Walk the path of Japan’s master craftspeople.
Takumi (匠) means a master artisan. We explain Japan’s traditional crafts in depth — where they come from, how they are made, how to choose authentic pieces, and where you can see them being made.
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Crafts
In-depth guides to Japan’s traditional crafts — history, regions, techniques and how to choose.
Buying Guides
How to choose and where to buy authentic, Japanese-made craft goods.
Experiences
Workshops and craft towns you can visit in Japan.
Regions
Craft regions of Japan and what each is known for.
Glossary
Japanese craft terms, explained.
Latest guides
CraftsTypes of Japanese Knives: Deba, Yanagiba, Usuba, Santoku & More
Japanese kitchen knife types from Japanese sources: why many wa-bocho are single-edged, how Kanto and Kansai shapes differ, and which knife to buy first.
Buying GuidesGyuto vs Santoku vs Bunka: How to Choose Your First Japanese Knife
Gyuto, santoku or bunka? Compare blade length and tip shape, see why Japanese sources disagree on what a bunka is, and choose between stainless and carbon steel.
Buying GuidesHow to Tell If a Japanese Knife Is Really Made in Japan
Made in Japan or just Japanese-style? An eight-point checklist for knife listings, plus what place names, steel names and Damascus patterns do and don't prove.
Buying GuidesHow to Care for and Sharpen a Japanese Knife: Rust, Washing and Whetstones
Japanese knife care from Japanese makers: preventing rust, washing and drying, why dishwashers are out, whether you need a whetstone, and how resharpening works.
ExperiencesKnife-Making and Sharpening Experiences in Japan: Sakai, Echizen, Seki & More
Where to make, sharpen or watch Japanese knives being forged in Sakai, Echizen, Sanjo, Seki and Tosa, checked against Japanese official tourism pages.
RegionsJapan's Knife-Making Towns Compared: Sakai, Echizen, Tosa, Sanjo and Seki
Sakai, Echizen, Tosa, Sanjo and Seki each make knives differently. Compare their history, national craft status, where to visit, and how to buy by town name.
GlossaryJapanese Knife Glossary: Terms, Kanji and Meanings
A dictionary-style glossary of Japanese kitchen knife terms with kanji, readings and short meanings: knife types, steels, construction, care, places and labels.
CraftsHow Traditional Kintsugi Works: Urushi, Steps and Key Terms
Kintsugi mends pottery with urushi lacquer and gold. See why lacquer needs humid air to harden, the steps in one traditional class, aftercare and where to get repairs.
CraftsThe True Story of Kintsugi: What Japanese Sources Actually Say
Did kintsugi begin with Ashikaga Yoshimasa's cracked tea bowl? What Japanese museums and researchers say about its history, from Jomon lacquer repairs to Edo.