What is wabi-sabi?
Posted by Akira.Hirose onWabi-sabi- the beauty created by the interweaving of the imperfect, the impermanent, and the incomplete- the beauty created by the interweaving of humility and modesty Emanating from the influence of Zen, wabi-sabi is an aesthetic...
True Japanese Denim. From Kojima, Okayama.
Posted by Akira.Hirose on"Kojima, Okayama, home of the Japanese denim.Today, denim fans from throughout the world come to this sacred home of Japanese denim seeking quality products full of originality." Jeans Street in Kojima, Okayama a mecca for...
The Great Wave Off Kanagawa (Kanagawa oki nami ura) | Katsushika Hokusai
Posted by Akira.Hirose onThe Great Wave Off Kanagawa (Kanagawa oki nami ura). This is one of Katsushika Hokusai's most famous works and is one of the most dynamic paintings of the waves that he painted over the years.Katsushika...
Delight in the sumptuous and luxurious shine of shimmering gold leaf in this gem of a glass
Posted by Akira.Hirose onBy combining traditional Japanese techniques, this glass combines excellent functionality and the beauty of a work of art. Featuring lacquering and gold leaf plating techniques from Ishikawa Prefecture and metal polishing know-how cultivated in Tsubamesanjo,...
Wearing Japanese Style - Happi
Posted by Akira.Hirose onThe traditional Japanese Happi coat. Happi came to be during the Edo era when samurai warriors began dyeing their family crests on their coats. They were worn only by high-ranking families, not the general public. Happi have gradually...
Nara, an ancient city with a 1300-year history
Posted by Akira.Hirose onThese linen products are made through the expertise of skilled craftsmen while preserving Japanese traditions and culture. Nara, an ancient city with a 1300-year history.Surrounded by world heritage sites where one can experience the beginnings...
Sustainable manufacturing that makes effective use of Japan's timber resources
Posted by HiroseAkira onWakasa Obama: Japan's largest producer of lacquered chopsticks.Contributing to a new kind of regional development that will still be sustainable even after 100 years. Prosperous co-existence with nature and local consumption. In Japan, there are a...
The Warmth of Wood, Created by Woodworkers
Posted by HiroseAkira on"Asahikawa, Hokkaido.Amid the great outdoors and blessed by the forest, man and trees coexist." Living with trees for generations, here in Asahikawa.We plant trees. "Asahikawa, Hokkaido. Amid the great outdoors and blessed by the forest, man...
Merging Traditional Techniques with Modern Design
Posted by HiroseAkira onSeto, Owari, where pottery began in times begone during the Heian Era. Rich deposits of quality clay from nearby hills. The best burning firewood that fuel the kilns. Superb natural conditions have nurtured the spirit to pursue...
Hizen Bidoro: the brilliance of glass created using traditional techniques
Posted by HiroseAkira onHizen Bidoro, glassware made using traditional techniques with a 160 year history in Saga, Japan. “Hizen” was the old name of Saga, and “Bidoro” means “glassware”. Tradition, culture and skilled craftsmanship passed down from generation to...