Official Author

坂崎 なお（Nao Sakazaki）

The 500 Arhats This video in this article will introduce “Takashi Murakami’s The 500 Arhats”. The special footage is produced by the official Mori Art Museum. The 500 Arhats exhibition was an event gallery held at the Roppongi Hills Mori Art Museum between 2015 and 2016. Let’s explore the magnetism of The 500 Arhats exhibition, a modern art exhibition which received the Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts. Who is Takashi Murakami? Source :村上隆 | Kaikai Kiki Gallery Takashi Murakami, is a contemporary artist who has made many pop art pieces. Along with his accomplishments as a pop artist, he is also the CEO of Kaikai Kiki Co. Ltd., and acts as a curator, and collector, as well as a film director. He is also the chairman of the contemporary art fair “Geisai”. In recent years, having had a cameo in the movie “Star Wars” also created a small buzz. His younger brother, Yuji Murakami, has also produced works as a pop artist. Takashi Murakami's Representative Works Source :Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. Takashi Murakami’s famous artwork is “Flower”, known for its cute smile. The flower motif has been turned into products such as pillows (the flower pillow), key-chains, posters, and sticker packs and sold in shops. Also, his collaboration with the world-famous brand Louis Vuitton is another hot topic of discussion. His widely known work, the life-sized figurine “My Lonesome Cowboy” was auctioned abroad for 1.6 billion yen. Takashi Murakami is also largely influencing the anime subculture, also referred to as "Otaku" culture. Over the recent years, he has been doing exhibitions, such as the Doraemon poster exhibitions, and also creating works as a “Superflat” artist influenced by manga, anime, and media that is representative of modern culture. What Is the 500 Arhats Exhibit Source :YouTube screenshot In the above footage you can see the large-scale exhibition of Takashi Murakami that was held at the Roppongi Hills Mori Art Museum. What we can see around 1:23 and 2:02 in the video is a massive one-hundred-meter-long painting. It is a powerful piece that revived rakanzu, by Nagasawa Rosetsu and Kano Kazunobu, artists from the Edo period (1603-1868), as modern art. Summary of Takashi Murakami’s “The 500 Arhats” Source :YouTube screenshot Takashi Murakami’s exhibitions have been held in Tokyo and Kyoto as well as cities such as New York and Qatar. If this article has made you interested in Takashi Murakami, we recommend checking out his Instagram or visiting one of his exhibitions yourself. If you haven't watched it yet, don't forget to check out the video introducing The 500 Arhats exhibition as well! 【Official Website】Takashi Murakami - Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. https://www.kaikaikiki.co.jp/artist/murakami/

A Traditional Japanese Craft - Edo Karakami This video, titled "手技TEWAZA「江戸からかみ」Edo Karakami／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square," introduces how traditional Edo Karakami is made. The video was uploaded by "Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square" (伝統工芸青山スクエア). Edo Karakami is a traditional craft that involves decorating Japanese paper in various ways. Washi (Japanese paper) has been closely related to Japanese art culture since ancient times. Check out the video to learn more about the traditional techniques of washi paper that have been handed down in Japan since ancient times. The History of Edo Karakami and Japanese Washi Culture Source :YouTube screenshot The origin of washi dates back to the Heian period (794-1192) when it was used to write waka poems. During medieval times, washi came to be used for decorating fusuma and folding screens, mainly in Kyoto. In the Edo Period, due to the prosperity of the Tokugawa Shogunate, many Edo Karakami were made for Edo Castle and the residences of feudal lords. As a result, many washi artisans emerged and began to produce high-quality Edo Karakami by hand. After the Meiji Period, most of the printing blocks and paper stencils were lost due to earthquakes and air raids, but some of them have been reprinted by craftsmen and still exist today. Traditional Edo Karakami - How It's Made Source :YouTube screenshot Edo Karakami is made through various techniques, such as woodblock printing using woodblocks, textile printing using Ise katagami (pattern paper), brush-dyeing using brushes, and with hand sprinkled gold dust. The designs of Edo Karakami reflect the culture of the Edo Period and the tastes of samurai and merchants at that time. Even today, fusuma and the wallpaper of Japanese-style restaurants and hotels still use the elegant Edo Karakami techniques. In the video, you can see various techniques, including woodblock printing at 0:52, brush painting at 1:06, paint making at 1:47, and woodblock printing at 2:31. Where to Buy Edo Karakami Source :YouTube screenshot Tokyo Matsuya (東京松屋), a long-established maker of Edo Karakami, is a washi wholesaler dealing in fusuma paper and interior washi made by skilled artisans. On top of the large pieces of washi to decorate hotel entrances and guest rooms, Tokyo Matsuya also sells attractive accessories, such as uchiwa fans, ceremonial pouches, and New Year's decorations made of Edo Karakami, so be sure to check out their showroom and online shop. You can see completed Edo Karakami at 4:04 in the video. Summary of Edo Karakami, a Traditional Japanese Craft Source :YouTube screenshot Washi is an industry that has developed alongside Japanese culture since ancient times. In the video, you can see Yukio Koizumi, a traditional craftsman, making beautiful Edo Karakami. We encourage you to incorporate items made with beautiful Edo Karakami, a traditional Japanese craft, into your daily life!

