This video, titled "Kunio Kobayashi Bonsai demonstration," was released by Bonsai Empire (盆栽エンパイア). In this video, you can see the performance of Kunio Kobayashi, a bonsai master, at a bonsai event in Italy. Mr. Kunio Kobayashi has built a bonsai museum in Japan and has been promoting bonsai around the world. The video shows him impressing the people of Italy with his techniques.

This video, titled "[Changes in Cargo Handling] Transportation Pallet Work (1958)｜Logistics Archives｜Nippon Express" (荷役はかわる　通運のパレット作業（1958）｜物流アーカイブズ｜日本通運), was released by "Nippon Express Official Channel" (日本通運 公式チャンネル). This video explains about cargo handling in 1958. For more than a hundred years, cargo handling has been done by hand. However, this method had many disadvantages, such as the burden on the person carrying it and damage to cargo. The advent of forklifts, pallets, and roller conveyors changed this old-fashioned cargo handling operation. By mechanizing and streamlining the process using these devices, the efficiency of cargo handling operations has greatly improved! It has brought about a revolutionary change in cargo handling. This video shows how cargo loading and unloading has changed, from the old-fashioned loading and unloading of the past, to the mechanization of work today.

This video, titled "#097 Kiryu horizontal embroidery artisan Hiroshi Higa｜Door to Tomorrow by At Home" (#097 桐生横振り刺繍職人 比嘉 寛志　|　明日への扉 by アットホーム), was released by "Door to Tomorrow by At Home" (明日への扉 by アットホーム). This is a unique Japanese embroidery technique called "yokoburi" embroidery, which uses a "yokoburi sewing machine" with a needle that moves horizontally. Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, which developed into one of Japan's leading embroidery production areas after the importation of the yokoburi sewing machine in the Taisho period. This technique is called "Kiryu Yokoburi." The video shows a young man who emigrated from Okinawa Prefecture, impressed by the embroidery on a jacket. His name is Higa Hiroshi. He studied under Kiyomi Osawa, the first recipient of the Medal with a Yellow Ribbon, and learned the delicate world of embroidery. In the video, fashion designer Don Konishi, who highly approves of Mr. Osawa, also makes an appearance. The art he creates on the sewing machine is a must-see!

This video, titled "Professional sheet metal skills that repair dents like they never happened! A Look at Shizuoka Prefecture's Sheet Metal Repair Technology! Car Factory Hakamada (Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)" (プロの鈑金技術で事故車にならずに凹みを修復！　自動車修理鈑金技術を見学　カーファクトリーハカマダ（静岡県浜松市）), was released by "Momo Channel! [A Wireless Outdoorsy Youtuber With a Car]" (ももチャンネル! 【無線と車でアウトドアなYouTuber】). This video takes you on a tour of Car Factory Hakamada in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, to see how they repair cars. They show a car with big scratches and dents on the side from when it hit a wall. If the scratched and dented parts were to be replaced, the car would be considered to have been in an accident, so they decided to repair the car using sheet metal repair techniques! If possible, you want to restore the car to a clean state without it having "been in an accident," because if the car is in an accident, the resale value is often significantly lower. Cars that are scratched and dented are restored as if they were new thanks to the brilliant skills of these sheet metal masters!

This video is titled "Sukiyabashi Jiro｜Ono Jiro, the Sushi God" (すきやばし次郎　神様小野次郎). It was released by "mrlll." This video introduces Sukiyabashi Jiro, a famous sushi restaurant in Japan that has been awarded three stars by Michelin for eight consecutive years. Every piece of sushi made is sparkling and pleasing to the eye, and the taste is also indescribable, making Sukiyabashi Jiro famous as one of Japan's leading restaurants. It is famous for being the place where former American president, Barack Obama, visited, and it is a sushi restaurant we highly recommend checking out if you can. In this video, Jiro Ono, a chef at Sukiyabashi Jiro, talks about his sushi.

This video, titled "Japan Handicrafts x Komamura Seimei-do" (ニッポン手仕事図鑑 × 駒村清明堂), was released by "Japan Handicrafts" (ニッポン手仕事図鑑). Amidst the sound of the waterwheel, what is being carefully prepared is a cedar incense stick made by Komamura Seimei-do, which has been made for over 100 years since the Meiji Era. What makes it unique is that Komamura Seimei-do is the only company in Ibaraki Prefecture that makes incense sticks using waterwheels. It takes about 40 hours to slowly grind the dried cedar leaves, which are more than 50 years old, to prevent the fragrance of the cedar from escaping. Spring water from Mt. Tsukuba is the only other ingredient combined with the ground cedar leaves. The incense sticks are 100% additive-free and derived from nature in Ibaraki. Many buyers are fascinated by the elegant fragrance that makes you feel as if you're bathing in a forest and come to experience the work or visit the factory.

This video, titled "How Master Sushi Chef Keiji Nakazawa Built the Ultimate Sushi Team — Omakase," was released by Eater. This video introduces sushi chef Keiji Nakazawa's "Sushi Sho" at the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Waikiki, Hawaii. Mr. Nakazawa used to be a renowned sushi chef in Tokyo, but now he is taking on the challenge of serving Edo-mae sushi in Hawaii while using local fish. In the dignified atmosphere of the restaurant, the video shows the chefs working diligently to serve delicious local fish. Mr. Nakazawa says that the most important things are body, mind, and spirit. The only item on the menu is a carefully selected omakase course. Once you watch the video, you'll want to visit and taste it for yourself!

About the Demonstrational "Dragon Beard's Candy" Video This video features footage of a professional making traditional dragon beard's candy by hand at a food stall in the Shin-Okubo area of Shinjuku, Tokyo (東京都新宿の新大久保). The delicate sweets, which are known for being difficult to make, are a traditional sweet in Korea which are also known by the name Kkul-tarae (クルタレ) or Ronshutan (ロンシュータン). In this video, you can see the techniques used to make dragon's beard candy and learn more about the history and characteristics of this traditional sweet. We hope you enjoy the video! What Is Dragon's Beard Candy? Source :YouTube screenshot Dragon's beard candy is a traditional sweet which has been eaten in countries such as China, Korea and Taiwan for hundreds of years. Its popularity has spread to other foreign countries, such as the US, Taiwan, Singapore, Canada and Hong Kong. Dragon beard's candy originated in China over 2,000 years ago, when the delicate treat was originally prepared for the emperor; however, it eventually came to be eaten by ordinary citizens and has been loved to this day. The main ingredient used to make dragon beard's candy is maltose syrup, known as "mugi mizuame" in Japanese. Cornstarch is also an essential ingredient. It's made by stretching a hard piece of candy over and over again to create a candy with a light and crunchy texture. The mildly sweet Dragon's beard candy is often given as a gift (lucky charm) in Seoul, Korea. Watch the Amazing Skills of This Professional Dragon Beard's Candy Maker in Shin-Okubo! Source :YouTube screenshot Each piece of dragon's beard candy is carefully handmade by craftsmen. As can be seen in the video, the street vendor first prepares the maltose syrup candy. He creates a hole in the hard candy and proceeds to stretch the candy using this hole. You can take a look at the stretching process throughout the video. The vendor then stretches the candy over and over while continually covering it in cornstarch until the threads of the candy reach the thickness of what is thought to resemble a dragon's beard. Only highly skilled professionals can make the candy incredibly thin without it breaking or snapping. A single piece of candy is stretched into an amazing 16,384 strands. From 4:26 in the video, the street vendor explains that this is the perfect number of strands to create the most pleasant melt-in-your-mouth texture. At 2:20 in the video, he begins to fold the candy to create the 16,384 strands, which he completes in roughly 35-40 seconds. The highlight of the video has to be when the professional dragon's beard maker shows off the finished product to the customers, at which point it looks beautifully smooth like threads of silk. Many customers are amazed by the look of the finished product! You can take a look at this in the video at 4:18. If you get a chance to see it up close, be sure to take a video of your own and share it with your friends! Source :YouTube screenshot After stretching out the candy, crushed peanuts, almonds, sesame seeds, or coconut can be added as a filling. One piece of candy costs approximately a few hundred yen (a couple bucks (USD)). There are very few people who know how to make the candy as the skills required are so difficult to master. Summary of Dragon Beard Candy There are food stalls in Shin-Okubo and Yokohama's Chinatown (横浜中華街, yokohamachuukagai) where you can watch dragon beard's candy being made right before your eyes. You can also buy dragon beard's candy online, sometimes sold under the name "Dragon Candy." For those interested in tasting and experiencing the delicate texture of dragon beard's candy, we highly recommended purchasing some and trying them out for yourself! Watching how the amazing dragon beard candy is made is guaranteed to pique your curiosity! Be sure to check it out in the video!

