What are traditional Japanese crafts?

When you hear the words "traditional Japanese crafts," what do you imagine?

"Tradition" refers to something that has been passed down through generations. There are traditions in many fields, including art, industry, customs, and ways of thinking. "Crafts" refers to the creation of everyday objects that are both easy to use and beautiful. In other words, traditional Japanese crafts are objects that add color to daily life and the creation of things that have a long history in Japan.

The traditional crafts that we at Waen want to pass on to the future have supported and enriched the lives of people in Japan for a long time. However, since the 1950s, when the economy developed, mechanization progressed and mass-produced products became more widespread, but at the same time, opportunities to use products that were carefully and slowly made by hand, such as traditional crafts, have decreased.

We believe that traditional crafts are unique works that have a warmth and soul that cannot be found on the market. Highly skilled craftsmen handcraft each product with care, and that the beauty that can be achieved is truly art itself, which is part of our company name.

There are 235 traditional crafts that have been designated as traditional crafts by the government. The main conditions for being recognized as a traditional craft are as follows:
・Something that makes life more enjoyable and enriches the soul ・Something handmade by a craftsman ・Something made using traditional techniques and methods that are over 100 years old ・Something made mainly using traditional materials ・Something made by a group of craftsmen in the region

At Waen, we not only want to promote traditional crafts designated by the government, but also spread Japanese culture to the world.

[ Author K.A.]