Japanese traditional crafts

In Japan, traditional crafts have been made using materials from the region and traditional techniques and craftsmanship, and have been handed down over the years, maintaining their high level of skill. However, in the 1950s, Japan's rapid economic growth brought changes in the living environment, and as the country entered an era of mass production and consumption, the techniques were pushed aside in favor of machine-made products, and both production volume and successors gradually declined. However, in the 1970s, as the economy began to grow more slowly, there was a growing momentum to reevaluate traditional Japanese techniques.

Against this backdrop, in 1974, the Law for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries was enacted to protect Japan's traditional crafts and pass on the techniques. Based on this law, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has designated some of the most representative traditional crafts in Japan as "traditional crafts.

　　　　　　　　　　　　

What are "traditional crafts"?

1. Items used mainly in daily life 

When used in the home for events such as weddings, funerals, and festivals, which may occur only once in a lifetime or a few times a year, crafts are included in the category of "daily life".
Crafts are also known as "beauty of use," and their usability and perfection are enhanced when they are exposed to the eyes and hands of many people over a long period of time. The colors, patterns, and shapes are also deeply related to Japanese customs and cultural backgrounds.

2. A major part of the manufacturing process is handmade

It is not necessary for everything to be handmade. However, the quality, form, design, and other processes that carry on the product's features and characteristics must be "handmade. Machines can be introduced for auxiliary processes that do not impair the original flavor of the product.
Since each product goes through the process of being touched by human hands, the dimensions and shape of the product are ergonomically appropriate and safe.

3. Traditionally used raw materials

"Traditionally used raw materials" refers to materials that have been used for 100 years or more and have been carefully examined over a long period of time to ensure that they are friendly to both people and nature. In addition, there are raw materials that have already been depleted or are extremely difficult to obtain. In such cases, it is considered traditional to switch to the same type of raw materials to the extent that they do not change the flavor of the product.

 

4. Establishment of a Production Area in a Specific Region

The manufacturer must have a certain scale of production in a certain region and must be established as a regional industry. A certain scale is defined as 10 or more companies or 30 or more employees. There is credibility backed by the confidence and responsibility of the entire production area, not just individual companies.

Types of Japanese Traditional Crafts

There are approximately 240 items designated as traditional Japanese crafts. They have a long history and cultural importance. Japanese traditional crafts are associated with specific regions and techniques, and are unique in their aesthetic value and craftsmanship. The following is a partial list of some of Japan's most representative traditional crafts.

Ceramics (pottery)
Japan is known worldwide as a major producer of ceramics and porcelain, and many traditional ceramics are produced in Japan, including Kyo-yaki, Imari-yaki, Shigaraki-yaki, Kutani-yaki, and Arita-yaki. These ceramics are known for their beautiful designs, colors, and techniques, and are used in a wide range of applications, including tea ceremony utensils and tableware.

Washi (Japanese paper making)
Washi is a traditional craft unique to Japan, and the art of making washi is highly valued in Japan and abroad. Washi is used in calligraphy, painting, and the making of kimonos, traditional Japanese clothing, and traditional Japanese origami and washi crafts are also popular.

Japanese Jewelry (Lacquerware)
Lacquerware is a traditional Japanese craft, a technique in which a wooden base is coated with lacquer and beautifully decorated. Lacquerware is used in many applications, including tableware, tea ceremony utensils, boxes, Buddhist altar fittings, chests, etc., and represents the traditional Japanese sense of beauty.

Kimono (Japanese clothing)
Kimonos are traditional Japanese garments with distinctive designs and patterns, and are worn according to the season and occasion. Kimonos are made of crepe, silk, cotton, gauze, shibori, and many other materials, and are worn with obi and obi clips.

Oshibana (pressed flowers)
Oshibana is a traditional technique in which fresh flowers are dried and flattened into pressed floral material to create beautiful works of floral art. Pressed flowers are used as cards, framed paintings, and decorative objects, providing a means of celebrating the beauty of nature.

These traditional crafts reflect the culture and aesthetics of Japan and are highly valued throughout the world. Often using techniques and materials unique to a particular region, the crafts symbolize the identity and prosperity of that region.

The appeal of traditional crafts is that they

1. Each product is carefully handcrafted by artisans and has its own unique character.

Unlike mass-produced products made by machines, each product is unique and can be enjoyed for its individuality. Traditional crafts made by artisans, one by one, are different from those made by machines in exactly the same way, and you can enjoy the individuality of each product. For example, Kutaniyaki porcelain has a slightly different look due to subtle differences in color intensity and glaze application. This is part of the charm of this unique craft.

2. There is the enjoyment of change over the years of use.

Many people may feel that an object is "dirty" when its quality changes over time. However, traditional crafts have a variety of expressions as they are used more and more, and you can enjoy the changes as you become attached to them. For example, a traditional Japanese item may become "dirty" when it is used for a long time. For example
After using ceramics, a crack-like pattern may appear on the surface. This is called "kannyu" and is a characteristic of ceramics. The more you use the potteries, the more they will gradually become stained, and this will add to its charm and affection.

3. Even if it is broken, it can be repaired and a new charm will be born.

Even if it is broken, new charms can be born. For example, if your pottery is broken, it can be repaired using a technique called "Kintsugi," in which lacquer is used to repair the broken part. Kintsugi" is a traditional Japanese restoration technique for repairing cracks, chips, and cracks in ceramics. In kintsugi, the scar is considered as a landscape, and the joint is decorated with gold, silver, or other metal powder. Kintsugi is based on the principle of not pretending that the damage was never there, but rather of considering the damage as part of the history of the item and breathing new life into it.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Finally, traditional crafts and local industries have been handed down through climatic and historical changes. Therefore, the background of each workshop and its techniques is filled with the local culture and the thoughts of the people who lived there. I believe that learning about traditional crafts will lead to understanding the history of each region of Japan. We hope that visitors will enjoy and deepen their understanding of Japanese history and regional characteristics through traditional crafts that enrich their lives.