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Video article 4:00
Yamagata Casting Is an Essential Part of Japan's Tea Ceremony Culture. A Quick Look at the Traditional Craft of Yamagata City, Yamagata and How It's Made!
Traditional Crafts- 195 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 7:28
Pewter - A Craft Produced by Master Artisans That Has Been Passed Down for Generations in Japan. A Close Look at One Pewtersmith Who Respects the Tradition of His Craft and a Look at His Beautiful Works
Traditional Crafts- 66 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 4:00
What is the commitment of Japanese candle craftsmen in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, who continue to challenge new things while preserving the tradition of “Japanese candles,” a traditional Japanese product?
Traditional Crafts History- 152 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 2:25
Learn about Japan's history with "swords" you can encounter at the Tokyo National Museum in Taito-ku, Tokyo! The history of Japan is engraved in each of the approximately 120,000 objects in the collection displayed in Japan's oldest museum.
Traditional Crafts History- 101 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 7:49
The Fifth Generation Craftsman of Takazawa Candle, Which Has Been Around Since the Meiji Period, Talks About His Passion for Traditional Crafts! The Flames of Nanao Candles, Made by the Artisans of Nanao, Ishikawa, Will Soothe Your Soul...
Traditional Crafts- 239 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 6:48
The skill of the bonsai master of "Kisshoen" in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture! The world of craftsmanship is shown in this video! See the art of fusion of the natural beauty of materials and human skill!
Traditional Crafts- 200 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 4:03
Animation of the work process of traditional craft "Iwa Sculpture"! See the works of art and artwork created by craftsmen in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, the town of wood carving!
Traditional Crafts- 591 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 3:30
Miyagi Kokeshi Dolls - Learn About the Skills of Traditional Kokeshi Doll Makers From Miyagi Prefecture and their Craft That Has Been Delivering Smiles to Children for Years!
Traditional Crafts- 227 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 3:18
Introducing the charm of Aizu Hongo Pottery, the oldest and most beautiful traditional craft in Tohoku. A work of art created by artisans at the kiln in the town of Aizu Misato, Fukushima Prefecture!
Traditional Crafts- 428 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 4:42
Introducing the Outstanding Craftsmanship of Tokyo Some-Komon! The Delicate Designs of These Kimono and Obi Are Carefully Handmade by Artisans
Traditional Crafts- 479 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 37:28
The Inkan – A Crucial Item for All of the Important Events in Your Life, and an Essential Part of Japanese Culture. In This Article, We'll Hear From the Inkan Craftsmen Who Skillfully Carve the Complicated Designs for Inkan!
Traditional Crafts- 88 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 9:31
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.
Traditional Crafts- 237 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 4:55
The Beautiful Sound of the Koto: Hear the Entrancing Tones, Born of the Craftsmanship of Master Artisans
Traditional Crafts History- 918 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 1:32
Arita Ware: A Traditional Japanese Craft of Arita, Saga That Was Coveted by European Royalty and Aristocracy in the 17th Century. Older Than Even the World-Famous Meissen!
Traditional Crafts Celebrities History- 199 plays
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Video article 13:11
Sword Polishing Is a Highly Difficult Type of Craftsmanship for Maintaining Japanese Swords. A Look at the Uncompromising Techniques That Go Into Restoring Japan's Historical Swords
Traditional Crafts- 628 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 4:00
Yamagata Casting Is an Essential Part of Japan's Tea Ceremony Culture. A Quick Look at the Traditional Craft of Yamagata City, Yamagata and How It's Made!
Traditional Crafts- 195 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 4:06
Kurume Gasuri is a Traditional Craft of Fukuoka Prefecture That Has Been Loved Since Ancient Times For Its Simple Yet Sophisticated Beauty! A Look at the Fascinating Handiwork of One Traditional Japanese Artisan!
Traditional Crafts- 109 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 37:28
The Inkan – A Crucial Item for All of the Important Events in Your Life, and an Essential Part of Japanese Culture. In This Article, We'll Hear From the Inkan Craftsmen Who Skillfully Carve the Complicated Designs for Inkan!
Traditional Crafts- 88 plays
- YouTube
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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- 218 plays
- Vimeo
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Video article 16:32
Kutani Ware: A Style of Traditional Japanese Porcelain in Ishikawa Prefecture, Characterized by Its Elaborate Use of Brilliant Colors. Find Out Where to Get Your Hands on These Works of Art!
Traditional Crafts History- 223 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 7:28
Pewter - A Craft Produced by Master Artisans That Has Been Passed Down for Generations in Japan. A Close Look at One Pewtersmith Who Respects the Tradition of His Craft and a Look at His Beautiful Works
Traditional Crafts- 66 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 2:45
The Gorgeous Carp Streamers of Kazo Saitama; One of the Few Carp Streamer Towns in Japan. The History of These Handmade Crafts and How They're Made!
Traditional Crafts Traditional Culture Celebrities- 637 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 3:18
Introducing the charm of Aizu Hongo Pottery, the oldest and most beautiful traditional craft in Tohoku. A work of art created by artisans at the kiln in the town of Aizu Misato, Fukushima Prefecture!
Traditional Crafts- 428 plays
- YouTube
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Video article 7:58
Edo-Kiriko – Works of Art That Shine Like Jewels. A Closer Look at the Charm of This Traditional Craft of Tokyo, Which Can Cost Millions of Yen or More, and How It's Made!
Traditional Crafts Things to Do- 589 plays
- YouTube
Traditional Crafts Overview
What Are Traditional Japanese Crafts?
Traditional crafts are made from materials produced in each region of Japan and have been produced for many years using traditional techniques and craftsmanship.
