ARTISAN STORIES
Artisan
Takuya Tsutsumi, 4th-generation Urushi Refiner
Through his passions for surfing, skateboarding, and the outdoors, Takuya Tsutsumi, spearheads a movement to revitalize the urushi industry in Japan. Learn about the state of the industry and his thoughts on the connection between nature, crafts, and culture.
Artisan
Masao Kiyoe, Maker of Indigo Wall Pieces
The construction worker turned first-generation craftsman started his career from scratch, from learning how to harvest indigo to bringing his dynamic designs to life. Learn about his journey of becoming a craftsman in this interview.
Artisan
Hiromichi Nakade, Maker of Oryoki Bowls
Meet Hiromichi Nakade and Kazuya Fujimoto, the makers of the Oryoki and Kodaiwan bowls. A master craftsman sits with his former apprentice to speak about their hope for the declining crafts industry in Japan, as well as the appeal of craftsmanship.
Artisan
Tomoya Hyodo, maker of Kiri Wooden Trays
Starting his career to become a racing car mechanic, Tomoya Hyodo, later substituted making metal parts with wooden parts. His creation process is rooted in his love for all things mechanical. Learn about his journey on becoming a sashimono joinery artisan.
Artisan
Wataru Myoshu, Maker of Wabi-Sabi Vases
Pulling inspiration from materials that have withstood the test of time, from earthy walls of buildings to older bronze vessels and roman glass, his pieces are a reflection of time passed. Learn more about his inspiration and journey to becoming a potter.
DOCUMENTARIES
Documentaries
From Cradle to Grave
Watch Shuji Nakagawa using techniques refined and passed down for over 700 years. Nakagawa’s work has established what it means to bring sleek modernity to commonly-seen pieces.
Documentaries
Whereof one cannot speak
Known for the creation of handcrafted canisters with a polished look, Kaikado has evolved and diversified, sharpening their technique to fuse functionality and sleek design.
INSPIRATION
Inspiration
Bamboo Artisan Weaving Japan's Future
Japanese bamboo weaver, Hafu Matsumoto offered his expertise in bending what is naturally unbending to make exceptional baskets and sculptures for the Spanish fashion label, Loewe.
Inspiration
Guntu: Floating Hotel on the Seto Sea
Part yacht, part ryokan, part high-end hotel, Guntu is not only a true achievement in nautical design, but it also represents something exceptional in the world of contemporary hospitality.
Inspiration
The Little Indigo Museum, the World of Hiroyuki Shindo
Nestled in the hills of Kyoto prefecture lies the village of Miyama, famous for its traditional thatched roof buildings and, most notably, for being the home of Hiroyuki Shindo and his prodigious work with indigo.
Inspiration
Blue Bottle Opens Shop In Kyoto
The Blue Bottle founder, James Freeman has always had an obsession with Japan. In 2018, they opened their first Blue Bottle in Kyoto in a beautiful 100-year-old machiya town house near Nanzen-ji Temple.
