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Redefining the Status of Artisans: Japan Luxury

There is a growing momentum to introduce Japanese traditional crafts to the world as luxury products. In this field, the most crucial element is the presence of skilled artisans. While there's a desire to elevate and promote their names, significant barriers exist. This is due to the complex interplay between Japan's traditional aesthetic sensibilities and contemporary demands, such as securing successors.

In the West, the roles of designers and craftsmen are distinctly separated. Designers are responsible for creativity, while craftsmen bring those ideas to life. Often, craftsmen serve as behind-the-scenes figures, working to realize the designer's vision. 

In contrast, Japanese craftsmen not only possess high technical skills but may also venture into the realms of design and planning. At times, their work closely resembles that of "creators" or "artists."

There's a school of thought that by valuing these craftsmen on par with designers, we can enhance the appeal of traditional crafts and, consequently, contribute to attracting successors.

However, there are also opinions that emphasize the importance of Japanese craftsmen's humility. As Junichiro Tanizaki writes in "In Praise of Shadows", Japanese aesthetics tend to prioritize achieving the state of mind of one's predecessors over individual creativity. This tendency leads to a reluctance to showcase the craftsman's individuality.

In modern times, as a reaction to globalism, there's a growing trend to reevaluate Japan's ancient virtues. While the Japanese aesthetic sensibility described by Tanizaki undoubtedly provides strong support for the development of traditional crafts, not all traditional values are compatible with contemporary needs.

Tanizaki writes that beauty lies in the interplay of shadows created between objects. Similarly, the aesthetic sensibilities of craftsmen seem to fluctuate within the shadows woven between tradition and modern demands. The future of traditional crafts, which could form the foundation of Japanese luxury, depends on properly evaluating and passing on the skills and creativity of craftsmen to the next generation.

Now, as the rarity value of handcrafted work is increasingly appreciated, is the opportune moment to redefine the status of craftsmen.

Photo: A tea room partition by Kyoto-Tango workshop "Design Tochi" (Mikiya Toyoshima),  exhibited in London

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