Kirikane - A Traditional Japanese Decorative Technique This video, titled "Japanese Craftsmanship: Japanese Crafts "Kirikane" (Japanese Craftsmanship：日本の匠「截金」), was produced by "Japanese Craftsmanship." It introduces the culture of Kirikane, a traditional Japanese craft. Kirikane is a decorative technique that involves cutting thinly stretched gold or silver foil into small pieces and creating patterns while pasting them to an object. Since ancient times, kirikane has been essential for decorating Buddhist statues and paintings as well as for decorating spirit tablets. Kirikane is an indispensable traditional Japanese technique in the world of Buddhist art. The History of Kirikane, a Traditional Japanese Craft Source :YouTube screenshot It's estimated that kirikane was already being used for the decoration of tableware, Buddhist statues, and decorative boxes in Asian countries in the pre-era (BC). In Japan, too, kirikane came to be used for carving Buddhist statues and making Buddhist paintings from around the Nara Period (710-794) onward. It's only in Japan, however, that kirikane culture has been inherited for traditional crafts despite thousands of years of history. To date, three people, Baitei Saita, Daizo Nishide, and Sayoko Eri, have been designated as Important Intangible Cultural Properties (Living National Treasures) in the art of kirikane. These three kirikane craftsmen were recognized for their mastery of advanced kirikane techniques and their efforts to spread the culture of kirikane. The Traditional Japanese Craft, Kirikane - How It's Made Source :YouTube screenshot Kirikane artisans first create patterns with motifs of nature, plants, and animals, which are then repeated geometrically. They then bake four sheets of foil as thin as 1/10,000th of a millimeter, burn them together, cut them carefully, and attach them according to the prepared pattern. The cutting and attaching can be seen at 0:46 in the video. On top of gold and silver foil, platinum foil is sometimes used for kirikane as well. The skill of master artisans is indispensable in creating beautiful kirikane works of art. Experience Traditional Kirikane Source :YouTube screenshot If you'd like to experience the traditional culture of kirikane, we recommend visiting a shop that sells traditional crafts or checking out a kirikane exhibit. There are many different types of kirikane works of art, such as decorative boxes and tools. Many pieces made using traditional Japanese crafts are expensive, but some of can be found for surprisingly reasonable prices, so be sure to check them out if you're looking for gifts or souvenirs. We recommend attending a class where you can experience traditional Japanese kirikane and learn about the history and techniques of the craft. Summary of Kirikane, a Traditional Japanese Craft Source :YouTube screenshot Kirikane is indispensable to Japanese Buddhist art culture and traditional crafts as a whole. You can see various kirikane works at 1:55 in the video. The appeal of kirikane lies in its elegant beauty. Kirikane works are also available for purchase, so if you're interested in these high-quality items, be sure to check them out.

