Government says traditional crafts are…

What is the traditional craft?
There is a definition published by Japanese government.

According to the government, the traditional crafts are…

• crafts that are mainly used for daily lives.
• mainly manufactured by hand.
• made based on traditional method and craftsmanship.
• should have more than 100 years of histories.
• whose materials have continuously used for 100 years or more.

Japanese people value on the products with the characteristics listed above.

I have a kitchen knife which is designated as a traditional craft.
It is very beautiful.
Of course it cut things pretty well.
I have used it for years, and it still works as it is new.

I think one important characteristic of good traditional crafts is “practical”.
I want to use is daily rather than to put in a cabinet and see it as an art.
I want to repair to maintain its performance.
Thus, the product becomes a part of my life, and a part of my arm.

Some products can be made by machine.
Thanks to high technology today, the machine-made products may surpass products made by hand.
Nevertheless, I often prefer products made by hand.
I may be an old-fashioned.
However, I feel souls of artisans in these products.

I will keep introducing nice products with craftsmanship, with culture and tradition in them.
Hope visitors of this site also love them!

Author - Hiro

Lived in Kyoto in school days, I was impressed by profundity of history and tradition of the city. Had a job to join the three major festivals of Kyoto: Aoi, Jidai and Gion festivals. Love Kyoto and Japanese culture.
Manager of OrientalSouls.com, selling items of Japanese culture, tradition and craftsmanship. I'll introduce interesting information about Japan!