Trending Traditional Japanese Crafts

If you spend any time on social media, you’ll know that traditional Japanese crafts are riding a wave of discovery here in the west, possibly instigated by all the crafts we experimented with during covid (why DID we all bake bread?) and fanned by the flames of Japan’s current popularity with international travelers. 

These crafts produce not just beautiful objects, but an appreciation of Japanese culture. From kintsugi to shibori, each technique connects us with the past while inspiring how we live—and create—today.

Whether you prefer to work with a needle, a brush or a bucket of dye, here is a primer on Japanese crafts that can be practiced at home, or provide inspiration for workshops travelers may take on a trip to Japan. 

KINTSUGI

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery or porcelain by mending breaks and cracks with lacquer and powdered gold, silver, or platinum. More than just a repair technique, kintsugi celebrates imperfections and brokenness, transforming a damaged item into a unique, often more beautiful and valuable, piece of art. The philosophy behind kintsugi stems from the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in simplicity, impermanence, and imperfection, and serves as a metaphor for embracing flaws, celebrating resilience, and finding beauty in the scars of life. Modern kintsugi replaces lacquer with easy to use epoxy, and real gold dust with affordable gold mica powder. 

SHIBORI

Shibori is a traditional Japanese dyeing technique that uses folding, binding, stitching, and twisting to create resist patterns on fabric, with indigo dye. The process involves manipulating the fabric to create sections that prevent the dye from soaking through, resulting in unique blue and white patterns, with specific techniques including clamping, folding and binding, and tying. The beauty of shibori lies in the unpredictable, naturally occurring variations and imperfections in the final piece. Modern shibori replaces indigo dye with bottled blue dye. 

SASHIKO

Sashiko is a traditional Japanese form of decorative needlework and mending that uses repetitive running stitches to create patterns on fabric. Translated as "little stabs," Sashiko can be used to repair and reinforce textiles, as well as to embellish them with geometric, floral, or nature-inspired designs, often in white thread on an indigo background, though contemporary styles offer various colors and fabrics. Today, sashiko is a highly valued decorative art form used to create beautiful, handcrafted embellishments on garments, quilts, and accessories. Sashiko is a portable and meditative form of stitching, making it a popular craft for many. 

BORO

Boro is a traditional Japanese textile practice of repairing worn-out clothing and textiles by layering patches of fabric and securing them with simple, visible stitches, often using sashiko. The word "boro" comes from the Japanese term "boroboro," meaning "tattered rags," and the practice originated in rural communities as an economical way to prolong the life of essential garments and textiles. Historically, it was a necessity born of poverty, but boro has evolved into an art form, with modern interpretations focusing on the beauty of imperfections, storytelling through stitching, and the overall process of upcycling.

WASHI

Washi is traditional Japanese paper made from strong, natural fibers, primarily from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree. Known for its strength, durability, and unique texture, washi paper is used in various applications, from fine arts like calligraphy and block printing to everyday items like gift wrapping, wallpapers, and book covers. A popular product derived from washi paper, washi tape is a decorative adhesive tape known for its durability and flexibility, and  wide range of colors and patterns.

IKEBANA

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement that emphasizes minimalism, space, and asymmetry to create a tranquil and spiritually-minded composition. Originating from temple offerings, this centuries-old practice involves a meticulous selection and placement of flowers, branches, and other natural materials to reflect the beauty and essence of nature. Ikebana is characterized by its focus on linear beauty, simplicity, and a profound spiritual connection to the natural world. Today,there are 3,000-4,000 ikebana schools in Japan, each with a different style.

OCHA SHODO

Shodo, or calligraphy, is a traditional art form that uses a brush and ink to write characters, with a focus on expressing the spirit and emotions of the writer. It involves mastering different writing styles and requires significant spiritual concentration and a connection between mind and body to achieve beauty and simplicity in the strokes. Today, green tea calligraphy is gaining popularity. Green tea replaces ink, and subtly changes color over time, as we humans also change with the passage of time.

WHERE TO CRAFT IN JAPAN

The region of Suruga is a historically significant hub for these, and other, traditional crafts. Suruga's reputation is particularly strong for its exquisite bamboo lattice ware and is also known for woodworking and lacquerware. 

Hands down, the best place in Suruga to see craftspeople demonstrating, and to participate yourself, is Takumishuku (meaning: artisan’s workshop) in Shizuoka city, just an hour from Tokyo on the main bullet train line to Osaka. Experienced and novice crafts lovers alike will be inspired by this bustling center of creativity. 

Purposeful Travel is able to connect travelers with the craft of their choice, or design a craft-centric itinerary.