Koi Carp: Loved by the Japanese Since Long Ago This video is called ‘Koi Carp 〜Swimming Art〜 (錦鯉 〜泳ぐ芸術〜)’ and made by JVT Channel (JVTチャンネル). The video shows you colorful koi swimming elegantly. Koi are aquarium fish with a long history. Historical records show koi being used as the inspiration for painting patterns of items exhibited at expos during the Taisho Period (1912～1926). They are actually an invasive species to Japan. The specially bred fish have been bred into many different varieties. Koi are kept as aquarium fish in aquariums and ponds within Japanese gardens. Their characteristics are their beautiful patterns and striking colors. The average size of these fish is between 30 and 60 cm and their life span is around 30 years. Let’s take a look at why these fish are so attractive. The video shows you a koi farm and a competition that you don’t get an opportunity to see often. Be sure to check it out while reading this article. What Are Koi? Photo：Koi Koi were originally called "irogoi" (色鯉, colored carp), hanagoi (花鯉, flower carp), and "moyougoi" (模様鯉, patterned carp) in Japanese. They started to be called Nishikigoi (錦鯉, brocade carp) because of their luxurious designs reminiscent of a brocade. The Japanese brocade shown at 0:14 in the documentary video is a Japanese traditional silk fabric made by weaving variously colored threads. Koi were originally eaten as a food, then, one day, a unique fish with beautiful patterns appeared. There are many kinds of koi, such as red and white and tri-colored koi with red, white, and black. In addition to the Taisho Sanshoku (tri-color) and the Showa Sanshoku, there are some unusually colored ones, such as light yellow, autumn Green, tortoise shell patterned koi, reflective koi, five Colored koi, and gold and Peacock koi as well. How Are Koi Looked After? Source :YouTube screenshot It takes a lot of work to raise beautiful Nishikigoi. The Dainichi Koi Farm in Niigata Prefecture in Japan's Koshinetsu region, farms koi. At the farm, they strictly control water temperature and quality, as well as feeding schedules. They put great care into raising beautiful koi. They are also very particular about the feed given to their koi. This can be seen from 1:13 in the video. From 1:37, you can see many baby koi as well. Hiroshi Mano from Dainichi Koi Farm says in the interview, "The most important things are maintaining proper water temperature and quality. Beautiful koi are strong, healthy koi. From 3:27 in the video, you can see the annual National Koi Competition. Koi from the Dainichi Koi Farm were the winners of this competition. How to Get Your Very Own Japanese Koi There are many kinds of koi. In Japan, many people love koi. Koi with patterns or beautiful colors are sold at auctions for sometimes astronomically high prices. Furthermore, you can buy specially bred varieties of koi at online shops and Yahoo Japan Auctions, but they usually go for quite a bit of money. Some orders for Japanese koi come from overseas. The number of koi exported overseas is increasing year by year. Popular koi have been used as a motifs in traditional Japanese crafts as well. We recommend buying plates and chopstick holders with koi pattern designs. Summary of Japan's "Swimming Jewels" Photo：Koi In Japan, there are many kinds of aquarium fish, such as goldfish and Japanese rice fish. Among them, koi are loved by many people for their jewel-like beauty. Koi are born around Niigata Prefecture area. You can learn the history and the characteristics of koi at Nishikigoi no Sato in Niigata, the birthplace of koi, and at Fukuoka Koinosato Park in Fukuoka-machi, Toyama Prefecture in Japan's Hokuriku region, which is one of Japan’s most famous koi production towns. If you have a large landscape garden or a large aquarium and would like some koi of your own, try searching online or try out some auction sites to see if they have what you're looking for. You can see many koi with beautiful patterns in the video. Be sure to check out the video to enjoy the beauty of Japan's "swimming jewels."

Jonamagashi - A Popular Japanese Sweet From Kanazawa, Japan This video, titled "Jonamagashi: Kanazawa Food Culture, Seasonal Japanese Sweets｜nippon.com" (上生菓子：四季を彩る金沢の菓子文化| nippon.com), was created by "nippon.com." Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture was a castle town of the Kaga domain during the Edo Period, and the traditional Japanese sweets produced here are some of the best in Japan, on par with those produced in Kyoto (京都府) and Matsue, Shimane (島根県松江市). There are three main types of Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets): Higashi (干菓子), Namagashi (生菓子), and Jonamagashi. Of these three types of wagashi, Jonamagashi is thought to have played an integral role in the development of tea ceremony culture in Japan. Kanazawa is a city steeped in culture and history, second only to Kyoto in Japan, and has a tradition of producing high quality, artistic Jonamagashi famously decorated with gold leaf. A high level of skill is required to make Jonamagashi, which is what makes them so special amongst Japanese sweets. They are a confectionary that appeals to all five senses and are a great way to celebrate the changing of the seasons. The History of Jonamagashi and Tea Ceremony Photo：Tea Ceremony Tea ceremony in Japan dates back to the Azuchi-Momoyama Period when it was systematized by Sen no Rikyu (千利休) who is considered the founder of tea ceremony. It wasn't until the 1,700's, during the genroku portion of the Edo Period, that tea ceremony really spread throughout the rest of Japan, and Kanazawa is thought to be the birthplace of Noto (能登) Jonamagashi. Tea ceremony is held based on a particular theme, and the tools used vary depending on the chosen theme. This is called "dougugumi" (道具組). Wagashi are carefully selected and only those which complement the tools used in tea ceremony are chosen. This is also taken into consideration when creating Jonamagashi, resulting in a variety of beautiful shapes and designs. Artisan wagashi makers must channel all of their skills into the creation of one type of wagashi. You can hear Ishikawa Prefecture Tea Ceremony Association representative Sosui Oshima (大島宗翠) speak more about the subject from 0:54 in the video. How To Make Jonamagashi Source :YouTube screenshot Second generation wagashi maker Hironobu Yoshihashi of the well-established wagashi store "Yoshihashi" (吉はし), which has been in business for over 70 years, is featured in the video from 1:17. Enjoy watching the skilled hands of the artisan wagashi makers. Since Japan has a very warm and humid climate, a high proportion of sugar is necessary to preserve the wagashi. However, in the past, sugar was a luxury product that could only be afforded by the rich and wealthy. A great deal of thought and care is put into the taste, texture, design and feel of Jonamagashi. Jonamagashi are often referred to as the ultimate wagashi, with an extremely high level of artistic quality. From 1:58 in the video, you can take a look at Jonamagashi which have been designed to represent each month of the year. Summary of Kanazawa's Jonamagashi Source :YouTube screenshot From 0:45 in the video, you can see "Ajisai" (紫陽花), the most famous Jonamagashi. This is one of the items available for purchase at Kanazawa's wagashi store, "Yoshihashi". You can purchase Jonamagashi from Yoshihashi by ordering online before visiting the store. Beautiful Jonamagashi from the wagashi store Yoshihashi are the perfect souvenir to take home from your trip to Kanazawa! Jonamagashi are also a great way to enjoy the changing seasons, a treat which is pleasing for both the eyes and taste buds!

