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.…
A stroll in the temple grounds is a relief from that of a bustling Tokyo streets, here at Kuhon-butsu temple there are various old trees such as a kaya estimated to be over 700 years old (a natural monument), and a huge Ginko tree (ichi, a natural monument) also referred to as a Bodhi tree,…
Created by Masaaki HiroiIn these days of eye-popping game consoles with seemingly endless applications to amuse yourself, you may think tops — spinning tops — have been relegated to the dustbin of history. If so, you are in for a happy surprise with Edo spinning tops. Besides being an ideal item to add a Japanese…
During Japan’s Edo period, which stretched from the early 17th century to the mid-1800s, wealthy families would buy Karakuri—little self operating dolls or toys that served tea and shot arrows. Here, you can see how one works—this one’s called the tumbling doll: Read full story here: Before Robots, Japan Had Tiny Dolls That Tumbled Down…
Created by Eifu KawamataTraditionally, this beautifully handcrafted wooden bucket and dipper set was used at the start of each new year as part of a household’s ritual welcoming of the change in the calendar. At dawn, the bucket would be filled with pure water from a nearby well, stream or river, and the water would…
Created by Tetsuya KishidaEdo kites are said to have started in Edo Period (1603 – 1868) in Tokyo when ukiyo-e was at its prime. They feature stunning graphic designs of amazingly dynamic impact, in themes typically having to do with stalwart warriors or symbols of good luck. There are other regions, such as Niigata, Aomori,…
May 5th is the Children’s Day in Japan, but in the past it was set aside for boys only. To celebrate this special day, parents with boys in the family fly carp streamers from a high pole set on their premise. Carps are chosen for this…
Tori-no-Ichi Fairs started in 13h century in Japan to thank for the harvest for the year. Kumade or rakes with wheat ornaments are sold at the shrines where the Fairs are held. A more elaborately decorated kumade with colorful symbols of good fortune to bring wealth and prosperity to the purchaser are sold on the…
Well not exactly. Its a small statue of a sumurai on a bar counter that’s watching over you at a standing bar in Shimbashi, Tokyo. Posters and framed photo of this samurai are hanged all over the bar and even his katana or swords (fake, of course) are also displayed on the wall. I am…
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…