Sakai, Osaka - A City Known for Its Traditional Japanese Cutlery This video, titled "手技TEWAZA「堺打刃物」Japan Sakai Forged Knife／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square" introduces Osaka's Sakai cutlery. The video was released by Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. Sakai knives are produced in Sakai, Osaka. Blacksmiths in Sakai forge beautiful knives that are truly works of art. The city of Sakai has developed together with the traditional culture of knife-making. The History and Culture of Sakai Cutlery, a Traditional Japanese Craft Source :YouTube screenshot The history of Sakai cutlery dates back to the 16th century. Tobacco was introduced from Portugal around this time, and tobacco knives for chopping tobacco leaves began to be made in Sakai, Osaka. In the Edo Period (1603-1867), the shogunate granted the city a seal of quality certification and allowed the city to sell these knives exclusively, making Sakai famous as a major producer of cutlery. Even today, there are many factories in Sakai that manufacture a wide variety of knives, including deba bocho knives. How Traditional Sakai Knives Are Made Source :YouTube screenshot The manufacturing process of Sakai knives is roughly divided into three parts: forging, sharpening, and patterning, each of which is performed by a different craftsman. After casting the raw metal, blacksmiths use annealing, quenching, and tempering techniques to increase the hardness and sharpness of the blade. The techniques used for Sakai cutlery are used to make deba bocho (fish cutting knives), chef's knives, and even scissors and other bladed tools. In this video, you can see the welding at 0:33, rough grinding at 1:54, and sharpening from 2:22. The techniques used in Sakai cutlery are used not only for making deba bocho and chef's knives, but also for making scissors. Purchasing High-Quality Sakai Cutlery Source :YouTube screenshot If you're looking to purchase high-quality Sakai cutlery, opt for a prestigious brand. Today, there are more than 20 traditional artisans in the world of Sakai cutlery who continue to make high quality knives. Recommended brands include Sakai Ichiji, Kamoshita and Naojiro. Knives forged by master artisans are different from the ones you'll find in a department store. You can buy Sakai cutlery in stores as well as online, so choose one that fits your purposes and price range. Be sure to utilize the Sakai Cutlery Material Laboratory (堺刃物素材研究所), which sells and refinishes Sakai cutlery. You can see a completed Sakai knife at 3:10 in the video. Summary of Sakai Cutlery Source :YouTube screenshot As shown in the video, Sakai Cutlery is a traditional craft produced by the craftsmen of Sakai, Osaka. The knife industry in Osaka is supported by the skilled craftsmanship of blacksmiths. Be sure to purchase a high-quality Sakai knife to experience the epitome of sharpness.

Gifu Paper Lanterns - A Traditional Culture of Gifu This video, titled "手技TEWAZA「岐阜提灯」gifu paper lantern／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square," was released by Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. Gifu paper lanterns are a traditional craft of Gifu City and have a long history, beginning since they were first made in the Edo period. A large amount of high-quality bamboo grows in Gifu Prefecture, and washi (Japanese paper) making has been popular in the region since ancient times. These are some of the reasons why Gifu paper lanterns have evolved so well as a traditional craft. Gifu paper lanterns were presented as gifts to the Owari domain (present-day Aichi Prefecture) during the Edo period. Gifu paper lanterns are also called Bon lanterns because they are used as lanterns during the Obon season. Gifu Paper Lanterns - A Traditional Craft Representing the Gifu Area Japan is home to many traditional crafts. Some have a deep history, others have developed together with the unique culture of the region, and others are handcrafted by artisans and designated as traditional crafts by the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Gifu paper lanterns are one such craft that has been recognized for their value as a traditional craft representing Gifu prefecture and have been designated as traditional crafts by the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Stylish Gifu Paper Lanterns In recent years, Isamu Noguchi has created a stylish light source called AKARI using traditional Gifu paper lanterns, which has attracted a lot of attention. "AKARI" can be purchased at online shops and other stores, so if you want to decorate your room with a traditional, yet innovative Japanese lantern, consider purchasing one. A Gifu Paper Lantern Painting Experience One of the characteristics of Gifu paper lanterns is that they are made from Mino washi and other specialties of the Gifu region. The thin washi paper is beautifully patterned and then affixed to a flexible bamboo frame. If you're traveling in Gifu, why not try your hand at Gifu paper lantern painting? The artisans who make Gifu paper lanterns will carefully instruct you on how to decorate them, so you can have an enjoyable experience. Summary of Gifu Paper Lanterns Gifu paper lanterns are a great item for those looking to enjoy the unique culture of Japan. As you can see from the video, Gifu paper lanterns are made through the skills of traditional artisans. Gifu paper lanterns are a specialty of Gifu. Some of these traditional items can be purchased at surprisingly reasonable prices, so be sure to look into buying some if you're searching for souvenirs or want to decorate your home.