Yakisoba at Japan's Festival Stalls This video, titled "Japanese yakisoba street food japan how to make yakisoba" (物凄い焼きそば女職人 焼きそば屋台 職人芸 無修正 ノーカット Japanese yakisoba street food japan how to make yakisoba[飯テロ公式]), was released by "JAPAN FOOD 〜 The Ultimate Food Porn 〜" (JAPAN FOOD 〜最高の飯テロ〜). The video shows how yakisoba is made at food stalls at festivals in Japan. In the video, the yakisoba chef works quickly to prepare a huge amount of yakisoba, an amazing feat that you'd be hard pressed to imitate. Check out the amazing skills in the video! How Delicious Festival Yakisoba is Made! Photo：A yakisoba stand Yakisoba is a popular food that is relatively easy to make at home. Prepare some Chinese noodles and cabbage, throw it into an oiled pan, add water and fry it up. After stir-frying the noodles, season with yakisoba sauce. We recommend trying it with some mayonnaise or adding pickled ginger on the side, two authentic ways of serving it in Japan. Yakisoba sold at Japanese food stands are generally sold in small plastic containers, as shown at 3:38 in the video. What is the charm of the yakisoba stand that is shown in the video? Photo：yakisoba stand Of course, homemade yakisoba is delicious, but there's just something about the yakisoba at festivals that will have you coming back for more. The food stands found at festivals across Japan use plenty of ingredients, and season them all at once with tasty seasonings. Making a lot of yakisoba at once is a lot of work, especially when doing it for hours on end. As a staple food of festivals, yakisoba can be purchased at a reasonable price, generally costing around 200 to 500 yen, depending on the area. Different Varieties of Yakisoba Photo：Yakisoba sandwich There are many different recipes for yakisoba, so try cooking it at home or if you're in Japan, be sure to visit a specialty store. Yakisoba sanwiches with yakisoba sandwiched between a hotdog bun is popular as a light snack that anyone can enjoy. There are also local recipes from different regions of Japan, such as omusoba and sobameshi. Yakisoba can be seasoned in a number of ways. In addition to yakisoba sauce, there's also yakisoba made with Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and oyster sauce, salt and pepper, and even miso. Summary of Japan's Delicious Yakisoba Stands Photo：A yakisoba stand The video introduced in this article shows how large amounts of yakisoba is made at festivals in Japan. It's quite impressive, and if you haven't eaten yet, it might just have you in the mood for some tasty noodles! Be sure to try some delicious yakisoba when visiting any of Japan's exciting festivals.

Why Japanese Food Is Loved Around the World This video, titled "日本食ドキュメンタリー　江戸前穴子　Documentary of Japanese "ANAGO SUSHI" 日本美食记录-江户前穴子," introduces the splendor of Japanese food with a focus on Edomae anago (conger eel). In this video, Chef Eiichi Ueda, a sushi chef in Ginza, shows everything from purchasing ingredients to preparation and talks about his passion for Anago. The answer to why Japanese food is loved by so many people around the world may be found in this video. What Is Edomae Anago? Photo：Anago Sushi “Edo” is the old name for Tokyo and Anago was caught in what is now Tokyo bay which is in front of Edo. “Mae” means “in front of” in Japanese. The Edomae Anago absorbs nutrients from the river flowing into Tokyo Bay, and is considered a seafood gourmet that is a symbol of Edomae and is backed by history and culture. Eiichi Ueda, the sushi chef from Ginza, who is also the star of this video, was fascinated by anago, and says that when he purchases anago at Tsukiji fish market, he uses anago caught off the coast of Haneda in Tokyo Bay, and through this, we get an understanding of his dedication to his craft. A Commitment to the Art of Japanese Cuisine Source :YouTube screenshot One of the reasons why Japanese food is as popular as Western food around the world is because of its artisan's extraordinary attention to detail. In this video, Mr. Ueda mentions the significance of the process of buying fish from a trusted supplier, processing it himself, and cooking it using time-tested cooking methods. He is committed to cooking Edomae Anago, and the pride of being a craftsman of Japanese food, is the reason why Japanese food has become one of the most popular gourmet foods in the world today. The Merits of Japanese Food Source :YouTube screenshot The beauty of Japanese food lies in the preparation of each and every ingredient. The pride and responsibility to devote time, effort, and gratitude to every ingredient served to the customer, and to cook with the pride and responsibility of a craftsman is considered to be the essence of Japanese cuisine. They are also very particular about the way they prepare their rice and how to process and prepare fish. Chef Ueda, also says that cooking with gratitude for the ingredients is the only way to bring out the best in them and provide customers with the best food possible. Summary of Edomae Anago In the video, The Japanese craftsmans, Chef Ueda Eichi, shows us Edomae Anago, and what makes Japanese cuisine such an amazing gourmet experience. Watch this video to find out all about why Japanese food has become one of the world's leading gourmet foods. We explained just a small fraction of the video’s contents in this article, so we recommend watching the full video to get the full story. Thanks to Edomae Anago, perhaps even more people will begin to understand and appreciate Japanese cuisine. ◆Sushi Ueda◆ 【Address】Shonan Building B1F 1-14-10 Ginza Chuo Ward Tokyo 【Access】30 minutes walk from Ginzaicchoume Station 【Hours】17:30～23:00 【Closures】Sunday, holiday 【Parking】None 【Telephone No】03-5524-3311 【Yelp】Sushi Ueda https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13106255/

