Tag - crafts

 
 

CRAFTS

Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
May 13, 2023
In the world of tatami, one Kyushu variety is a cut above
Shichitōi rushes can be difficult to harvest and weave, but many consider them the superior ingredient for unparalleled tatami.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Apr 15, 2023
Artisans update timeless craft of intricate ‘puzzle cabinets’
Although the craft of making karakuri-dansu is slowly disappearing, a craftsman and his son are keep the tradition torch lit with story-filled pieces for collectors and enthusiasts.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Mar 26, 2023
Haruo Nishio: ‘Thatched roofs tell a story of eternity’
The ancient craft of thatching is resisting the pressures of modernity thanks to artisans like Haruo Nishio, who connects to Japan’s historic roots by preserving its original houses.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Feb 14, 2023
Japanese artist turns heads with freaky flesh-like accessories
Masataka Shishido says his art is often made-to-order by customers who request their own body parts on the items.
Japan Times
LIFE
Feb 12, 2023
Fukui’s dwindling washi makers hold on to paper-thin margins
As a product, washi's beauty is unassailable. As an industry, it's future is in doubt.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 28, 2022
Don’t turn your hobby into a side hustle
It's not good for our mental health to assess the potential profitability of every pastime.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Dec 17, 2022
Socially responsible Japanese design continued to evolve in 2022
From festivals based in rural factories to exhibitions in Milan's most elegant event halls, Japan was well represented across all areas of design this year.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Nov 27, 2022
Toyama puts itself on Japan’s map of sustainable tourism
From traditional architecture and local folk crafts to impressive temples and a luxury hotel, Toyama's rural Tonami Plain is rich with culture.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Nov 19, 2022
Japan's industrial manufacturers forge artisanal brands
Japanese heavy manufacturing has always had a reputation for precision, but this new crops of products make the case for artistic finesse as well.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Oct 7, 2022
Go For Kogei: The evolution of Hokuriku's crafts, art and nature
The craft-art festival, which takes place at three historical temples and shrines, showcases how the region's history and artisanal works are closely intertwined.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Oct 1, 2022
When big brands tap traditional Japanese crafts, all parties prosper
In their ever-evolving search for the latest, greatest trend, top designers seek the expertise, and stimulate the preservation, of traditional crafts.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Sep 30, 2022
Can industrial tourism help revitalize Japan’s manufacturing regions?
From metalworking tours to “washi” paper-making workshops, a number of prefectures are holding events to welcome visitors interested in local businesses and craftspeople.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Sep 24, 2022
The artisans of craft collective Kyoji lift each other up
A collective of craftspeople and manufacturers overcomes global marketing barriers by collaborating on lifestyle goods and sharing the costs associated with overseas promotion.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Aug 20, 2022
World-class crafts from neighborhood presses and lathes
This month, On Design looks at two areas where designers are currently giving the metalworking industry a contemporary edge.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Jul 23, 2022
Colorful design gets its moment in the sun
The summer heat got you down? Perk up with these vivid designs and materials inspired by the season.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / Longform
May 21, 2022
The enduring influence of mingei design
What began as a folk art around 100 years ago has gradually worked its way into the fabric of everyday life in Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional voices: Chubu
Mar 28, 2022
From Gifu to the world: LA exhibition to showcase traditional Japanese pottery
“The Art of the Ramen Bowl” features bowls made by potters in the Tono region of the former province of Mino, and aims to introduce the rich art of their pottery to the world.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional Voices: Okinawa
Mar 21, 2022
Okinawa firms raising productivity to give workers ‘earning power’
The prefecture's economy has grown significantly in the past 50 years, but it still lags behind the rest of the nation with low per-capita income and high child poverty rates.

Longform

Professional cleaner Hirofumi Sakurai takes a moment to appreciate some photographs in a Gotanda apartment whose occupant died alone.
The last cleanup: Life and death in a lonely Japan