When one thinks of Japan, the world’s most popular tourist destination, arts and crafts probably aren’t the first things that come to mind. But, in Japan, artisans and craftspeople are highly esteemed, respected and often in high demand by both international tourists and domestic consumers.
One of the most important reasons for this is because Japanese artisans and craftspeople have been making and crafting objects and products for centuries, and they continue to invest a great deal of their time and energy into their craftsmanship today.
This focus on quality and tradition has resulted in a diversity of products and services that are both unique and highly sought after by consumers in Japan and abroad.
One of the most common types of products that are handmade in Japan are clothing and accessories. This includes everything from traditional kimonos and shawls to trendy clothing and accessories inspired by popular trends in Western fashion.
Japanese craftspeople are also well known for their jewelry, whether in the form of traditional beads and pendants or more contemporary pieces such as delicate earrings and necklaces.
In addition to clothing and accessories, Japanese craftspeople are also highly skilled in crafting ceramics, paper goods, furniture and other household items.
For many Japanese craftspeople, making and selling products that are loved and appreciated by others is what defines success. This is evident in the passion that many Japanese artisans and craftspeople put into their work, as well as the pride that they take in their products.
The Japan Artisan & Craftspeople Directory walks the Japan rookie through the ingenious circle of meticulous artisans bringing the Japanese traditions into the 21st Century. The pool of such craftspeople is dwindling in modern Japan despite their being many evident niche markets in this arena on eBay and other auction sites.
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20 Mesmerizing Videos of Japanese Artisans Creating Traditional Handicrafts, 48 Hours in Sanjo-Tsubame, 2000 Cranes
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Adachi Institute of Woodblock Prints, Akihabara Mall for Artisans and Craftsmen, An Inside Look at Japan’s Modern Craft Movement, Aoi Jittani Gallery, Art Galleries in Tokyo, Art of Japanese Sushi, Art Setouchi
B
Bach Collegium Japan, Benesse Art Site Naoshima
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Cafe Group, Ceramic Artist Taichi Miwa, Chizuru’s Kimono Dolls, Creative Chocolate Ideas
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Doka Contemporary Arts, David Miller Kamakura Print Collection
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Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, Ena Violin, eYakimono
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Gallery Beniya, Gallery ef, Gallery Guide, Gallery Ikkie, Gallery Isogaya, Gallery of Koji Ishikawa, Gallery Saoh & Tomas, Gallery Soumei-do, Glass Artists in Japan, Go On Project, Gyokusendo
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Hara Shobo Japanese Ukiyo-e Prints, Hideko’s Hand-Knitting World, Hokkaido Artisans and Designers
I
International Institute for Children’s Literature, International Shakuhachi Society, Introducing Japan
J
Japan Artists Association, Japan Hand Craft, Japan Retailers Association, Japan String Instruments Makers Association, Japan’s Food Artisans, Japanese Amateur Artists, Japanese Art, Japanese Hand Craft
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Kaikai Kiki, Kaoru Azuma, Keibunsha Tattoos, Kerry Raftis Photography, Kintaro Yozawa Woodworks, Kyo-yuzen Artisan Support Project
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M
Masters of Kite-Making in Japan, Mayuyama & Co., Ltd., Mita Arts Gallery, Mori Inata
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O
P
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Religion Art Studio Kokuu, Ryosuke Fukusada
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Sculptor Nobuaki Takeara, Shibunkaku, Shozo Shimamoto, Sugita Bow, Suzuki Violin Co., Ltd.
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Tadafusa, Taiko Drums, The Last Artisans: Tea, The New Look of Japanese Artisans, Traditional Crafts of Japan, Traditional Culture and Crafts
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Ukiyo-e Dealers’ Association of Japan
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Vivcore, Violin Research, Volk’s Toy Box