Japanese Craft Glossary

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.

Echizen City, nestled in the heart of Fukui Prefecture, is the home of Echizen Washi, a handmade paper tradition that has been passed down for an astonishing 1,500 years.

Why do certain industries blossom and put down deep roots in specific places? Often, it's not just a coincidence but an "inevitability" shaped by the region's geography and culture.

When you live in a city like Tokyo, it’s all too easy to lose sight of its deep-rooted history and unique character in the daily commotion.

When a craft takes deep root in a specific place and is passed down for centuries, it's never just a coincidence.

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

Behind every handcrafted object lies more than just an artisan's skill; there's a profound connection to the local environment and history.

Thinking about where the materials for our everyday tools come from and the journey they’ve taken can truly enrich our lives.

The deeper I delved into Wakasa agate craft, the more I noticed a subtle difference in the feel of the pieces depending on the era they were made.

When we hold a piece of craftsmanship in our hands, we're often captivated first by the beauty of its shape and color.

The quality and diversity of Echizen washi are deeply rooted in the unique properties of its foundational plant materials.

It might come as a surprise to learn that a single craft actually has two different origins.

When we hold a tool in our hands, our thoughts can drift beyond its function and design to the very story of the materials it's made from.

Recently, I had the chance to speak with an artisan who has been crafting pottery in the Hasami region for four decades.

When you hear the words Shigaraki ware, two distinct images might come to mind.

In my line of work, I'm constantly in touch with various fabrics and threads.

The vibrant splendor of porcelain, with its exquisite, hand-painted details, is one thing.

The history of Tsugaru-nuri lacquerware is more than just a timeline.

In Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture—the heartland of Echizen washi—lives the legend of Kawakami Gozen, a figure credited with introducing the art of papermaking to the region.

When a craft endures for hundreds of years, making it to the present day, there's always more to its survival than just technical excellence.

How does an entire industry face monumental shifts and reinvent itself? Its trajectory holds valuable lessons for all of us today.

Lately, you may have noticed "Hasami ware" popping up more and more in lifestyle boutiques and select shops.

I recently had the chance to hold a piece of Edo Kiriko glass.

Delving into the history of a traditional craft feels a lot like reading an epic historical novel.

When one pictures Tsugaru-nuri, its deep hues and mesmerizing, unique patterns often come to mind.

Have you ever held a piece of pottery and wondered where it came from or how it got its shape? As you admire its warm, earthy surface and the flame-licked patterns that make each piece unique, you can’t help but ponder the story behind it.

We're naturally drawn to beauty. A sleek product, a breathtaking piece of art, or even a single flower standing in quiet solitude.

Mention Shigaraki ware, and the first thing that comes to mind for many is likely the charming tanuki (raccoon dog) figurines you see welcoming customers at storefronts.

Tsugaru Vidro is a glass craft that captures Aomori's bountiful seasons like a kaleidoscope.

Tsugaru-nuri is a traditional craft and a source of pride for Aomori Prefecture.

When we exchange gifts, it's not just the present that matters; the giver's deep feelings are also expressed through the decorations that adorn it.

When browsing online stores or local shops on your travels, you might find your eye drawn to beautiful pieces of tableware.

When you first lay eyes on Wakasa agate craft, it’s hard not to be captivated by its deep, mesmerizing red hues.

When we choose a gift for a friend or a loved one, we picture their face and puzzle over what would truly bring them joy.

Tsugaru-nuri is a signature traditional craft of Aomori Prefecture.

The other day, I was strolling through one of Tokyo's premier kitchenware districts when I found myself stopping at a particular corner among the neatly arranged cooking tools.

On a recent reporting trip to Kochi Prefecture, a single knife tucked away in the corner of a workshop caught my eye.

The journey to a single, finished sheet of washi paper is a long one, built on numerous complex steps and the meticulous judgment of skilled artisans.

Ever wonder about the story behind a single handcrafted object before it finds its way to you? The mystery deepens when that object is carved from solid stone.

Recently, while browsing a shop, I stumbled upon a stunning Edo Kiriko glass tucked away in a corner.

One of the materials that has moved me most since I began reporting on traditional crafts is "Echizen Washi" from Fukui Prefecture.

Visiting a place of creation always leaves you in awe of the sounds and intense heat.

Recently, when I visited a certain workshop, all I could do was stand silently, taking it all in.

I decided to cover this story one day, inspired by a single plate I happened to pick up.

When engaged in architecture or product design, one often becomes deeply curious about the processes behind achieved aesthetic forms—in other words, "how was this made?"This curiosity is essentially a fascination with the story of material selection, technical mastery, and dialogue with resources until a blueprint takes three-dimensional shape.

I recently had the opportunity to visit a workshop in Kochi Prefecture, where I witnessed the birth of a single blade.

I recently had the occasion to attend a close friend's wedding.

I was recently in a lifestyle shop when I was captivated by the alluring whiteness and lightness of a vessel I picked up.

In an age where many of our belongings are consumed in short cycles, the idea of forming a lasting relationship with a single tool—one that can be passed down through generations—holds a deep appeal.

Recently, I've felt a growing desire to carefully reconsider the objects around me.

In the serene port town of Obama, a part of the Wakasa region in Fukui Prefecture facing the Sea of Japan, there exists a traditional craft that continues to radiate a quiet yet certain brilliance: Wakasa Agate Craft.