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Video article 4:42Introducing the Outstanding Craftsmanship of Tokyo Some-Komon! The Delicate Designs of These Kimono and Obi Are Carefully Handmade by Artisans
Traditional Crafts- 491 plays
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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- 271 plays
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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!
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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- 128 plays
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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!
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Video article 10:00
Traditional Maki-e Lacquerware - Discover the Skills of Master Craftsmen Who Have Cultivated Their Skills Through Years of Hard Work!
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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- 72 plays
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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- 283 plays
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Video article 4:00
Yamagata Casting Is an Essential Part of Japan's Tea Ceremony Culture. A Quick Look at the Traditional Craft of Yamagata City, Yamagata and How It's Made!
Traditional Crafts- 216 plays
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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
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The process of creating an inkan
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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!
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Video article 4:55
The Beautiful Sound of the Koto: Hear the Entrancing Tones, Born of the Craftsmanship of Master Artisans
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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!
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Video article 1:59
Kokeshi Dolls, With Their Cute Appearance and Expressions, Are Very Popular as Souvenirs and Collectibles Overseas! A Look at Kokeshi Craftsmen and Their Dedication to the Traditional Japanese Craft of Miyagi Prefecture
Traditional Crafts- 395 plays
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Video article 4:18
Beppu Bamboo Crafts: A Look at the History and Characteristics of the Traditional Japanese Craft From Oita Prefecture. Enjoy the Skilled Techniques of These Bamboo Weaving Artisans!
Traditional Crafts- 419 plays
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Video article 2:25
Learn about Japan's history with "swords" you can encounter at the Tokyo National Museum in Taito-ku, Tokyo! The history of Japan is engraved in each of the approximately 120,000 objects in the collection displayed in Japan's oldest museum.
Traditional Crafts History- 139 plays
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Video article 3:26
The “Iga braid” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, has been the talk of the town since the popular animated film Iga Kumihimo” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, which became the talk of the town after the popular animated film ”Kimi no na wa. The intricately hand-woven designs are truly works of art! The valuable work process is also introduced in the video.
Traditional Crafts- 528 plays
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Video article 1:32
Arita Ware: A Traditional Japanese Craft of Arita, Saga That Was Coveted by European Royalty and Aristocracy in the 17th Century. Older Than Even the World-Famous Meissen!
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Video article 6:09
The Japanese Fishing Rod Is a Delicate and Supple, Yet Strong Work of Art. A Look at "Sao Shosaku," a Company in Kawaguchi, Saitama That Continues to Make High-Quality, Traditional Japanese Fishing Rods
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Video article 4:06
Kurume Gasuri is a Traditional Craft of Fukuoka Prefecture That Has Been Loved Since Ancient Times For Its Simple Yet Sophisticated Beauty! A Look at the Fascinating Handiwork of One Traditional Japanese Artisan!
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Video article 2:45
The Gorgeous Carp Streamers of Kazo Saitama; One of the Few Carp Streamer Towns in Japan. The History of These Handmade Crafts and How They're Made!
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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
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Video article 9:42
Craftsmanship at its finest! Video of the Edo broom (broom) work process! Brooms made by artisans at a broom store in Tokyo's Edogawa Ward are Tokyo masterpieces that can be used for 10 years!
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