Books Oct 24, 2020
‘Handmade in Japan’: A cross-country journey with traditional artisans
by Mio Yamada
Irwin Wong’s personal project, which began with photos of craftspeople he admired, is now an insightful deep dive on Japan’s traditional crafts.
Style & Design | ON: DESIGN Sep 20, 2020
Coronavirus can’t hold back these Japan’s traditional craft events
by Mio Yamada
Japanese craft events have taken a blow in 2020. “On: Design” looks at one that did manage to take place, and another that has gone digital.
Lifestyle Jan 5, 2019
Examining Japan's traditional paper trail
by Kathryn Wortley
As temperatures drop across the country, washi makers nationwide enter their peak production season.
Style & Design | ON: DESIGN Dec 2, 2018
When the thought really counts
by Mio Yamada
This month's On: Design focuses on a few everyday items that offer much more than meets the naked eye.
Lifestyle Aug 18, 2018
Staying razor sharp: At the sharp end of Sakai's handmade knife industry
by J.J. O'Donoghue
In Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, two things are certain: You're never far from the remains of dead people and you're never far from a knife. The two are connected, but not in the way you might think. Historically an important seaport with a current population of ...
Lifestyle Jul 29, 2018
'Paper sommelier' hopes to help revive Japan's washi industry
Yoshinao Sugihara, head of a traditional paper wholesaler in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, takes the use of washi paper to a new level in interior design.
Art / Openings In Tokyo Aug 30, 2016
'Meiji Kogei: Amazing Japanese Art'
by Mark Jarnes
Sept. 7-Oct. 30 This upcoming exhibition celebrating Japan's Meiji Era (1868-1912) aims to live up to its name by setting out to amaze even the most erudite of art and culture fans. More than 100 works of traditional crafts from Meiji Japan — including netsuke, lacquerware, ...
Lifestyle Oct 21, 2013
The new look of Japanese artisans
by Cameron Allan Mckean
Machi-kōba is the name given to small, city factories in Japan, usually operated by a family, or a handful of craftspeople. While traditional Japanese crafts slowly gather dust in museums, the baton of the "unknown craftsman" has been passed on to these factories.