traditional crafts

Levi’s x Crocs collection features traditional Japanese tie dye and embroidery

A very Japanese aesthetic from two very American companies. 

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Airbnb offers special free stay at a traditional Japanese gassho house in a World Heritage Site

Unique accommodation plan will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the world of Studio Ghibli. 

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New Studio Ghibli collection includes a US$2,450 wooden Totoro 【Video】

When the worlds of traditional Japan and Japanese anime collide.

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Want to become a swordsmith? Apprenticeship opens in Japan, but the fine print might shock you

Katana-making apprenticeship sparks debate on controversial conditions. 

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Let Doraemon comfort you as you drink with beautiful, handcrafted Doraemon-quote glasses

Drink with Doraemon!

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Enjoy the cherry blossoms under a sakura umbrella

Turn heads everywhere you go this hanami season.

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YouTubers come under fire for destroying traditional Japanese product in controversial video

The popular vloggers were forced to apologise after their actions sparked outrage in Japan.

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Japanese company creates lacquered tableware that feels like human skin

The centuries-old company is using a sensual ad campaign to draw attention to their innovative new range.

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Traditional craftsmen create smartphone case fit for a legendary samurai warrior

It’s a modern-day sheath made in honour of the samurai known as the “Crimson Demon of War”.

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Centuries of tradition and the Mobile Suit designer bring us Gundam and Zaku sake cups

Who said sake cups have to be boring?

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Night of paper-folding with a Japanese friend leads to creation of beautiful “origami jewellery”

With so many traditional arts, customs and practices, it’s not hard to fall in love with Japanese culture. For one French couple, it was a night of origami paper-folding with a Japanese friend that left a big impression. Intrigued by the art, they set upon a journey to recreate the folded designs in metal and not long afterwards, a gorgeous jewellery collection was born, featuring delicate animals, birds, crustaceans and dinosaurs.

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Breathtaking video captures the beauty of traditional Japanese washi paper making【Video】

The traditional art of Japanese paper making has a history that dates back well over 1,000 years. Kurotani in Kyoto is one of the oldest paper-making villages where the tradition continues in earnest, with artisans continuing the ancient practice of paper skimming, classed as an intangible cultural asset by Kyoto Prefecture.

Like all Japanese arts, the process of creating washi has a precise and meditative quality about it. From collecting and preparing the raw materials to filtering and pressing the paper, the movements of these craftspeople and the life they lead is truly a sight to behold.

Japanese filmmaker Takashi Kuroyanagi has captured these moments in a beautiful five-minute film that takes us through the process from beginning to end and the result is breathtaking in its meditative beauty. If you’re looking for a way to take five minutes to relax in a busy day, this video is the calming tonic you need.

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Disney meets classic Japan — see your favorite characters reborn as traditional Japanese crafts!

It’s no secret that Disney has been hugely successful in Japan. The Japanese anime industry may have cultivated a unique style over the years that’s quite different from that of the international entertainment giant, but the public here in Japan definitely seems to love all things Disney, from beautiful lingerie to adorable mini-cakes.

So we guess it’s not too surprising that Disney characters have now been recreated using traditional Japanese crafts, which is the concept behind the Disney Japan Classic Series of merchandise. Join us for a look at what delightful forms the familiar Disney characters have taken at the hands of traditional Japanese artisans!  Read More

What’s so special about Japanese swords? We interview master katana maker Norihiro Miyairi!

You could say that the traditional Japanese sword, or katana, symbolizes the strength and beauty of the Japanese spirit. We see these swords quite often in comics, anime and movies, but how well do we really know the spiritual and cultural elements they embody?

To find out, we went to a true expert to learn about the fascinating and mysterious world of Japanese swords. Join us for an in-depth interview with master katana maker Norihiro Miyairi!

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