Tetsuya Kishida, a veteran kite creator The first word that came out from Tetsuya Kishida was “to fly is my dream from my childhood days.” He soon found out that was impossible and thought about becoming a pilot instead. He also liked to draw and was encouraged to attend art school. Both didn’t happen due…
Eifu Kawamata is a highly demanding craftsman Let’s take a look at his work closely to find out what differentiate him from other wooden container craftsmen? Yes, every fine craftsman is demanding when it comes to creating their work, there’s no question about it. But for Eifu, his scope of work goes beyond the norm.…
by Katy Cowan Street photography isn’t just about fashion to me. I love the people behind the clothes. The expressions on their faces. The way they hold themselves for the picture. People are the most fascinating of all subjects when it comes to photography and I love this series by Tokyo photographer Eric Micotto. It’s…
Kenichi Mouri continues to challenge the tradition There is a strong link between bamboo and Kenichi Mouri. Born in Beppu, Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island where it is known for its bamboo production and bamboo works. If you are an onsen aficionado, you may know Beppu as one of Japan’s “Three Great Hot Springs,” well…
Kinya Takahashi has stories to tell Every graphic motifs has a story, and Kinya Takahashi will be delighted to explain all the stories and connotations behind these designs which came about from the lives of Edo (Tokyo as it was called in Edo Period, 1603 – 1868.) Edokko*, or Tokyo-natives from this period enjoyed using…
Masaaki Hiroi’s creativity keeps spinning Masaaki Hiroi’s extraordinary passion for making original Japanese Edo Spinning Tops started when he was in his 30s and has created over 4,000 different types of Edo Tops to date. So what exactly is Edo Spinning Tops and what’s so unique about it? Spinning Tops that flourished during Edo Period…