Bashofu - A Traditional Craft of Okinawa This video, titled "手技TEWAZA「喜如嘉の芭蕉布」Kijoka Banana fiber Cloth／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square," was released by Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama. Bashofu is a cloth woven from the fiber of the Japanese banana plant. Most of Bashofu is made in Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami Islands, and in particular, the Kijoka area of Ogimi Village in Okinawa Prefecture is a major production area referred to as "Bashofu no Sato" (lit. "The Village of Bashofu"). The History of Okinawa's Bashofu The origin of Bashofu is not 100% clear, but it is known that it was already being made with advanced technology in Ryukyu by the 16th century. The royalty and warriors of the Ryukyu Kingdom used to wear lavish costumes. Their wives were said to have worn beautiful Bashofu garments. Throughout its long history, Bashofu has continued to be made in Okinawa as we know it today. The handmade bashofu of Kijoka is especially beautiful and the detail of the artisans is absolutely astonishing. Purchasing Traditional Handmade Bashofu It takes a long time to produce traditional Bashofu, so only about 119,000 sq. meters of it are produced each year. However, in order to spread the beautiful texture of Bashofu, efforts are being made to pass on techniques and train successors. Kijoka's Bashofu, known as Okinawa's traditional fabric, is sold as a variety of traditional handicrafts on the island. In addition to traditional kimonos and obis, modern shirts, bags, key chains, tapestries, and other accessories are also available. In addition to buying a kimono, you can also make your own custom-made item using scraps of kimono fabric. Summary of Kijoka-Bashofu As you can see in the video, Okinawa's Kijoka-Bashofu is a beautiful and delicate traditional craft. At the Bashofu Museum in Ogimi Village, you can learn more about the traditional skills and techniques of the artisans who weave Bashofu. When you visit Kijoka, be sure to visit the Bashofu Museum to learn more about one of Okinawa's industries, the traditional Japanese craft of Bashofu!

Convenience Stores With No Cashiers! This video is titled "Convenience Store's Without a Cashier. Automatic Transactions as You Leave the Store" (レジなしコンビニ　店を出ると自動で会計). Until now, paying at the checkout counter was standard procedure. However, in recent years, a number of systems have been developed that allow customers to pay for their purchases automatically. One such system was a cashier-less convenience store with an automatic checkout system, which was developed to solve Japan's labor shortage. Let's take a look at the future of shopping! Cashier-less Convenience Stores Source :YouTube screenshot Introduced in the video is AQUAIR, a digital business design studio by NTT Data. According to the video, cameras in the store and weight sensors on the display shelves recognize the items purchased, and once customers pass through the gate, payment is made automatically through a smartphone application. You can see this demonstrated in the video at 0:16 and 0:44. The appeal of this system is that items, such as bentos, snacks, drinks, commodities, etc., can be easily purchased by simply scanning the QR Code on the smartphone application through the gate while carrying your items. To use the cashier-free convenience stores, you need to register with the smartphone app and pre-register your credit card. The electronic receipt delivery system, shown at 0:47, allows customers to check their purchases. Future Prospects of Cashier-less Stores Source :YouTube screenshot If the cashier-less convenience store system, like the one introduced in the video, becomes widespread, it's expected to solve Japan's labor shortage and eliminate the congestion caused by waiting at cash registers. According to the video, NTT Data, the developer of this system, has set a goal of introducing the system to 1,000 stores by March 2023. NTT DATA is also expected to form a business partnership with Chinese company CloudPick to begin helping domestic retailers open cashier-free stores as franchisees. Cashier-less Convenience Stores Source :YouTube screenshot In addition to the one shown in the video, an increasing number of stores have begun demonstrations of automatic cash registers and payment systems. In the case of the cashier-less "Lawson Go" convenience store, a mock-up store was used to demonstrate its operations. In this demonstration experiment, Fujitsu's multi-biometric payment system makes it possible to shop without the need for a register. In the United States, a test store of the cashier-less "AmazonGo" is already in operation. Summary of Cashier-less Convenience Stores Source :YouTube screenshot The self-checkout system, which was once considered revolutionary, has become extremely popular in Japan and can now be found in many stores across the country. In the future, we can expect to see more and more convenience stores, drugstores, and supermarkets with cashier-less systems, as well as convenience stores with facial and biometric recognition systems like the one introduced in this video.

