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VILLAGE Report #Traditional Crafts

A bowl by Shoji Hamada

[VILLAGE Report vol.39] The production area of the word “mingei” | Tochigi Prefecture

Mashiko ware became known nationwide through the Mingei movement led by Shoji Hamada and others. Together with Yuki-tsumugi silk, Tochigi Prefecture has 2 nationally designated items. Tenmyo cast metalwork and Nikko carving are prefectural traditional crafts.

[VILLAGE Report vol.39] The production area of the word “mingei” | Tochigi Prefecture

Mashiko ware became known nationwide through the Mingei movement led by Shoji Hamada and others. Together with Yuki-tsumugi silk, Tochigi Prefecture has 2 nationally designated items. Tenmyo cast metalwork and Nikko carving are prefectural traditional crafts.

A Kasama ware cup

[VILLAGE Report vol.38] Tsumugi Listed by UNESCO | Ibaraki Prefecture

Yuki-tsumugi was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. Hand-spun thread, hand-tied kasuri, and the izari loom. Together with Kasama ware and Makabe stone lanterns, Ibaraki has 3 items.

[VILLAGE Report vol.38] Tsumugi Listed by UNESCO | Ibaraki Prefecture

Yuki-tsumugi was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. Hand-spun thread, hand-tied kasuri, and the izari loom. Together with Kasama ware and Makabe stone lanterns, Ibaraki has 3 items.

Bamboo used for fan ribs

[VILLAGE Report vol.37] The Third of Japan’s Three Great Uchiwa Fans | Chiba Prefecture

Boshu uchiwa is one of Japan’s three great uchiwa fans, alongside Marugame and Kyo uchiwa. Its distinctive feature is the “marue,” made by splitting bamboo and using it as the ribs as-is.

[VILLAGE Report vol.37] The Third of Japan’s Three Great Uchiwa Fans | Chiba Prefecture

Boshu uchiwa is one of Japan’s three great uchiwa fans, alongside Marugame and Kyo uchiwa. Its distinctive feature is the “marue,” made by splitting bamboo and using it as the ribs as-is.

A tiered display of hina dolls

[VILLAGE Report vol.36] Japan’s Top Producer of Hina Dolls | Saitama Prefecture

Centered around Iwatsuki, Saitama is known as a production area for hina dolls. Hosokawa-shi paper is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Gyoda tabi socks are also a nationally designated craft.

[VILLAGE Report vol.36] Japan’s Top Producer of Hina Dolls | Saitama Prefecture

Centered around Iwatsuki, Saitama is known as a production area for hina dolls. Hosokawa-shi paper is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Gyoda tabi socks are also a nationally designated craft.

A Hakone marquetry box

[VILLAGE Report vol.35] Gathering Wood to Make Patterns | Kanagawa Prefecture

Hakone yosegi marquetry is a craft that creates geometric patterns using only the natural colors of wood, without dyeing. Together with Kamakura-bori carving and Odawara lacquerware, Kanagawa has 3 items.

[VILLAGE Report vol.35] Gathering Wood to Make Patterns | Kanagawa Prefecture

Hakone yosegi marquetry is a craft that creates geometric patterns using only the natural colors of wood, without dyeing. Together with Kamakura-bori carving and Odawara lacquerware, Kanagawa has 3 items.

Cut glassware lined up in front of a shop in Asakusa

[VILLAGE Report vol.34] 23 Items, the Most in Japan | Tokyo

Tokyo has 23 nationally designated items, the most of any prefecture. Edo Kiriko glass, Honba Kihachijo textiles, Edo woodblock prints - all were born as things for townspeople.

[VILLAGE Report vol.34] 23 Items, the Most in Japan | Tokyo

Tokyo has 23 nationally designated items, the most of any prefecture. Edo Kiriko glass, Honba Kihachijo textiles, Edo woodblock prints - all were born as things for townspeople.