The Female Edo-Sushi Chef If you want to eat delicious, authentic Japanese food in the United States, you gotta check out this video. This is a video produced by FCI NY titled "American female sushi craftsman holding authentic Edo-mae sushi in NY!（NYで本格江戸前ずしを握るアメリカ人女性すし職人！）" The video shows a female sushi chef working in Chelsea, New York, Manhattan. One of the attractions of this sushi restaurant is that you can eat exquisite sushi just like you can find in Japan. This female sushi chef at a hidden, famous restaurant, also rents a part of another sushi restaurant that has no name on it except for a sticker of restaurant's mascot. Who Is This Female Sushi Chef? Source :YouTube screenshot Young female sushi chef Ouna Tempest holds the authentic Edo-style sushi at Sushi by Bae, a restaurant in New York. She is a 25 year old sushi chef. Ms. Tempest's sushi restaurant was selected as one of Zagat Suebey's "Top 30 Chefs Under 30" and "New York's 10 Most Important Restaurants Opened in 2017". How Did a Female Sushi Chef in New York Become Fascinated by the World of Sushi? Source :YouTube screenshot As introduced in the video at 1:26, female sushi chef Oona Tempest was originally an aspiring artist. However, she started working part-time as a restaurant waitress in New York, where she visited for training, and she became fascinated by the world of sushi, a beautiful piece of art. She trained under master sushi chef Oguma, and opened a popular sushi restaurant with only six seats at the counter. A master respects sushi as work, as an art, and as a food, and Oona Tempest lives by those rules as well. These are the words spoken by Oona Tempest herself in an interview which can be seen from 1:37 in the video. Oona Tempest's Sushi Specialties Source :YouTube screenshot In the preparation room, which is said to be the smallest in New York, Ms. Tempest's knife skills when handling spatters is 2nd to none. This can be seen from 2:30 in the video. The skill of quickly grasping the shari and providing the seasonal ingredients quickly is vivid. You can order a handful of snacks at her shop as well. At "Sushi by Bae", only 90-minute courses are available for $ 15 / $ 100, and 90% of the seafood used is caught in Japan. While cherishing the tradition and culture of Edo-mae, the delicate flavor that does not require soy sauce, and the vivid sushi that makes use of the artist's eyes are something to be marveled. At 4:27 in the video, she says, "Omakase does not mean what the chef likes, but providing a dish that will suit the customer." As a master, she also trained in flexibility of the menu to suit the customer's preferences. Summary of New York's Female Sushi Chef Photo：Sushi Well-known Japanese restaurants in Japan value hospitality, but the same is true of Tempest's sushi restaurant located far from the shores of Japan. Although not quite the ingredients you can purchase at Tsukiji in Japan, she uses fresh seafood caught on the day and has the skill to transform it into something sublime. She has a dream of having her own store in the future, but she is still working under someone and aspires to learn more. If you want to enjoy exquisite sushi in New York, be sure to drop by her restaurant! 【Official Website】Sushi By Bae https://www.sushibybae.com/ 【Yelp】Sushi By Bae https://www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-by-bae-new-york-2?osq=Sushi+By+Bae

Traditional Japanese Dyeing and Weaving Source :YouTube screenshot ANA Global Channel aired the video "Artisan of traditional dyeing/Interview - IS JAPAN COOL? CRAFTSMANSHIP" (Artisan of traditional dyeing／Interview - IS JAPAN COOL? CRAFTSMANSHIP（染織家）) featuring female artisan Sarasa Yoshioka. Dyeing and weaving originated in China, India, Rome and Greece, and was introduced to Japan in the 3rd century AD. In the video (2:35), Yoshioka says that the technique is mentioned in the old text "Manyoshu" and the "Engishiki" (a Japanese book about laws and customs) which were both completed during the Heian period (794-1185). The Engishiki documented the ancient dyeing recipes. Having been designated as Intangible Cultural Property, dyeing and weaving technique and textiles such as Kimono and Obi are the important traditional crafts. In this video, female artisan Sarasa Yoshioka, talks about the history of dyeing, a traditional Japanese craft, and her passion for it. It also captures her superior artisanal skills. Magical Patterns Hand-Dyed by Artisans Source :YouTube screenshot There are two main types of dyeing and weaving: Sakizome- in which yarns are dyed first and then woven, and Atozome- in which the cloth is dyed after it is woven. The former is represented by these Kimono makers in the form of Yu-kitsumugi, Nishijin, and Nishikiori. Examples of the latter include Kyo-yu-zen and Kagayu-zen which are known for the splendid picturesque patterns. Sakizome requires a higher skill level than Atozome, and thus Sakizome textiles cost more. The Methods and Materials of Traditional Japanese Dyeing and Weaving Colors are most commonly extracted from plant sources such as roots, tree bark, and nuts. Yoshioka says the plants that are hard to grow are typically supplied by contracted experts (2:08). Indigo dye is one of the oldest and most common dyes to be used for textile dying. Since Indigo has antibacterial and insect repellent effects, it is thought that people wore indigo dyed clothing to keep insects and infections away. The Role of Dyers and Their Delicate Craftsmanship Source :YouTube screenshot The Heian period (794-1185) was the peak of the Japanese Imperial court and aristocratic culture. The garments wore by the upper classes were made by dyeing and weaving artisans. For this reason, dye artisans at that time held a high position in Japan's hierarchical society. The garments wore by the present day Emperor and Empress in the court functions are still made using this traditional technique. These formal court dresses, such as Sokutai and Junihitoe, can only be handmade since the delicate weaving cannot be done by machines. Automated weaving machines were imported to Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and silk textiles were designated as a main industry. Being inferior to the Great Powers in the heavy industries, Japan relied on the techniques of the dyeing and weaving artisans to acquire foreign currency, with the aim of becoming a member of the Great Powers. The Future of Dyeing and Weaving The dyeing and weaving industry, which is both time and labor intensive, has been on the decline for quite some time. Today, however, the increasing number of universities or fashion design schools integrate it in the school curriculum in order to prevent the traditional craft from dying out. The number of young people apprenticed to a dyeing and weaving artisan is also increasing little by little. Kimono, obi, tenugui and other textile products are popular as souvenirs of Japan's overseas markets, and the more opportunities there are for dyed fabric weavers to play an active role, the more likely they are to pass on this traditional Japanese craft to future generations. Traditional Dyeing and Weaving: An Academic Point of View Photo：Dyed goods You may imagine that dyeing and weaving is mainly based on tough outdoor work, but it is also an embodiment of highly developed chemistry. As seen in the video, the majority of plant dyes requires the use of mordant such as vinegar or natural alum to enhance and fix the color in the textile fibers. In other words, dyers obtain the brilliant colors through chemical reactions between the materials. Dye artisans imagine the final product before they even begin. "The color we want to achieve is decided from the beginning, and we use our experience and sense to adjust the color closer to the desired color" says Yoshioka (7:05). In order to achieve the client's desired color, the weavers use all of their wisdom as artisans. Yoshioka says that obtaining the color desired by clients is "a mission given to dye artisans" (7:47). It is not only fabrics, yarns of silk, linen and cotton she dyes, but also washi papers. Every year, she spends the winter months dyeing papers to dedicate to the Buddhist ceremony held at To-daiji Temple in Nara prefecture (5:58). Summary of Japanese Traditional Dyeing and Weaving The video features a dyeing and weaving artisan, Sarasa Yoshioka who works in the Kyoto-based atelier "Somenotsukasa Yoshioka." Sticking to the traditions, the atelier uses only plants dyes and the traditional dyeing method. Dyestuffs are soaked and simmered in the pure spring water of Fushimi (a district in Kyoto), pumped up from 100 meters underground. In this method, a variety of colors and shades can be obtained with the same dye, and the delicacy of dyed fabric is beautiful. In this article, we introduced the history of dyeing, its production methods, origins, and the raw materials used, alongside the interview with craftswoman, Sarasa Yoshioka. In the video, you can see and hear more of what she has to say and also take a look at her technique. Be sure to check it out! Traditional Japanese textiles are available online at retailers such as amazon or rakuten. Using the traditional crafts will lead you to appreciate the value of the traditional craft, as well as the skills of its artisans. 【Official Website】Somenotsukasa Yoshioka https://www.textiles-yoshioka.com/eng/