Video Introduction of “Sumi Craftsman's Sumi Ink Making Technique” in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture This video, titled "Japanese ink artisan／Interview - IS JAPAN COOL CRAFTSMANSHIP（墨職人）," was created by "ANA Global Channel." The video shows the process of creating the inksticks used in Japanese calligraphy. Japanese calligraphy is well-known both in Japan and overseas as a hallmark of Japanese culture. In Japanese calligraphy, ink is, of course, essential. Japanese calligraphy has a rich history, dating back more than a thousand years. The reason why works of calligraphy from such a long time ago can be appreciated even now, is the incredible skills of the craftsmen who created the paper and ink used for them. The traditional techniques for making high-quality ink have been passed down for generations. In the video, one ink artisan explains his craft, and you can see the entire inkstick-making process with the artisan pouring his heart and soul into his creations. The Process of Creating Inksticks Source :YouTube screenshot The main material used in the ink for both Japanese calligraphy and as a dye is the soot and glue collected after burning oil. Pine resin and charcoal are occasionally used as well. The very best craftsmen carefully select materials in order to create the highest-quality inksticks. To create the ink, first the soot is dissolved, then mixed and kneaded well with the glue. Following that, the mixture is inserted into a mold and left to harden. During this process, the artisans’ hands are stained completely black. The hardened mixture is left to dry for one to a few months, then polished and shined to create the final product. This process can be seen from 2:43 in the video. Where to Buy the Inksticks Shown in the Video? Source :YouTube screenshot In elementary schools in Japan, calligraphy is a compulsory subject for practicing penmanship. Therefore, Japanese calligraphy instruments and inksticks are readily available. Besides the solid inksticks, there is a liquid variation known as "bokuteki" (墨滴), as well as other variations. Popular companies such as Kuretake (呉竹) and Kaimei (開明) offer various inksticks at reasonable prices. For those thinking of starting their Japanese calligraphy journey, go for these affordable materials. Japan's inksticks have the distinguishing feature of not fading over time. However, because of that, if clothes are stained by the ink, the stain will not disappear even after washing, so do be careful. Summary of Japan's Ink Artisans Photo：Calligraphy As seen from the video, the ink used in Japanese calligraphy is created through the painstaking work of craftsmen. The art of writing words beautifully with a brush and ink is a tradition the Japan prides itself on. From 6:19 in the video, rare colored inksticks made using natural ores are shown as well. If you're interested in Japanese culture, why not try purchasing inksticks and other necessary materials, and give Japanese calligraphy a try?

