko is a delicate and sophisticated technique of assembling wooden pieces without the use of nails. The technique was developed in Japan in the Asuka Era (600-700 AD), and has since been refined and passed down through generations of craftsmen who are passionate about the tradition of Kumiko.
【Edo kumiko Craftsman】 Mr. Tanaka
In 1982, he became the second generation of Edo Kumiko craftsmen at Tatematsu, a company established in Tokyo by his father, a master craftsman. He is a qualified first-class architect and used to work for an urban planning consultant company. He is now applying his knowledge as an architect to the development of new, unprecedented products.
Bamboo crafts
What is Bamboo crafts?
During the Heian period (794-1185), bamboo was widely used for building materials, weapons for hunting, and tools for farming and fishing. In the Edo period (1603-1868), bamboo craftsmen worked hard to deliver their works to the shoguns (Conqueror of Japan). Later, craftsmen who made vases for flower arrangement and ladles for the tea ceremony came to live in Kyoto, and the bamboo crafts in Kyoto flourished.
【Bamboo crafts Craftsman】 Mr. Hosokawa
Hideaki Hosokawa is a Kyoto-based bamboo craftsman who quit his job at the age of 30 and has been studying bamboo crafts for 20 years. Bamboo crafts have been used in the tea ceremony and flower arrangement, but he also produce briefcases, handbags, and other bags for daily use that can be used for modern life.He has a Pasion to create products that people would want to hold in their hands and that are suitable for both men and women of all ages.
Kyo tsuzura
What is Kyo tsuzura?
Tsuzura, which came from China, was woven from wisteria and willow, and a near-original version has been preserved in Shosoin (Japan's oldest treasure house which was built over 1200 years ago). Later, when the technology for processing bamboo was established, they were made into rectangular shapes as places to store costumes. Today, it is used by sumo wrestlers, Kabuki actors, and other central figures in Japanese culture to store costumes, kimonos, and tea ceremony utensils.
【Kyo tsuzura Craftsman】 Mr. Watanabe
He is a craftsman who has been making Kyo-tsuzura baskets in Kyoto since 1931. Mr. Watanabe, now the third generation, handles everything from material selection to the finished product. He is the only craftsman in Japan who can call himself a Tsuzura-shi (Tsuzura craftsman). Watanabe Shoten is responsible for the production of "akeni" (a kind of travel bag used to store yukata) used in the sumo industry, and is recognized by the sumo industry, Japan's national sport, as a craftsman with proven skills.
Kiyomizu ware
What is Kiyomizu ware?
Kyo-ware and Kiyomizu-ware are ceramics produced in Kyoto. The difference between these two is the Kyo-ware refers to the whole ceramics produced in Kyoto, while Kiyomizu-ware refers to the ceramics in Kiyomizu area. In the early Edo period (1600s), main production was tea ceremony utensils. While mechanization has spread to other production centers as time has progressed, Kyo-ware and Kiyomizu-ware is that they are still made by hand. One of the characteristics of Kyoy-ware and Kiyomizu-ware is that many avant-garde artists have emerged, creating a variety of works that cannot be lumped together. There is no set style, and the free style boosted the popularity among the masses.
【Kiyomizu ware Craftsman】 Mr. Mori
Kiyomizu-yaki pottery has been produced in Kyoto since 1917 by three generations of craftsmen. Inspired by the ideas of Ogata Kenzan, he adds a modern touch to the "openwork" technique that has been used for 300 years. He specializes in incorporating seasonal scenes unique to Japan, such as cherry blossoms and autumn leave into his vessels.
【Kiyomizu ware Craftsman】 Mr. Kyotani
He has been making Kyo pottery in Kyoto since 1955 and is now the third generation of craftsmen. "Shinroku" is the name of his grandfather, and he will continue to embody in the products the simplicity of folk art that I inherited from my grandfather. They would like to make pastel-colored tea utensils that fit in with modern life, as well as products that fit the lifestyles of our overseas customers.
