Check out these articles
-
Video article 4:55
Traditional Japanese Crafts: Akita Woodworking. The History and Culture of Japanese Craftsmen Culminate to Create Beautiful Works of Art in Akita Prefecture
Traditional Crafts- 388 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:50
Kabazaiku: A Traditional Japanese Woodworking Craft of Utilizing the Most Exquisite Cherry Bark. Each Product Is Hand Crafted by Skilled Artisans, Using All-Natural Ingredients in Akita, Japan
Traditional Culture- 391 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 10:44
The Secrets of "Fusuma," a Traditional Craft Indispensable to Japanese Homes! Don’t Miss the Beauty of the Traditional Artwork That Uses Gold and Silver Dust!
Traditional Crafts- 270 plays
- YouTube
-
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- 363 plays
- Vimeo
-
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- 79 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:12
Koshu Inden - A Beautiful Craft Using Lacquered Deer Leather. Discover Japanese Culture and Craftsmanship With These Amazing Artisans in Kofu, Yamanashi!
Traditional CraftsHistory- 233 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:35
Aizu Paper Mache Akabeko - With Its Impressive Bright Red Coloring, This 400-Year-Old Folk Art of Aizu, Fukushima Is a Craft That Clearly Shows the Craftsman's Attention To Detail
Traditional CraftsCelebrities- 564 plays
- Vimeo
-
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- 215 plays
- Vimeo
-
Video article 3:45
Learn about the splendid craftsmanship of Yamanaka Lacquer Ware, a traditional handicraft of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Enjoy the video showing the precious production process, which is all done by hand!
Traditional Crafts- 198 plays
- YouTube
Gifu Wagasa" is a beautiful work of art created by the meticulous handwork passed down to traditional craftsmen! Craftsmen in the Kano district of Gifu City, Gifu City, Gifu City, tell us about the crisis of lack of successors.
Video introduction of interviews with craftsmen of the traditional handicraft "Gifu Wagasa" in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
In this video [Express yourself, pass on the techniques – Gifu Wagasa](心を伝え、技を承ぐ 〜岐阜和傘〜) we introduce to you one of the traditional Japanese crafts "Gifu Wagasa" through interviews with craftsmen who explain in detail their production process.
The traditional Japanese paper umbrella is made from bamboo and Japanese washi paper and is a very beautiful and photogenic work of art.
Gifu prefecture in the Tokai region of Japan is the largest producer of Japanese paper umbrellas in Japan.
At its peak, there were approximately 16,000 people involved in Japanese paper umbrella work in Gifu prefecture's Kanou region.
Currently, due to decrease in demand, there are only a few dozen people involved in the Japanese paper umbrella business, and they are under immense pressure to keep this tradition alive.
In this article, we would like to introduce to you (together with the accompanying video) the history and manufacturing process of the Gifu Wagasa.
The History of Gifu Wagasa
The Japanese paper umbrella dates back to the year 552AD, when umbrellas made from bamboo and paper called Karakasa were first produced.
The traditional Japanese paper umbrella was commonly used for hundreds of years. In 1950, approximately 14 million Japanese-style umbrellas were produced.
However, due to the spread and popularity of the Western-style umbrella, sales of Japanese-style umbrellas have dropped dramatically with only a few tens of thousands being produced in recent years.
That being said, traditional Japanese style umbrellas such as the Nodategasa and Bangasa are still being produced and so the culture remains to this day.
The photogenic appearance of the Gifu Wagasa makes it a wonderful souvenir or decoration and because of this, it has slowly begun to regain popularity.
How Are Gifu Wagasa Made?
Over ten craftsmen are involved in the production of a single Gifu Wagasa and they can take anywhere from half a month to a month to make. The manufacturing process is divided into six steps.
The first step, called Honekezuri, involves carving down bamboo to make ribs for the umbrella.
Followed by Rokurozukuri, which involves making a section called Rokuro from a specific tree called Ehretia acuminata.
After that, Ayatsurikomi, which slide into the Rokuro section, are made. Smaller bamboo ribs on the inner section of the umbrella called Kobone are tied together with string, a process which is called Tsunagi.
