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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- 38 plays
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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- 107 plays
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Video article 2:25
Learn about Japan's history with "swords" you can encounter at the Tokyo National Museum in Taito-ku, Tokyo! The history of Japan is engraved in each of the approximately 120,000 objects in the collection displayed in Japan's oldest museum.
Traditional Crafts History- 50 plays
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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- 197 plays
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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- 146 plays
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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- 557 plays
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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- 184 plays
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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- 397 plays
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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- 428 plays
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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- 42 plays
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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- 190 plays
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Video article 5:09
The Beautiful, Shiny "Kanazawa Gold Leaf" of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Is an Essential Part of Japan's Traditional Culture of Decorating Luxury Goods. How Are the Beautiful Products Made? Check Out This Video To Find Out!
Traditional Crafts- 206 plays
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Video article 10:44
The Secrets of "Fusuma," a Traditional Craft Indispensable to Japanese Homes! Don’t Miss the Beauty of the Traditional Artwork That Uses Gold and Silver Dust!
Traditional Crafts- 235 plays
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Video article 3:26
The “Iga braid” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, has been the talk of the town since the popular animated film Iga Kumihimo” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, which became the talk of the town after the popular animated film ”Kimi no na wa. The intricately hand-woven designs are truly works of art! The valuable work process is also introduced in the video.
Traditional Crafts- 390 plays
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Video article 6:36
A Look Inside the World of an Embroiderer Who Revives Memories With His Craftsmanship. A Traditional Japanese Craft Where the Craftsman's Heart and Soul Goes Into Every Single Stitch!
Traditional Crafts- 157 plays
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Video article 2:08
Kirikane: A Japanese Technique That Uses Gold Leaf to Draw Patterns on Buddhist Decorations. Check Out the Beautiful Craftsmanship in These Works of Art Created by Highly Skilled Artisans!
Traditional Crafts- 376 plays
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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- 491 plays
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Video article 4:04
Chasen: Introducing the Characteristics and History of the Takayama Tea Whisk – A 500-Year-Old Utensil Essential for Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
Traditional Crafts History- 298 plays
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Video article 14:51
Kakejiku - Traditional Japanese Hanging Scroll Art
Traditional Crafts Art & Architecture History- 228 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- 582 plays
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Video article 3:24
Experience Traditional Japanese Weaving on Shiraishi Island in Okayama Prefecture, a Place Full of Nature! The Traditional Textiles and Beautiful Scenery Are Sure to Revitalize!
Traditional Crafts- 252 plays
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Video article 4:51
Fusuma and Folding Screens Affixed With "Edo Karakami" to Become Works of Art! This Historic Craft, Which Was Used to Write Waka Poetry in the Heian Period, Is Filled With the Japanese Spirit of "Wa"
Traditional Crafts- 247 plays
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Video article 1:53
Aizome Is a Traditional Dyeing Technique That Has Been Handed Down in Tokushima for Generations. Experience the Depth of Traditional Japanese Dyeing!
Traditional Crafts- 91 plays
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Video article 3:30
Kyoto Is Home to Many Traditional Crafts. The Culture of Masonry Techniques, Handicrafts, and Artisanal Skills of the Kyoto Stone Masons Is a Feast for the Eyes!
Traditional Crafts- 80 plays
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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!