Japan’s Art of Making: A Legacy of Craft Preservation

Japan stands as a prominent hub for traditional crafts, or kogei, reflecting its deep cultural heritage and dedication to craftsmanship. Our selection of seven Japanese Makers — 16/16 Arita Japan, HA KO, Niwaki, Saito Wood, Takada, Takazawa Candle, and Tamanohada — exemplifies this enduring legacy.

These crafts — whether ceramics, woodworking, metalwork, or candlemaking — have been passed down through generations, not merely as technical skills but as a philosophy. Monozukuri, which literally translates as “the making of things,” goes beyond making objects. It’s a philosophy, a work ethic rooted in mindfulness, discipline, and a harmonious relationship with materials. The process itself holds as much value as the finished piece, with each step approached with care and dedication.

Monozukuri also emphasizes creating objects that last. Everyday items are designed to not only withstand the passage of time but to gain character and quality as they age. Repairs, when needed, are carried out with the same attention as the original work, turning these pieces into cherished heirlooms.

Japan has taken active steps to protect these craft traditions, most notably with the Traditional Craft Industries Law, which ensures that time-honored techniques like Arita porcelain making or hand-forged tools continue to thrive. Certain artisans are also recognized as Living National Treasures, a title granted to those who have mastered and preserved rare, significant crafts.

Beyond legal protections, it's the makers themselves who keep these traditions alive. Many workshops remain in the same families for generations, with apprentices spending years refining their craft under seasoned artisans. The result is not just beautiful objects, but a cultural inheritance of knowledge and care, brought to life through everyday use.

From Takazawa Candle's waxwork techniques dating back to the Edo period to Niwaki's expertly crafted gardening tools or HA KO’s aromatic incense, crafted usig traditional washi papermaking techniques, each of these makers carries forward a distinct piece of Japan's craft heritage, honoring the past while embracing the present.