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At a time when there were no synthetic fibers, Japanese clothing was made from plant fibers like cotton, silk and hemp. The Japanese started using animal fibers like wool when clothing styles were changing from Japanese traditional kimonos to Western dress, during the Meiji era. Among plant fibers, hemp was the most common...

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Japan is the country where craft is most highly appreciated. Throughout Japan, in every region, a culture of valuing traditional crafts can be found. In the last decade, there has been a new movement of craft culture in Japan. This new era of craft appreciation is reflected in people's growing interest in quality of life. ...

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Imagine a potter who has loved the beauty of natural clay since his teenage years. This potter is named Katsufumi Baba. He trained in pottery in Shigaraki, Shiga prefecture and now makes ceramics in Kuruma, Kyushu. Traditional Shigaraki ware is characterized by its rough clay texture. Shigaraki ware is a prime example of Japanese aesthetics. Its...

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