Traditional Japanese crafts are regulated by the
Act on the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries as follows.
1. They are items mainly used in daily life.
2. Major parts of the manufacturing process are done by hand.
3. They are manufactured using traditional techniques and technologies.
4. They use traditional raw materials.
5. Production areas have been established in specific locations.
It is said that there are currently more than 1,300 types of traditional crafts in Japan.
Of those, 235 are designated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as "Traditional Crafts" with the new additions of "Gyoda Tabi," "Edo Sashie," and "Naniwa Honzome" in November 2019.
A Look at Some of Japan's Traditional Crafts
There are around 25,000 companies dealing in traditional crafts across Japan, and approximately 140,000 people working in the traditional craft industry, with a production value of about 100 billion yen (~$950m USD).
The production of traditional crafts peaked in 1984, and since then, production has been decreasing year by year due to the economic stagnation caused by the collapse of the bubble economy and the increasing quality of products imported from overseas.
Traditional Japanese crafts include textiles, dyed goods, ceramics, lacquerware, woodwork, bamboo products, metalwork, Buddhist altars, Buddhist instruments, Japanese paper, stationery (brushes, inksticks, inkstones, abacuses), stonework, dolls, local toys, folding fans, uchiwa fans, wagasa (Japanese umbrellas), paper lanterns, Japanese musical instruments, Shinto instruments and furnishings, congratulatory and consolation goods, craft tools, and craft materials.
All of the 47 prefectures in Japan have a variety of registered traditional crafts, with Kyoto Prefecture having the most, followed by Tochigi, Fukushima, Shimane, Ibaraki, Shiga, Tokyo, Yamagata, Kagawa, and Mie Prefectures.
Popular traditional crafts from all over Japan include Nambu ironware (Iwate), Arita ware (Saga), Hasami ware (Nagasaki), Kutani ware (Ishikawa), Edo-kiriko (cut glass) (Tokyo), Mashiko ware (Tochigi), Shigaraki ware (Shiga), Kumano brushes (Hiroshima), Wajima-nuri (Ishikawa), Bizen ware (Okayama), Hagi ware (Yamaguchi), Koishiwara ware (Fukuoka), Mino ware (Gifu) Yomiuri ware (Saga Prefecture), Yosegi (Kanagawa Prefecture), Nishijin-ori (Kyoto Prefecture), Kaga Yuzen (Ishikawa Prefecture), Tokoname ware (Aichi Prefecture), Tobe ware (Ehime Prefecture), Karatsu ware (Saga Prefecture), Kiyomizu ware (Kyoto Prefecture), Yuuki tsumugi (Ibaraki and Tochigi Prefectures), Arimatsu Narumi Shibori (Aichi Prefecture), and Koshu Inden (Yamanashi Prefecture), among others.
Aside from the famous crafts on the list of our most popular recommendations, many people buy traditional crafts as souvenirs, gifts, and presents, as they can learn about Japanese culture and the spirit of Wabi-Sabi and feel the splendor of Japanese craftsmanship. Japanese crafts are also popular among visitors to Japan as a Japanese art form.
The following is the ranking of traditional Japanese crafts that are appreciated as gifts and souvenirs for foreigners, as announced by Japan Prize Corporation in "Tips for Choosing Gifts for Overseas Business Trips That Won't Fail!"
No. 1 Cloisonne ware (frame)
No. 2 Lacquer ware screens
No. 3 Cloisonne ware (plates)
No. 4 Decorative samurai helmet
No. 5 Tokyo silver okimono
No. 6 Lacquerware byobu clock
No. 7 Lacquerware stationery set
No. 8 Furoshiki kimono
No. 9 Maki-e books
No.10 Maki-e USB
Edo Kiriko - One of Japan's Most Popular Traditional Crafts
Here, we'll introduce "Edo Kiriko," an especially popular traditional Japanese craft.
Kiriko (faceting) is a technique that involves cutting the surface of glass.
Edo Kiriko dates back to 1834, approximately 200 years ago, when a glassworker in Odenma, Edo, used sand to cut the surface of foreign glassware brought in by the Portuguese.
Perry was astonished by the beauty and delicate design of this cut glass piece when it was presented to him as a gift during the arrival of the Black Ships in 1853.
During the Edo period, Edo Kiriko was sold for daily use, including glassware and goldfish bowls, as well as glass tableware.
Enjoying Traditional Japanese Crafts
Japan's traditional crafts are the result of the handiwork of artisans and the mastery of Japanese craftsmanship, and they are something the Japanese are proud to be a part of.
Nowadays, it's easy to find products from all over the world through online shopping, but one of the best parts of traveling is experiencing traditional Japanese craftsmanship with your own eyes.
In recent years, more and more foreigners have come to Japan to experience traditional craftsmanship through hands-on tours.
The following is a ranking of the most popular "Cultural Experiences and Hands-on Experiences" by Activity Japan
No. 1 Pottery Making Experience and Ceramic Art Workshop
No. 2 Kimono and Yukata Rental
No. 3 Accessory Making
No. 4 Glass Making Workshop
No. 5 Making Japanese Sweets
No. 6 Soba Making Experience and Soba Making Workshop
No. 7 Interior and Miscellaneous Goods Making Class
No. 8 Candle Making
No. 9 Perfume and Aroma Experience
No. 10 Marine Crafts
As you can see, traditional Japanese crafts are very popular among foreigners, but in reality, they have many problems due to the emphasis on history and quality.
Further problematic is a lack of young people to take over the crafts, a shortage of domestic raw materials, and the high cost of traditional Japanese crafts compared to competing products made in developing countries.
COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a site that introduces the charms of Japan through videos related to traditional Japanese crafts!