Check out these articles
-
Video article 4:42
Introducing the Outstanding Craftsmanship of Tokyo Some-Komon! The Delicate Designs of These Kimono and Obi Are Carefully Handmade by Artisans
Traditional Crafts- 346 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:51
Fusuma and Folding Screens Affixed With "Edo Karakami" to Become Works of Art! This Historic Craft, Which Was Used to Write Waka Poetry in the Heian Period, Is Filled With the Japanese Spirit of "Wa"
Traditional Crafts- 213 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:06
Enjoy a Moment of Healing With the Fantastic Lights of Gifu Paper Lanterns from Gifu Prefecture! The Soft Glow of These Lanterns, Handcrafted by Skilled Artisans, Is Popular All Over the World!
Traditional Crafts- 204 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:36
A Close Look at the Raden Craftsmen Who Preserve the Traditional Japanese Craft of Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. Made of Brightly Colored Seashells, They're Truly Works of Art!
Traditional Crafts- 44 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:30
Kyoto Is Home to Many Traditional Crafts. The Culture of Masonry Techniques, Handicrafts, and Artisanal Skills of the Kyoto Stone Masons Is a Feast for the Eyes!
Traditional Crafts- 37 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 10:00
Traditional Maki-e Lacquerware - Discover the Skills of Master Craftsmen Who Have Cultivated Their Skills Through Years of Hard Work!
Traditional Crafts- 60 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:11
Boshu Uchiwa Is a Traditional Craft of Tateyama, Chiba That Gives You a Taste of Japanese Culture! Historic Craftsmanship From the Meiji Period as a Souvenir of Japan!
Traditional Crafts- 135 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:16
Ise Katagami, a Traditional Craft of Suzuka, Mie Prefecture With a History of More Than 1,000 Years, Is Highly Regarded Around the World for Its Use in Yukata and Kimono
Traditional Crafts- 29 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:57
Learn About the Spirit of Craftsmanship of Buddhist Altar Lacquerers of Takaoka Butsudan, A Traditional Craft of Takaoka, Toyama! These Beautiful Lacquer Techniques Aren't Mastered Overnight!
Traditional Crafts- 78 plays
- YouTube
The Inkan – A Crucial Item for All of the Important Events in Your Life, and an Essential Part of Japanese Culture. In This Article, We'll Hear From the Inkan Craftsmen Who Skillfully Carve the Complicated Designs for Inkan!
Introducing Inkan Carving
This video, titled "「TOKYO匠の技」技能継承動画「印章彫刻熟練技能編」," was created by "東京都 Tokyo Metropolitan Government."
There are many "craftsmen" in all sorts of fields in Japan.
Inkan makers, too, are known as craftsmen.
The inkans carved by these craftsmen, using skills that were passed down to them and refined over the years, are truly works of art.
This article will introduce the craft of carving inkan alongside the video.
What Is Inkan Carving?
Inkan carving is the art of making the inkan used by companies and people every day in Japan.
Inkan craftsmen are known as "insho chokoku ginoshi" (印章彫刻技能士), which roughly translates to "Seal Carving Technician."
There is a Grade 1 and Grade 2 ranking for this titled.
The certification exam is held once a year.
Applicants are required to pass both an academic and practical examination before they are officially certified.
In order to make a living as a craftsman, it's necessary to continuously accumulate knowledge about inkan.
Although machine carving is now the norm, hand-carved inkan are still bought and sold today.
In the video, the Grade 1-ranked Seal Carving Technician Tomonari Sanada (眞田智成) shows us how an inkan is made.
If you’re interested in Japan’s inkan culture, definitely check out the video. Below is an overview of the video.
Introduction of the carving tools and materials used for the inkan
↓
The process of creating an inkan
↓
Making a seal with the newly-crafted inkan
This process can be viewed from 1:03 in the video.
Through this nearly 40 minute video, you'll gain an appreciation for the skills of the inkan craftsmen.
Summary of Inkan Carving
The world of inkan carving has many unseen depths and layers, and a high level of skill is required of the craftsmen.
This video is a great introduction to the world of inkan carving.
When visiting Japan, besides enjoying the gorgeous scenery and tasting delicious food such as sushi, why not experience Japanese culture and traditional crafts as well?
Besides inkan, there are many other traditional crafts in Japan, giving you plenty of things to discover.
In addition, hanko and inkan are popular souvenirs for foreigners as well.
These are easily available through online stores, so consider checking them out!
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
Video article 9:59
Enshu Onigawara: Traditional Crafts Said to House the Souls of the Demons Themselves! Only the Most Skilled Craftsmen Can Produce Their Soul Piercing Glares. These Master Artisans in Fukuroi, Shizuoka Share Their Thoughts on Enshu Onigawara
Traditional Crafts- 416 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:55
The Beautiful Sound of the Koto: Hear the Entrancing Tones, Born of the Craftsmanship of Master Artisans
Traditional Crafts History- 530 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 13:11
Sword Polishing Is a Highly Difficult Type of Craftsmanship for Maintaining Japanese Swords. A Look at the Uncompromising Techniques That Go Into Restoring Japan's Historical Swords
Traditional Crafts- 463 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:18
Introducing Tohoku's Most Ancient Traditional Craft, Aizu-Hongo Ware. The Works, Made by Skilled Potters in Fukushima, Are More Than Mere Pottery - They're Works of Art!
Traditional Crafts- 311 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 21:10
What Makes Amezaiku One of Japan's Most Prized Traditional Crafts? If You Look at the Craftsmanship of Japan, the Country of Manufacturing, You'll Understand Why...
Traditional Crafts- 308 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:11
Boshu Uchiwa Is a Traditional Craft of Tateyama, Chiba That Gives You a Taste of Japanese Culture! Historic Craftsmanship From the Meiji Period as a Souvenir of Japan!
Traditional Crafts- 135 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:36
A Close Look at the Raden Craftsmen Who Preserve the Traditional Japanese Craft of Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. Made of Brightly Colored Seashells, They're Truly Works of Art!
Traditional Crafts- 44 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 7:58
Edo-Kiriko – Works of Art That Shine Like Jewels. A Closer Look at the Charm of This Traditional Craft of Tokyo, Which Can Cost Millions of Yen or More, and How It's Made!
Traditional Crafts Action & Adventure- 371 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 9:42
True Craftsmanship! You Won't Be Able To Take Your Eyes off These Edo Brooms for Even a Second! How a Masterpiece of Tokyo That'll Last You 10 Years, Came To Be!
Traditional Crafts Japanese Celebrities- 346 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:04
Chasen: Introducing the Characteristics and History of the Takayama Tea Whisk – A 500-Year-Old Utensil Essential for Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
Traditional Crafts History- 215 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:09
A Rare Video Explaining the Production Process of One of Toyama’s Traditional Crafts "Takaoka Copper Casting" - One of the Most Popular Arts/Crafts in the World, Passed Down for Over 400 Years
Traditional Crafts Art & Architecture History- 440 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:51
Nanbu Tekki Ironware Has Over 400 Years History, Can Be Used for Life, and Is a Very Popular Item Among Foreigners! It Also Acts as an Iron Supplement and Is Good for Your Health. Let’s Take a Look at the Traditional Japanese Product from Morioka, Iwate Prefecture!
Traditional Crafts- 116 plays
- Vimeo
1 Comment