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It's no accident when a craft is passed down in one specific place for hundreds of years.

Why does a specific craft emerge and evolve uniquely in a particular place? Delving into its origins isn't just about tracing the history of craftsmanship—it's about understanding the very spirit, culture, and relationship with nature that define the people of that land.

When you hear the words "Shigaraki ware," you might picture those charming tanuki (raccoon dog) statues.

In the Kurobane district of Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture, you'll find the indigo dyeing workshop Kurobane Aizome Konya, a business that has continued since the Edo period.

Nestled by the Myoshoji River in Tokyo's Ochiai, Shinjuku Ward, is Some no Sato Ochiai, a general incorporated association dedicated to preserving the traditional dyeing arts of Edo Sarasa and Edo Komon.

Yame Chochin (lanterns) are a traditional craft passed down through generations in Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

As an inheritor of traditional techniques, facing the tides of change is inevitable.

From practical items like car emblems and school crests to stunning artworks in museums, the Tokyo Shippo enamelware created by Hiroshi Hatakeyama has a unique way of captivating people while seamlessly blending into everyday life.

Once, there was a young boy who spent nearly every day playing outside, with little interest in his family's shippo-yaki (cloisonné) workshop.

Masashi Hirao is a bonsai master. But for him, bonsai are not static, finished pieces to be admired from afar.

For Masahiro Kasahara, a chef's knife is more than just a kitchen tool.

The Sekioka Mokuhanga Kobo workshop continues a lineage of woodblock printers that stretches back to the Edo period.

Tokyo Picture Frames, born from the masterful skills of artisans, are crafted to beautifully enhance masterpieces.

Shogo Watari explores a new expression of bentwood that weaves together Yoshino hinoki, straight and curved lines, and the relationship between nature and the artificial. This article visits his Kyoto atelier to learn about his practice.

My Introduction to Bonsai, Which Began with a MovieI first began my journey into the art of bonsai at the age of 13 when I received my very first tree from my parents as a birthday gift.

The Impact of a Japanese Sword, Seen Through the Eyes of a CraftsmanWhen I was 17 and traveling in France, I came across a Japanese sword at an exhibition in a department store.

Where Material and Imagination MeetHand-crafted textiles have a beguiling way of enchanting the artists who work with them.

Omori Warosokuya has been running for about 200 years in Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture.

"It's been quite a journey to get here."Sonoe Arai says this with a smile at the factory of Arakei Textile, a Chichibu Meisen weaving workshop.

Chiaki Azuma is a certified Traditional Craftswoman in the lacquering division for Kishu chests, making her the first woman in Japan to earn this title in the paulownia chest category.

The dignified presence and lasting durability of Nambu ironware aren't achieved overnight.

Mizuhiki is a traditional Japanese craft, well-known as the decorative art form on celebratory envelopes and engagement gifts.

Have you ever wondered just how much wisdom and technology goes into a single piece of pottery before it reaches your dining table? The Hasami ware we casually use every day is backed by a rich tapestry of techniques, cultivated and perfected over a 400-year history.