Meet The Artisans

Whispers of Steel and Fire: The Sovereign Soul of Norihiro Miyairi | Japanese Swords

This feature explores the historic artistry of Norihiro Miyairi, a legendary master swordsmith who attained the pinnacle "Mukansa" rank at the youngest age in history. From forging sacred Imperial ...

Authentic Japanese Traditional Crafts: Kyoto Magic Mirrors | Akihisa Yamamoto

Discover the sacred world of Kyoto's makyō (magic mirrors) handcrafted by master Akihisa Yamamoto. Explore how timeless ingenuity and spiritual devotion shape the finest authentic Japanese traditio...

Inhaling the Earth: The Woven Silence of Shigeki Ohta | Kyoto Tatami Mats

This article explores the philosophy and artistry of Shigeki Ohta, a third-generation Kyoto tatami craftsman dedicated to traditional hand-finishing in a modern era dominated by machine sewing. Uti...

【Kyo-Sashimono】Interview with Mr. Shimizu

The Hakoshichi Workshop is located in the mountains north of Kyoto Prefecture. Mr. Takashi Shimizu, a Kyoto cabinetmaker, has been selected as one of the "Kyo...

【Kyo-Kuromontsuki-Zome】Interview with Toru Arakawa

Kyoto Montsuki Co., Ltd. is a company with a mission to “take on the challenge of producing the world’s best black”. It is a company that devotes its life to ...

【Kyo-Dolls】Interview with Koji Hashimoto

Hashimoto Doll Store is a doll-making company that has been in business since 1751. The store is located a little off the main street in Kawaramachi, Kyoto Pr...

【Kyoto bamboo】Interview with Mr. Mashimo

Oyamazaki, Kyoto Prefecture. There is a company called Nagaoka Meichiku Co., Ltd in Oyamazaki, Kyoto which has overcome various difficulties. With the use of ...

【Swordsmith】Interview with Masahira Fujiyasu

Masahira Fujiyasu, a swordsmith who has Masahira Forge in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture and makes Japanese swords. Mr. Munehiro Shibata, a bow store ow...

【Kyoto tatami】Interview with Yoshihisa Fujii

Fujii tatami founded in 1868 has come a long way over the years. Today, the company has extended their product lineup such as cosmetic pouches, plastic bottle...

【Kyoto bow】Interview with Munehiro Shibata

Naughty childhood The Shibata Kanjuro Bow Shop, which has been in business since the Warring States Period (1467-1615), still has a bow store in Kiyomizu Gojo...