From 3:34 in the video, you can see the bamboo structure of the umbrella and from 5:46 you can see how Japanese washi paper is attached to the umbrella (a process which is called Kamihari ).
Finally, the umbrella receives the finishing touches, a process called "Shiage," which involves the application of oil, drying the umbrella in the sun, and then a final application of lacquer to complete the umbrella.
There are other areas of work which only craftsmen with specific skills can carry out, however there is the fear that the number of such craftsmen will decline in the coming years.
From 2:10 in the video, Masanori Haneda (a bamboo rib craftsman (竹骨師, takeboneshi))speaks of how he became involved in making Gifu Wagasa.
From 4:17, Toyoko Hayakawa (who holds the title of Tsunagi-shi and Kagari-shi) talks during an interview of the low demand for Gifu Wagasa in recent years.
You can also watch interviews with several other craftsmen in this video.
Get Your Own Gifu Wagasa!
There are many specialty Gifu Wagasa shops in Gifu Prefecture, such as Nakamuraya Kasaten, where you can purchase your own Gifu Wagasa.
For those who are interested in purchasing their own Japanese paper umbrella, we recommend taking a trip to Gifu prefecture or checking out some of the online retailers where you can find Gifu Wagasa with beautiful artwork finishes.
There are even very affordable Gifu Wagasa that can be purchased for as little as a few thousand yen.
Recently, you can find very modern-looking cherry blossom design Japanese umbrellas for sale, produced in collaboration with the mobile game Idolmaster Cinderella Girls.
Gifu Wagasa Craftsmen Video Summary
We hope you enjoyed learning about the Gifu Wagasa manufacturing process through the article and video.
A wide variety of craftsmen are involved in the making of Gifu Wagasa, from the rib-makers to the canopy-makers.
Recently, a project has been launched that aims to increase the number of Gifu Wagasa craftsmen in order to ensure this important traditional craft is passed on to the next generation.
For anyone who would like to experience using a traditional Japanese-style umbrella, we recommend purchasing one from one of the online sites where you can find a variety of styles, all beautifully designed by skilled and experienced craftsmen.
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
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!
Traditional Crafts Traditional Culture Celebrities- 620 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- 877 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:12
Koshu Inden - A Beautiful Craft Using Lacquered Deer Leather. Discover Japanese Culture and Craftsmanship With These Amazing Artisans in Kofu, Yamanashi!
Traditional Crafts History- 233 plays
- YouTube
-
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- 372 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:47
Meet the Craftsman That Has Been Crafting Intricate Bunraku Puppet Heads for 40 Years! This Interview With an Awa Deko Ningyo Puppet Maker Will Make You Fall in Love With Ningyo Joruri!
Traditional Crafts- 364 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:48
It Takes Time and Advanced Skills To Make Edo Sashimono, a Traditional Furniture of Tokyo That Uses 0 Nails! One Woman, Fascinated by the Traditional Techniques of the Edo Period, Passes on the Essence of Edo to the Modern World
Traditional Crafts- 311 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:36
A Look Inside the World of an Embroiderer Who Revives Memories With His Craftsmanship. A Traditional Japanese Craft Where the Craftsman's Heart and Soul Goes Into Every Single Stitch!
Traditional Crafts- 178 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:35
Discover the Charm of the Elaborate and Realistic Hakata Dolls of Fukuoka Prefecture That Have Been Passed Down Through the Ages in Japan! The Beautiful Traditional Crafts Made by These Artisans Make Great Souvenirs!
Traditional Crafts- 157 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- 381 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:09
Rare video showing the working process of Takaoka Bronzes, a traditional craft of Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. 400 year old crafts are popular as works of art and fine arts in the world.
Traditional Crafts Art & Architecture History- 689 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:29
Suruga Bamboo Sen-suji-zaiku, a traditional handicraft, is a true work of art! Watch a video of the amazing skills of craftsmen in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, who create delicate and graceful bamboo works!
Traditional Crafts History Life & Business- 464 plays
- YouTube
-
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!
Traditional Crafts Celebrities History- 191 plays
- YouTube
Comment