Bonsai: A Traditional Japanese Craft This video "Bonsai"（盆栽） was created by "Nippon Teshigotozukan". It is a video introducing the world of Bonsai featuring an interview with a Bonsai craftsman. Bonsai is the traditional Japanese art of growing miniature trees in containers which are often decorated with moss and other small decorations. Experts in the craft of making Bonsai are called Bonsai masters. The origin of Bonsai dates back to the Heian period (794 - 1185 AD). Bonsai is so popular that the Japanese word 'Bonsai' is known in many countries across the world. In this interview video, you can learn how to create and look after your own Bonsai tree. Please enjoy learning about traditional Japanese culture through this video! What is Bonsai? Let us introduce some of the special techniques required to make Bonsai! Source :YouTube screenshot In this video, we introduce the Bonsai master Okamoto Yoshimitsu, whose workshop "Kichishouen" is located in Toyota city, Aichi prefecture in the Tokai region of Japan. Okamoto Yoshimitsu is famous for his Needle Juniper Bonsai works of art. Source :YouTube screenshot Many techniques are required to complete a Bonsai piece of art, such as pruning, using wires to create bends in the tree's structure and applying paint to name a few. You can see some of these techniques from 2:07 in the video. You can also see some of the tools required for the maintenance of Bonsai from 0:23. Bonsai require special care as the seasons change, similar to other trees in nature. You can see the difference pruning makes to the Bonsai from the before and after pictures at 3:30 in the video. Interview With a Bonsai Master Source :YouTube screenshot From 3:40 in the video, Bonsai master Okamoto Yoshimitsu talks of how he feels the effort put into taking care of Bonsai can be very rewarding, similar to bringing up children. "Bonsai is a Japanese tradition, one that I do not want to die out I want young people to learn about Bonsai and understand the concept of Wabi-sabi (wabi-sabi is a Japanese term used to express the beauty of imperfection). Bonsai is a great way to express oneself through one's own style". Enjoy Looking the Fabulous Bonsai Works of Art Photo：Bonsai Tree Many people in Japan take up Bonsai as a hobby to enjoy the wabi-sabi aspect of the art. There are many varieties of Bonsai tree, from the inexpensive trees aimed at beginners to the very old trees and expensive pots used by professionals and experienced practitioners. The same type of tree, such as a Japanese white pine, can also have several structural forms: formal upright, informal upright, slanted and windswept are a few examples. Other tree types such as cherry blossom and maple trees can also be used. The charm of Bonsai comes from the individualized pruning and shaping of the trees which gives each particular tree it's personality. The combination of the natural beauty of the tree itself and the creativity and individuality of the craftsman is what makes Bonsai so interesting. Bonsai Tree Summary Source :YouTube screenshot Bonsai is a popular Japanese tradition that has been around for many generations. The Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama is growing in popularity, with more young people and foreigners visiting each year. There is also a tapioca shop which serves Bonsai Tapioca Milk Tea which is very popular with customers. Bonsai may look difficult but there are Bonsai for sale that are easy to look after, even for complete beginners. For those who are interested in the traditional Japanese art of Bonsai, why not try raising your own? ◆Kichishouen Introduction Information◆ 【Address】Yabushita 3, Nishimachi, Unebe, Toyota city, Aichi prefecture 470-1219 【Phone number】0565-21-2713 【Official Website】Saitama Bonsai Art Museum https://www.bonsai-art-museum.jp/en/

伝統工芸「箱根寄木細工」紹介動画について こちらの動画は「伝統工芸 青山スクエア」が公開した「手技TEWAZA「箱根寄木細工」Japan Hakone Marquetry／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square」です。 日本有数の温泉地として知られている箱根。 箱根で注目しておきたいものは温泉だけではありません。 日本には昔から伝わる伝統的な文化が存在しており、箱根寄木細工もその中の一つ。 箱根寄木細工とは一体どういう伝統工芸なのか 箱根寄木細工は江戸時代後期に誕生した日本の伝統工芸です。 木目や色彩を活かし、素敵な幾何学模様を作り出すのが特徴的。 長年培われた職人の技術により作られています。 駿府の浅間神社建立に集められた職人の技術が箱根寄木細工誕生の起源です。 箱根には箱根寄木細工を取り扱ったお店がいくつも存在します。 観光に訪れた際はお土産に購入してはいかがでしょうか？ 雑貨や家具等、素敵な品物と巡り会えるかもしれません。 箱根寄木細工以外にも様々な伝統工芸や文化が箱根にあります。 箱根寄木細工の制作工程紹介 動画では原料になる木材をはじめとした箱根寄木細工づくりの要点が非常に分かりやすく約4分程度に収められています。 箱根寄木細工の作業方法 ・種木作り ・木地の説明 ・種板作り ・づく作り ・箱根寄木細工の完成 箱根寄木細工に触れる方法 箱根寄木細工について知識を深めるなら体験教室に参加することをおすすめします。 箱根には箱根寄木細工づくりの教室が存在しており、興味のある方はチェックしておきたいところ。 箱根寄木細工に限らず、日本の文化や伝統工芸に関する教室は全国各地に存在します。 伝統工芸づくりの体験をすることも日本観光の楽しみ方の一つです。 職人技のすごさを実感できる箱根寄木細工 関所からくり美術館 箱根にある箱根寄木細工 関所からくり美術館は職人達が作るからくり箱を展示している美術館。 色々なからくり箱を見ることができるので、日本の伝統工芸や文化に興味がある方やパズルやからくり等に興味がある方は観光プランに入れておくと良いかもしれません。 匠の技を実際に体感したい方はからくり箱の工作体験に一度参加することをおすすめします。 箱根寄木細工を販売している浜松屋 浜松屋は箱根で木工芸品を販売しているお店。 2階の工場では実演見学ができ、匠の技をその目で見ることができます。 秘密箱や引き出し、テーブルウェア等、インスタ映えするおしゃれな商品がもりだくさん。通販で商品を購入することも可能です。 箱根寄木細工紹介まとめ 日本の伝統工芸や文化は調べれば調べる程奥が深いです。 どのような文化があるかを知り、実際に触れてみることが大切。 日本観光の際には様々な伝統文化に触れてみてはいかがですか。

