Learning to Love 'Sumi' Ink Sticks
Ink sticks, or 'sumi,' were a practical way of conserving and transporting ink. They're the classic tool for writing Japanese calligraphy—and using them has an almost Zen-like quality.
Spinning into our Hearts
80-year-old Masaaki Hiroi has dedicated his life to handcrafting gorgeous wooden toys the old-fashioned way.
Otherworldly Transformation of Simple Ceramics
This ceramic artist takes utilitarian vessels and transforms them into otherworldly objects.
Rainy Days are the Perfect Excuse for Pottery
A rainy day doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up indoors. Pottery anyone?
How Do You Bleach Kimono Fabrics? With Snow!
These stunning videos show how craftsmen keep their UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage practice alive during the coldest months of the year.
Following Japan's Paper Trail
From money to sliding doors, traditional Japanese paper can be seen all over the country. And one company in Tottori Prefecture has been a leader in making beautiful, natural and even eco-friendly materials.
Kappabashi: Home of Japanese Knives
Kappabashi is an awesome spot to find cool Japanese kitchenware, especially the beautiful blades beloved by chefs around the world.
Ever Seen a Paper Book Sculpture?
Discover how these books map out existing landscapes in order to give life to an inventive art form!
Make Your Very Own Japanese Paper
‘Washi’ (Japanese traditional paper) is made from wood fiber, making it stronger than today’s common paper made of wood pulp. And the Uchiyama style of ‘washi’ made in northern Nagano’s Iiyama City is especially durable!
No Need for Electricity with These Speakers
After playing songs with bamboo instruments, one band moves on to bamboo audio delivery that works with your smartphone.
4 Textile Companies from the Old School
Textiles are vital to modern day-to-day life. Here are four companies that draw on more than half a century of experience to produce everything from silk to high-end yarn.
7+ Kinds of Calligraphy Brushes
The kind of calligraphy brush you need depends on the kind of lines you want to draw. Here are seven-plus options from a historic shop in Toyohashi that you can order from anywhere!
Hunt Through 2 Million Handmade Items!
HandMade in Japan Fes presents a weekend full of crafts, music, performances, food, drinks and farmers markets conveniently packed in one venue.
Take Home a Piece of Niigata
Savor the prefecture’s finest produce long after your trip is over!
Ofusa Kannon Wind Chime Festival
Feel cool in the summer heat at this unassuming temple in Nara.
Transform Tableware into a 5-Story Pagoda
What better way to dish out your homemade Japanese food than to serve it on dishes designed to look like Japanese-style architecture?
3 Awesome Ways to Get Good Luck in Tottori
Head to Tottori for bunny-ear 'omamori'—or 'ema' plaques in the shape of spirits from 'GeGeGe no Kitaro'! And if you've got a memory you'd rather put in the past, why not just set it afloat? Find out how!
Perfectly Equipped Tablecloth for Craft Fairs
Check out this tablecloth specifically designed for fair booths, and how it makes all the difference in staying organized!
6 Fantastic Fuji-Inspired Papers & Textiles
Mount Fuji is the ultimate symbol of Japan—so who wouldn't want to own a few bits of awesome and useful Fuji stationery? Worry not, we've got the goods!
5 Tools for Getting Started with 'Sumi-e'
Japanese 'sumi-e' ink wash painting is a great hobby to pick up—it's cheap and easy to get started!
