Articles of the Series
Living Beside Tradition
Women who married into families that carry on traditional crafts. Balancing the artisan's family business, community ties, and raising children... This series portrays the reality and hope of craftsmanship from the “other side of the story” that is rarely spoken of.
A Long, Steady Flame: A Wife's Work to Keep the Business Burning
Omori Warosokuya has been running for about 200 years in Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture.
From Tokyo to Chichibu: Becoming an Artisan's Wife While Raising Four Children and My Role at Arakei Textile
"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.
Captivated by Kishu Chests: The Journey of Chiaki Azuma, the First Female Traditional Craftswoman
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.
From Self-Taught to Metalwork Artisan: Emi Sashou's Journey of Handicraft and Family at Jewelry Sashou
"An artisan's work is incredibly fun, you know," says Emi Sashou with a laugh.
Hisako Kubode of Shozu Shikko: Finding Her Own Unique Role
In Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, "Shozu Shikko" (匠頭漆工) creates exquisite lacquerware.
As a Wife, Mother, & Supporter of Traditional Craft—Sayaka Ikeda of the Ikeda Kasuri Textile for Kurume Kasuri
It is not only the artisans who inherit and perfect their skills that support Japanese traditional crafts.