The Delicious Crab Cuisine Made by Kanazawa Chefs! This video, titled "Japanese Food - SNOW CRAB Sashimi Hotpot Grilled Seafood Kanazawa Japan," was produced by "Travel Thirsty." It introduces the crab dishes prepared by the skilled artisans at Ryokan Ryokusoune in Kanazawa. Crab is one of the most popular dishes in Japanese cuisine. You can enjoy a wonderful time eating delicious snow crab, especially when it's served as sashimi, crab hot pot, or grilled crab in a traditional kaiseki meal. How to Make and Eat Crab Cuisine Photo：Cooked crab miso Skill and knowledge of ingredients is essential for chefs of high-end restaurants when preparing crab. Chefs quickly process the prepared crabs early in the morning and use a variety of recipes to prepare them. Since the shells of crab are very hard, they have to use sharp knives to process them. Crab is a popular foodstuff that has been traditionally eaten in Japan since ancient times. The Japanese have a tradition of cooking and eating not only the crab meat, but also the crab miso (miso-like paste found inside a crab) inside the shell, which is delicious. You can see the crab miso being prepared at 18:34 in the video. Each type of crab has a different season, so you can enjoy delicious crab dishes throughout the year. The video is about 30 minutes long and shows a variety of delicious crab dishes. Check out the video to see the exquisite display. Seaside Towns with Delicious Seafood Photo：Crab kaiseki cuisine Japan's seaside ryokan and traditional dining establishments offer a superb menu of fresh crab dishes and other seasonal seafood. Traditional Japanese kaiseki dishes are eaten in the following order: appetizer, wanmori (stewed dishes), sashimi, grilled food, boiled food, side dish, rice, and lastly, the jelly desert. The beauty of crab is that it can be used in every possible way, from appetizers to main dishes, and even in desserts. Summary of Japan’s Delicious Crab Cuisine Photo：Crab cuisine While there are of course other cultures that eat crab outside of Japan, there are many variations of Japanese crab dishes that will keep you coming back for more. Check out the various items on the menu when you're eating Japanese food and find your favorite crab dish. When you travel to the Kanazawa, Kaga, and Noto areas, be sure to try some of the exquisite crab dishes shown in the video! ◆Ryokan Ryokusone｜General Information◆ 【Address】YUZUYA RYOKAN KANAZAWA RYOKUSONE 2-1-10-1 TENJINCHO KANAZAWA-city ISHIKAWA-pre 【Access】Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station and from there it's approximately 20 minutes by taxi (※Tell the driver "Tsubakihara-Tenmangu-mae") 【Telephone】076-208-3999 【Official Website】YUZUYA RYOKAN KANAZAWA RYOKUSONE http://ryokusone.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Ryokusone https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298115-d8677845-Reviews-Ryokusone-Kanazawa_Ishikawa_Prefecture_Hokuriku_Chubu.html

Introducing Aizu-Hongo Ware, a Traditional Japanese Craft! This video, titled "【会津本郷焼】継承されていく伝統と歴史 /【Aizu Hongouyaki】The tradition and history that are passed down for generations," was created by "Aizu-Hongo Ware Association" (会津本郷焼組合). The video introduces the history and crafting process of the Aizu area's traditional craft, Aizu-hongo Ware. The video is only 3 minutes long, so for those interested in Japanese traditional culture, how pottery is made, or just want to admire some beautiful works of art, definitely check it out! The History of Aizu-Hongo Ware Source :YouTube screenshot Aizu-Hongo Ware originates from the town Aizumisato, near Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle in Fukushima Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan. Aizu-Hongo Ware was already being created by the 16th century, leading to it being known as the oldest pottery tradition in Japan's Tohoku region. The pottery pieces are made using high-quality Okubo clay. The clay used for decorating the pieces is also made from materials gathered in the region. This is one of the special characteristics of Aizu-Hongo Ware. Aizu-Hongo Ware is created through traditional methods involving the use of a potter’s wheel, as shown from 1:19 in the video. The high quality and exquisite beauty of the pieces has led to Aizu-Hongo Ware being designated a Traditional Craft of Japan. How To Create Aizu-Hongo Ware Source :YouTube screenshot There are many kilns for making Aizu-Hongo Ware in the Aizu region. The pieces created by the Kamomoto craftsmen are beautiful enough to be called works of art. In the Aizu region, there are many pottery classes and pottery-making experiences available. Through creating Aizu-Hongo Ware, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. Besides visiting the Aizu region itself, you can also purchase pottery pieces online. As shown from 2:26 in the video, there are various types of products that can be used in daily life, such as mugs, bowls, coffee cups, Japanese teacups and more. Be sure to check them out if you're interested. Summary of Aizu-Hongo Ware Source :YouTube screenshot Aizu-Hongo Ware is a deep-rooted tradition of the Aizu region, with a long, rich history. If you have the chance to visit Aizumisato, not only can you learn more about this traditional craft, but you can also view the beautiful Japanese landscapes of the region. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through Aizu-Hongo Ware!

Introducing Baby Castella Stalls! "Japanese Stall Series: Baby Castella Edition（日本の屋台シリーズ ベビーカステラ編）" is a video that people who love Japanese festival culture and event stalls should definitely watch. Baby Castella is a standard for festival menus. At the stalls, they use a special baking machine similar to a takoyaki machine and bake round and cute castella with amazing craftsmanship. Check out the amazing skills of real craftsmen at baby castella specialty stores that are especially popular at Japanese food stalls. What Are Baby Castella? Origins and How They're Made Photo：Baby Castella It is said that the history of Baby Castella began in the Taisho era (1912 to 1926 AD) with a stall in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture in Japan's Kansai region. A stall craftsman made a menu that closely resembles a commercially available bell castella, and it became a very popular product. You can learn more about how to make baby castella at 0:53 in the video. Just pour the dough into a special baking machine that the craftsman has, close the baking machine lid and bake it. As you can see from 3:34, the baked baby castella uses a skewer to fly neatly into the pom-pom and saucer. It looks easy, but baking a lot of baby castellas requires the quick work of a skilled craftsman. Calories and Prices of Baby Castella Photo：Baby Castella Nakazawa Seika, a famous baby castella store that has opened stores in Fukagawa Fudo and Asakusa Tori-no-ichi, is a castella specialty shop where you can wait for up to three hours. The baby castella sold at the shop is pretty reasonably priced however. They start at 12 for 300 yen (~$3 USD). One baby castella is about 30 calories, but these babies are freshly made and super tasty, so you might want to be careful about eating too much. Making Baby Castella at Home! Photo：Baby castella made with a takoyaki pan It is often thought that a special machine used in a specialty store is needed to make baby castella, but you can actually make them at home, using a takoyaki machine. If you use a hot cake mix and bake the dough with a takoyaki machine, you can make your very own delicious baby castella. We recommend giving it a try if you have the chance! Summary of the Baby Castella Stalls Source :YouTube screenshot There are many people who look forward to eating street food at festivals. On festival and event days, eating lunch and snacks at the stalls is a great way to try new foods and make some great memories. One of the pleasures of Japanese food stalls is to be able to see the craftsman's skills in action. If you are sightseeing in Japan, be sure to stop by the baby castella stalls where you can see the amazing techniques shown in the video.

