Column

column (e.g. in newspaper)

Japanese traditional crafts are,The culmination of techniques and aesthetics nurtured by craftsmen over a long, long history.They are. These crafts are deeply connected to the culture and natural environment of each region, and have been passed down from generation to generation by the hands of artisans.

Its value and importance are being reevaluated with the times, and it continues to be loved by many people in modern society. This article will provide an overview and definition of traditional crafts and their contemporary significance in detail.

What are Traditional Crafts?

Traditional crafts are crafts made using techniques and methods that have been handed down over the years. The definition is not based on any strict legal criteria, but is used as a relatively broad meaning. It refers to handicrafts and traditional manufacturing rooted in the local community, and includes all crafts that are considered "traditional" without specific legal recognition.

Therefore, the specific definition of traditional crafts is vague, and in most cases, each municipality certifies its own products.Today, there are more than 1,300 types of crafts throughout Japan!The following is a list of the most common problems with the

Difference between Traditional Crafts and Traditional Crafts

traditional handicrafts

As mentioned above, it refers to crafts made by techniques and methods that have been handed down over the years. Since there is no specific definition for the use of the name, it is used in most cases with a broad meaning.

Traditional" crafts

Traditional crafts are designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry based on the "Law Concerning the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries (Densen-San Law)". In order to receive official recognition as a "traditional craft" under this law, the following five conditions must be met.

• Must be used in daily life
• The main part of the manufacturing process is handcrafted.
• The use of traditional techniques and methods that have been in use for more than 100 years.
• To be manufactured using traditionally used raw materials
• The industry must be established as an industry in a certain region.

Only crafts that meet these conditions are certified as "traditional crafts.

Reference:https://kyokai.kougeihin.jp/traditional-crafts/

 

Main Differences

Traditional crafts are used in a broad sense,All crafts reflecting local culture and techniquesrefers to the products that have been produced in the past. Traditional crafts, on the other hand, are only those crafts that meet legal requirements and are officially recognized. Therefore, the number of traditional crafts is smaller than that of traditional handicrafts, and as of 2024, there areApproximately 241 itemsIt is considered to be a

Difference between crafts and folk art

Next, we will focus on the difference between traditional crafts and folk art.

Both traditional crafts and folk art are made by handicraft, but there are significant differences in the purpose and intent of their production.Crafts are objects of high artistic value and made by skilled craftsmen using advanced techniques.On the one hand, the On the other hand,Folk art is used in daily lifeand features a rustic design rooted in the local community.

While crafts are often made for commercial purposes and highly prized as gifts or museum exhibits, folk art is more everyday and functional, created by nameless artisans using local climate and materials.

Typical Japanese Traditional Crafts

In Japan, there are various traditional crafts that have been handed down throughout the country. In this issue, we will introduce four representative examples, selected from among the many available.

Kiriko

 

Edo faceting is said to have originated in 1834, when the surface of glass was engraved using vigor sand. Later, under the guidance of an Englishman during the Meiji period (1868-1912), the traditional glass crafting technique handed down to the present day was established. Many of the patterns of Edo faceting are based on familiar objects, such as "fish," "hemp leaves," and "chrysanthemum joints," and can be said to be crafts that convey "Edo sophistication" and "Japanese lifestyle culture" to the present day.

>> The sales site isthis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)

Nambu Ironware

 

Morioka has long been rich in iron resources, making the area suitable for the foundry industry. The Nanbu clan of Iwate Prefecture, which paid attention to this area, had tea kettles made there, which was the beginning of Nanbu ironware. Later, over the course of its history as a gift item, it was recognized for its robust beauty.Weight and stability unique to ironwareThe beauty of the rustic look, coupled with the unique rough texture, is also an attraction.

>> The sales site isthis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)

kumiko-work

What is "Kumiko"?Woodworking technique to assemble wood into geometric patterns without using nailsThe pattern is a combination of minute parts. The patterns drawn by assembling minute parts one by one create a regular beauty. Okawa-gumiko" boasts a history of about 300 years, and has more than 200 traditional methods of assembling, which have been handed down to the present day with even greater delicacy.

>> The sales site isthis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)

Kitchen Knife

The traditional craft of kitchen knives introduced here is called "Echizen Uchihamono," which originated in 1337 when people made sickles for farmers.Features are thin, lightweight, and durableEchizen hammered blades are made using the traditional Japanese casting technique of "hand sharpening. Not only does it use the ancient Japanese casting technique of "hand sharpening," but it also has a technique unique to Echizen hammered blades.

 

Traditional crafts from all over Japan seen at Sapporo's Japanese Modern N6 Kita Maruyama

At "Japanese Modern N6 Kita Maruyama" in Kita Maruyama, Sapporo,A collection of selected traditional crafts from all over Japan in one place.The exhibition is located in the "Echizen City," a city in the southwest of Tokyo. Here, visitors can directly hold in their hands masterpieces produced by artisans in various regions, such as faceted glass, braided metalwork, Nambu ironware, and Echizen hammered blades, and experience up close the texture and craftsmanship of these items.

Traditional crafts reflect the climate and culture of their respective regions, and are imbued with techniques cultivated over a long history. At the same time, however, opportunities to encounter these authentic products are limited. At WA-MODERN N6 Kita Maruyama, visitors can compare, touch, and actually purchase traditional crafts from all over Japan, all while in Hokkaido.

We invite you to visit our showroom where you can experience the traditional beauty and spirit of craftsmen from all over Japan, as well as the craftsmanship that has taken root in Hokkaido and Sapporo, while in Sapporo.

 

The Role of Traditional Crafts in Today's World

 

Role as a symbol of Japanese culture

Traditional crafts are important symbols that reflect the culture and history of Japan to date. These items not only represent the uniqueness of each region, but also represent Japan internationally.

Traditional craft techniques and designs are,It is highly appreciated by inbound visitors to Japan and overseas art lovers.In addition, the company contributes to cultural exchanges and the dissemination of Japanese culture. Furthermore, Japanese crafts are introduced to the world at domestic and international exhibitions and expositions, thereby spreading Japanese culture.

Succession and Technological Development

Traditional crafts do not simply exist as a legacy of the past.Numerous artisans have preserved traditional techniques while improving them to meet modern needs and lifestyles.. This flexible attitude has supported the long history of traditional crafts.

One of the innovations is the use of systems such as the Regional Development Cooperation Corps to train artisans and pass on their skills. The increasing attention being paid to the work of artisans and the growing number of new generations of artisans is an indispensable link for the future of traditional crafts.

Demands and Challenges in Today's World

Today, traditional crafts are used less and less as necessities of daily life as they once were. Demand for traditional crafts has been declining as mass-produced products and inexpensive foreign products have taken over the market. In recent years, however, traditional crafts have begun to attract renewed attention in Japan and abroad, and their cultural value is being reevaluated.

In particular, collaborations with animation and movies, as well as the development of overseas markets, have led to the development of new markets. Through these measures, the appeal of traditional crafts is spreading to the younger generation.

The Future of Traditional Crafts

Traditional crafts are symbols of history and culture, valuable heritage that should be passed on to the next generation. However,Facing challenges such as aging artisans and lack of successorsThe problem is not only a matter of the traditional crafts, but also a matter of the local community. In order to solve this problem, it is essential that the government and local communities work together to support and communicate the appeal of traditional crafts to the younger generation, as mentioned above.

In addition, there is a possibility that traditional crafts themselves will evolve further in the future as products are developed to meet modern lifestyles and values. Continuing to take on new challenges while preserving techniques will be a catalyst for opening up the future of traditional crafts.

>>コラム一覧に戻る