【Kiyomizu ware Craftsman】 Mr. Yamamoto
The third generation of Ichirakugama potters has been studying Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki pottery under the second generation of Ichirakugama potters, who took over the name "Ichirakugama" in Kyoto in 1990. He is a hardworking individual who studies glazes at a research center in addition to his daily work. He mainly produces tableware used in prestigious Japanese restaurants and has an established reputation among many of his clients. His works are characterized by blue and white tones.
Kawatsura lacquerware
What is Kawatsura lacquerware?
Kawatsura lacquerware is a nationally designated traditional craft of Akita Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan. The origin of the manufacturing process is said that people started to lacquer armor during the off-seasons of agriculture. In the Edo period (1603-1867), sales of lacquerware to other prefectures were permitted, and the craft developed by adopting various innovations, such as applying gold and maki-e lacquer. Today, the same techniques and unique characteristics of lacquer are used to produce a wide range of products that are "long-lasting" and allow the wearer to enjoy the "change over time" of lacquerware.
【Kawatsura lacquerware Craftsman】 Mr. Settsu
He has been a lacquerware craftsman for about 30 years. He spent 10 years as an apprentice in Ishikawa Prefecture, where he studied lacquer and maki-e, and is now the third generation to take over the family business in his hometown of Akita Prefecture. He has created not only simple lacquerware, but also silver-embossed lacquerware in a style that matches modern daily life. We will continue to produce lacquerware that you have never seen before.
Noh Mask
What is Noh mask?
Noh masks are masks used in Nohgaku, one of Japan's traditional performing arts. Nohgaku was once on the verge of extinction, but has been preserved as a traditional art form by the Emperor of Japan and has been handed down to the present day. Noh masks are a comprehensive art form that requires study of techniques from all fields of art, including sculpture, Japanese painting, metal forging, dyeing, and, in some cases, hair dressing and makeup.
【Noh mask Craftsman】 Mr. Terak
At the age of 22, he studied under Takano Yuikan. Since then, he has been active as a Noh mask maker in Kyoto for more than 50 years. He is one of the few Noh mask makers in the modern era who handcrafts all processes of Noh masks. Terai's Noh masks have been selected not only by collectors, but also by museums and Noh performers, and have long been used in events at temples and shrines throughout the Kansai region. We also sell Noh masks to the general public in order to introduce them to people overseas.
Yamagata castings
What is Yamagata castings?
Yamagata castings are metalwork made in Yamagata Prefecture. More than 1,000 years ago, a shogun (Shogun is a title of the conqueror at the time) visited Yamagata Prefecture with a group of foundry workers who discovered that the sand and soil quality of the region was ideal for casting molds. Today, there is a town named "Copper Town" still known as the town of foundry workers, and it was also the site of the first industrial complex in Japan during the Edo period (AD 1600).
【Yamagata castings Craftsman】 Mr. Arai
They have started business in 1972. The business began with the casting of machine parts by the previous generation and the production of crafts by his wife, Fumiko Arai, and has continued to the present day with a focus on handmade small-lot production. In the Heisei Era (1990s), members of the royal family visited the workshop privately and created bronze works. The quality of our work is one of the best in Japan, and we have delivered several pieces to the Imperial Household as gifts.
As you reflect on the intricacies unveiled within our videos and the stories woven through each creation, we hope you'll continue to carry the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship with you. Whether it's the delicate brushstrokes of a calligrapher, the intricate weaving of textiles, or the harmonious blending of tea leaves in a traditional ceremony, these crafts remind us that artistry is an eternal journey, one that transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
Thank you for joining us in this celebration of artistry, heritage, and the manufacturing process that brings dreams to life. We look forward to continuing this voyage of discovery and sharing more stories of passion, dedication, and the boundless possibilities that arise when hands and hearts unite in the pursuit of craft.