Introducing Suruga Bamboo Ware This is a promotional video for Suruga Take Sensuji Zaiku (Suruga Bamboo Ware), created by Aoyama Square, a shop specializing in traditional Japanese crafts. Suruga Bamboo Ware is a traditional craft made from bamboo stems. Created using professional techniques whereby the craftsman creates flower vases, bug cages, and handbags by assembling thin strips cut from bamboo stems. In recent years, it has become popular with more modern items, such as bags and wind chimes. Today, we'll introduce in detail the highly valued traditional Japanese craft, Suruga Bamboo Ware. Be sure to follow along with the video! The History of Suruga Bamboo Ware ©SUN Modifying Due to rich bamboo resources, bamboo crafts were commonly used in daily life from olden times in the Suruga area, in Shizuoka prefecture. The origin of the craft is rooted in ancient history. Bamboo products like baskets and cages have been excavated from Toro ruins in this area, major ruins of the Yayoi period. In the Edo period, bamboo crafts established a position as side jobs for samurai. After retiring from the shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu lived in Sunpu Castle, and a local culture of bamboo craftsmen was established in the Suruga area. Suruga Bamboo Ware was recognized as national traditional craft by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in 1976. How Suruga Bamboo Ware Is Made Source :YouTube screenshot The production process of Suruga Bamboo Ware is divided into 4 parts: Measuring and cutting bamboo, Bending, Weaving, and Assembly. Japanese timber bamboo (Madake) or Moso bamboo (Mosochiku) are used as materials, and strips are cut from their stalks. Flat strips are used for bamboo crafts in other areas, but Suruga Bamboo Ware uses round cut strips. They are made using a unique technique that involves bending the strips into round shapes and connecting them through weaving. The distinctive feature of Suruga Bamboo Ware is that all processes, from the cutting and measuring of bamboo to the finishing touches, are done by a single craftsman. A more detailed process is shown in the video at 0:25. Please enjoy the techniques of Suruga Bamboo Ware craftsman, Takahide Sugiyama. Suruga Bamboo Ware Products Source :YouTube screenshot There are many different Suruga Bamboo Ware products; snack trays, which are great for hosting guests, flower vases, tea cup saucers, small pouches, lightings such as lanterns and lamps, wind chimes/desktop wind bells, bug cages, and more. Beautiful Japanese style handbags are also popular. These products can be purchased on amazon and Japan’s major online retailer, Rakuten. Prices range from several thousands to several tens of thousands of Japanese yen (tens to hundreds of dollars), depending on the product. Summary of Suruga Bamboo Ware As introduced in the video, Suruga Bamboo Ware is traditional Japanese craft handmade by a single artisan. If you're looking to take in some Japanese culture in your daily life, we recommend purchasing some Suruga Bamboo Ware products. They make great souvenirs and gifts as well. 【Official website】Suruga Bamboo Ware "Shizuoka Bamboo-crafts Cooperative" http://www.takesensuji.jp/?mode=f8 【Official website】Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

An Introduction to "Kakejiku" This video titled “Kakejiku-Making of a Japanese Hanging Scroll “ produced by “Niko Kitsakis” features how to make a kakejiku by Koseido Kamon Hyoguten. Koseido Kamon Hyoguten in Takarazuka city (宝塚市：Takarazuka-shi ), Hyogo (兵庫県: Hyogo prefecture) was established in 1912. Hideyuki Kamon is the fourth hyogushi (mounter) of this store. Hyogu refers to scrolls, hanging scrolls, folding screens, fusuma (sliding doors), panels, frames, and picture books made by stretching cloth and paper. Hideyuki Kamon, a first class mounting technician, is involved in various works including the making of kakejiku, frames, folding screens, partitions, and the repairing of shoji or old calligraphic works. This video focuses on the making of kakejiku (a very rare sight), as well as the names of the scrolls. Please enjoy the video of this ancient Japanese craft. The Origin and Culture of Kakejiku Photo：Kakejiku People enjoy having kakejiku displayed in their living room. Kakejiku is also called Kakehaba or Yukakake. The art originated in China and came to Japan along with Buddhism over 1000 years ago, before the Heian Period. Its style was established through the cultures of Calligraphy and Tea Ceremony. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heian_period In this video, Hideyuki Kamon talks about the history of Kakejiku from the Kamakura, Edo period to now. There are various types of kakejiku such as Kakemono or Kakeji and Buddhist sutra, ink painting or calligraphy, as well as modern illustrations are drawn in a kakejiku. Kakehaba is counted as “Hito-haba, Futa-haba”. Hideyuki Kamon, the Mounter Who Keeps Pushing Himself Source :YouTube screenshot Hideyuki Kamon says Kakejiku is very deep and he is always finding new ways to challenge himself. According to the interview with him, he discovers new things every day and works hard to refine his new discoveries. How to Make Kakejiku Source :YouTube screenshot You can see how kakejiku are made in the footage from 6:14. Kakejiku is made of washi (traditional Japanese handmade paper), cloth and wooden sticks. A Kakejiku consists of components such as Honshi, Futai, Ichimonji, Chumawashi, Hashira and Hasso. The top and bottom parts of a kakejiku are called "Ten" and "Chi," respectively. The mounter’s techniques are necessary to decorate the washi. You can see a Honshi being sharpened by Ichimonji in the footage from 6:37. A kakejiku is completed through these various steps. Get a Beautiful Kakejiku and Feel Traditional Japanese Culture in Your Own Home! Prices for historical works or ones made by famous artists could end up costing you a lot of money. On the other hand, you can buy kakejiku online at sites like Amazon or Rakuten. If you are interested in ink painting or calligraphy or want to incorporate some Japanese culture into your life, we recommend getting a handmade kakejiku. It's important to focus on not only design, size, and characteristics of the kakejiku, but also on a preservation or storing method for the works before purchasing them. Summary of Kakejiku Kakejiku is a high quality, traditional Japanese craft. Please watch the impressive skills of this kakejiku artisan to learn how to make beautiful kakejiku. Enter the world of kakejiku that you didn’t even know existed. 【Official Website】Koseido Kamon Hyoguten in Takarazuka- A shop to first class mounters https://kouseidou.jp/

The Hairdresser Recreating Ukiyo-e Hairstyles This video, titled "Recreating Ukiyo-e Hairstyles," was created by "The Art Institute of Chicago." From 0:27 in the video, professional hairdresser Tomiko Minami appears. She is highly skilled at recreating the hairstyles portrayed in ukiyo-e prints of the Edo Period. Ukiyo-e prints were created by Edo-era artists such as the famous Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎). The beautiful renditions of women in ukiyo-e prints have gained admiration not only in Japan but also worldwide. As seen in the video, hairdressers like Tomiko Minami use the techniques of old to bring ukiyo-e hairstyles to life in the present day. More About Professional Hairdresser Tomiko Minami Source :YouTube screenshot The video introduces Tomiko Minami of Minami Hairdressing. She is part of a group of Japanese hairdressers known as "yusoku biyoshi" (有職美容師), who specialize in studying and maintaining historical traditions of the imperial court and samurai families with regards to hair and clothing. Tomiko Minami is not only proficient in traditional Japanese hairstyles, but also well-versed in the ornaments and clothing styles of each era. She is even responsible for hairdressing and garments at the Ise Jingu Festival (伊勢神宮祭). At the Aoi Matsuri (葵祭) and the Heian Shrine (平安神宮) Jidai Matsuri, she is in charge of more than 150 different types of hairstyles. Her recreations of ukiyo-e hairstyles are extremely detailed and intricate. With participants strolling around with their beautiful hairdos and traditional garments, these festivals of Kyoto are a wonderful sight, bringing to life the atmosphere of times past. The Amazing Hairstyles Yusoku Biyoshi Can Recreate Source :YouTube screenshot During the early Edo Period, people generally let their hair flow freely without tying it up. However, from the mid-Edo Period, hairstyles, such as those seen in ukiyo-e prints, began to increase in popularity. There were styles such as the the kamome tabo (鴎髱, Seagull's Tail), the yoko-hyogo (横兵庫, Butterfly), and the torobin (燈籠鬢, Lantern Locks) resembling a traditional lantern. In the later Edo and Bakumatsu Periods, elaborate hairstyles ,especially for high-ranking courtesans, were created as well. The hairdressers skillfully make use of combs and hairpins to create traditional Japanese hairstyles, such as suberakashi (垂髪), as well as the shimada and katsuyama styles favored by geisha and maiko. At 1:37, 3:19, and 5:02 in the video, you can see the finished hairstyles carefully dressed by the talented hairdresser. Summary of the Hairdressers Recreating Ukiyo-e Hairstyles The hairdressers shown in this video make use of techniques used in the Edo Period to accurately recreate the hairstyles of that period. Their incredible skill has gained attention from around the world. Be sure to take a look at the video and take in the skills of the hairdressers and understand the depth of Japanese culture!

