Meet The Artisans

Catching the Ancient Fire: The Molten Brilliance of Shigeki Fujimura | Japanese Glass Beads

This article explores the rare artistry of Shigeki Fujimura, Japan's sole remaining artisan practicing Edo-period charcoal-fired methods for Japanese glass beads (tombodama). Creating colored glass...

Authentic Japanese Traditional Crafts: Five Centuries of Kyoyumi Mastered in Kyoto | Kanjuro Shibata & Munehiro Shibata

Delve into the sacred workshop of Kanjuro Shibata, the 21st-generation master of Kyoto bamboo bows (Kyoyumi). Experience how raw bamboo is transformed into legendary archery masterpieces of unparal...

Capturing the Iridescent Ocean: Takuya Nomura’s Geometry of Light | Raden Craft

This feature explores the extraordinary artistry of Takuya Nomura, a master revitalizing the historic lineage of Japanese Raden craft (mother-of-pearl inlay) since returning to his family business....

The Architecture of the Seven Treasures: Yoshiro Kato’s Palm-Sized Cosmos | Owari Cloisonne

This feature explores the extraordinary artistry of Yoshiro Kato, a master preserving the historical lineage of Owari cloisonne enamelware since 1947. Inspired by the legendary Namikawa Yasuyuki, K...

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...