Check out the Trailer! Here we'll introduce the movie trailer for “Love is Hard for Otaku." Love is Hard for Otaku was released on February 7th, 2020. It is a romantic comedy about a girl who is secretly a fan of yaoi, and a boy who is a video game otaku. A lot of fans came to the movie premiere and preview, because there was prior information that famous actors would be appearing in the movie. What Kind of Movie Is "Love is Hard for Otaku"? Source :YouTube screenshot “Love is Hard for Otaku” was originally a serial manga created by Fujita on the illustration community service pixiv. It spread quickly through word of mouth and has since been made into an anime and movie. The movie was directed by Fukuda Yuichi, who is known for “Gintama” and “Kyo Kara Ore Wa.” The musical-type music which starts from 1:10 in the video, was produced by Sagisu Shiro who also composed the music for “Shin Godzilla.” Famous Actors in the Movie Source :YouTube screenshot In the movie, Mitsuki Takahata plays Momose Narumi, who is a big fan of yaoi, and Kento Yamazaki plays Nifuji Hirotaka who is a big fan of video games. There are other interesting otaku characters like, the voice actor idol fan and cosplay fan. A lot of famous actors are in the movie, such as Nanao, Kaku Kento, Imada Mio, Wakatsuki Yumi, Muro Tsuyoshi, Sato Jiro and Saito Takumi. Spoilers! Source :YouTube screenshot As you can tell from the title, it is about an otaku couple who are not used to going out. Momose Narumi was dumped because she was an otaku and since then, she has been hiding that fact. Nifuji Hirotaka knows her well, and asks her to date him. They start dating, on the condition that he would help her shop at Comiket. Even though they are both otaku, they have different tastes. How will their relationship go…? Enjoy watching their relationship bloom in this cute romantic comedy. Summary Source :YouTube screenshot In this article, we introduced the trailer for “Love is Hard for Otaku”. The movie has a great reputation among young people as well. Have fun watching the different otaku characters and the romantic story, by watching the movie in theaters!

A Look at a Fusuma Paper Factory This video, titled "Nippon Handiwork Field Guide x Kikuchi Fusuma Manufacturing" (ニッポン手仕事図鑑 × 菊池襖紙工場), features interviews with craftsmen who create traditional Japanese fusuma. Kikuchi Fusuma Manufacturing, featured in the video, is located in Sumida city, Tokyo (東京都墨田区, toukyou-to sumida-ku), and has been producing fusuma paper the traditional way for many years. Craftsmen Masaaki Yasukawa, seen at 1:25 in the video, and Kazuhisa Yamamoto (5:24), explain how fusuma paper is manufactured. This article will explain the history of fusuma and its manufacturing process. Be sure to watch the video as you read along. More About the History of Fusuma and Its Production Process Source :YouTube screenshot In any traditional Japanese home there is a Japanese-style room. A Japanese-style room typically has tatami mat flooring along with other traditional items, such as Japanese paper screens (障子, Shoji) and Fusuma. There are many kinds of paper used in shoji making and fusuma vary by the skill and expertise of the craftsmen who made them. The beautiful design of fusuma paper made from gold leaf is especially popular overseas. The Origins of Kikuchi Fusuma Manufacturing and How Fusuma Paper Is Made Source :YouTube screenshot In this video we introduce Kikuchi Fusuma Manufacturing: a long-running fusuma manufacturing company established in 1924. They began as a company that solely focused on the application of patterns and designs for fusuma paper. As you can see from 0:12 in the video, the printing process has evolved, along with the development of new techniques and technology, and both original printing methods and inkjet printers are used to apply patterns and designs to the fusuma paper. At Kikuchi Fusuma Manfucaturing, the top-seller of fusuma paper in Japan, they use computers to design unique and intricate patterns for their fusuma paper. Kikuchi Fusuma Manufacturing Is Creating Some New and Interesting Products! Source :YouTube screenshot From 5:09 in the video, you can see how gold and silver dust (a traditional Japanese decorating method) is used in the production of fusuma paper at Kikuchi Fusuma Manufacturing. During the interview, Kazuhisa Yamamoto explains how the use of gold and silver dust in their designs is one of the ideas they began utilizing to bring more of a traditional feel to their modern fusuma designs. Other paper items currently being produced at Kikuchi Fusuma Manufacturing include iron-on fusuma paper, peel and stick wallpaper, and mending wallpaper used to fix damage. Other interesting items you may be interested in purchasing include glass window design paper, silhouette guard paper, insulating sheets, and cute wrapping paper. Summary of Kikuchi Fusuma Manufacturing Source :YouTube screenshot In this article we introduced Kikuchi Fusuma Manufacturing, a company that continues to produce fusuma paper with traditional methods. Companies, including Kikuchi Fusuma Manufacturing, continue to produce traditional Japanese fusuma paper relying on the techniques of highly skilled craftsmen. We hope you enjoyed watching this video and that you learned something new about fusuma and Japanese traditional culture. 【Official Website】Fusuma paper and wallpaper production and sales | Kikuchi Fusuma Manufacturing https://fusuma.co.jp/