Bingata - A Traditional Japanese Craft This video, titled "BINGATA – Az okinawai textilfestés," was created by "Teodora Vegh." It introduces Rei Ishida (石田麗), who currently makes Bingata in a workshop in Oita Prefecture (大分県). Bingata is a traditional dyeing technique representative of Okinawa, and is sometimes referred to as "Ryukyu Somemono" (琉球染物). This dyeing technique is used to create beautiful clothing items and accessories which are available for purchase. Check out the video to learn more about the history of this traditional craft and how Bingata products are made! The History of Bingata, A Traditional Japanese Craft Source :YouTube screenshot The Bingata dyeing technique has been used in Okinawa since the 13th century. It's said that this technique was developed to create kimono for the royal family at the time. The kanji characters for "Bingata," which until then was simply written in hiragana, were chosen during the Showa period (1926 AD - 1989 AD). Since the Second World War, Bingata workshops have opened up all over Japan and items are now produced as works of art. How Bingata is Made Source :YouTube screenshot The craftsmen must first design and create a stencil that will be used to apply a motif to the fabric. The stencil is cut out carefully by hand. This process can be seen at 0:40 in the video. Once the stencil is made, a paste is applied on top of the stencil (1:38 in the video) followed by paint to apply color to the material. The brushes used to dye the fabric are often made from human hair. Other dyeing methods such as Tsutsugaki (筒描き) and Aizome (藍染) are often used, as well as the traditional Bingata dyeing technique. After applying color, the fabric is then steamed and soaked in water to remove the paste. The Bingata dyeing process shown in the video is as follows: 1. Design 2. Stencil carving (0:39～) 3. Paste application (1:44～) 4. "Gobiki" (2:36～) 5. Color application (3:05～) 6. "Sumitori" (4:03～) 7. Steaming 8. Soaking 9. Nori paste application 10. Dyeing 11. Steaming 12. Soaking 13. Sewing 14. Finish Purchasing Bingata Dyed Goods Source :YouTube screenshot Bingata fabric is used to create many items such as furoshiki (風呂敷), tapestries, accessories, kimono, yukata, furisode (long-sleeved kimono) and hanhaba obi (half-width obi/kimono sash). The bright, bold coloring of Bingata dyed goods is typical of Okinawa. Bingata items can be purchased in workshops and gift shops around Okinawa and Kyushu. In recent years, the number of Bingata items being sold online has been increasing making it even easier to find and purchase the patterns that suit you best. Summary of Bingata, A Traditional Craft of Okinawa Source :YouTube screenshot Making beautiful Bingata dyed goods like those introduced in the video involves a series of complicated processes. Clothing and accessories made from Bingata dyed fabric make great Japanese souvenirs! Have fun searching for your favorite Bingata goods!

The Traditional Craft, Echizen Lacquerware This video introduces Echizen lacquerware, a traditional craft in Fukui prefecture. The video “TEWAZA Japan Echizen Lacquerware（手技TEWAZA「越前漆器」Japan Echizen Lacquerware／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square）” is created by “Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square.” Echizen lacquerware is mainly produced in the Kawada region in Sabae city. It has an air of Japanese culture and is also very beautiful. This article will introduce how it's made, as well as some of the different products. Be sure to follow along with the video and find your favorite! The Traditional Craft, Echizen Lacquerware: Culture and History Source :YouTube screenshot Echizen lacquerware has a long history, with origins dating back to the Asuka Period (593 to 710) more than 1400 years ago. It is said that a painter, who was asked to repaint the imperial crown by the emperor, also offered a black lacquer bowl to the emperor with it, and the emperor was so impressed by the work that he helped promote its growth. After the Edo Period, (1603 to 1868) many craftsmen were thriving around Sabae city in Fukui prefecture, and their technique gradually spread throughout Japan. The Traditional Craft, Echizen Lacquerware: How Its Made Source :YouTube screenshot Echizen lacquerware uses a traditional technique that has been passed down since ancient times. The technique requires various craftsmen to be involved in the production process. 1. Lacquering (漆塗り, Urushi nuri) - (0:25) The wood is carved out and then lacquered with two or three coats of lacquer. 2. Gold Inlaying (沈金, Chinkin)- (1:25) The surface is carved and the gold foil is applied. The craftsman in the video says that the gold foil shines beautiful, like a mirror, when the chase is clear. 3. Gold lacquering (蒔絵, Makie) - (2:05) This process involves sprinkling gold dust over the lacquer. This process must be done before the lacquer is dry. According to the craftsman, the drying time of the lacquer varies depending on the humidity of each day. The Japanese method of gold lacquering has been passed down since ancient times. Lacquerware made by first-rate artisans, are very beautiful pieces of artwork. Echizen lacquerware is elegant and long-lasting. Get Your Own High-Quality Echizen Lacquerware Source :YouTube screenshot You can purchase high-quality, hand crafted Echizen lacquerware at Shikki Sajibe. There are many workshops that produce and distribute Echizen lacquerware in Sabae city. They sell everyday goods, such as bowls, chopsticks, tumblers, coffee cups, saucers, plates, lunch boxes, and more. In recent years, lacquerware manufacturing techniques have improved, and products that can be used in microwave ovens and dishwashers are on the rise. You can see Echizen lacquerware products at 3:09 in the video. There are kitchen knives, clocks, and so on, all of which are incredibly beautiful. Echizen lacquerware can also be purchased online, so if you're interested, be sure to check out some of the online retailers. The most famous Echizen lacquerware shop is Echizen Sikki Qtarou; It has been open for 94 years. In 1981 the founder Soumei Kyutaro, then 83 years old, received the fifth class Order of the Sacred Treasure award. Summary of Echizen Lacquerware The traditional craft, Echizen lacquerware, requires incredible delicacy and attention to detail. If you're looking at adding a traditional Japanese flair to your house, consider purchasing some Echizen lacquerware! It also makes for a great gift. We hope this article and video helped pique your interest in Echizen lacquerware. If you're looking for beautiful Echizen lacquerware, be sure to check out the shops and workshops in Sabae city. 【Official website】Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/