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.
Explore
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
Buying GuidesTetsubin Care: Seasoning, Drying, Rust and Cloudy Water
Iwate makers say not to scrub off the white scale and red spots in a tetsubin. How to season a new kettle, dry it, handle rust and cloudy water, and use it on gas or IH.
ExperiencesKintsugi Workshops in Japan: Which Class Fits You, in Tokyo and Kyoto
Kintsugi classes in Tokyo and Kyoto compared from the schools' own Japanese pages: genuine urushi or simple, what you do, price, English, and taking the piece home.
CraftsHow Traditional Kintsugi Works: Urushi, Steps and Key Terms
In kintsugi the gold joins nothing: urushi lacquer is the glue. See why lacquer needs humid air to harden, the steps in one traditional class, and where to get a repair.
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.
CraftsNambu Tekki Guide: Iwate Cast Iron from Morioka and Mizusawa
Nambu tekki is Iwate's cast ironware. See the work behind it, how the two centres Morioka and Mizusawa differ, how to spot the real thing and where to visit.
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: Choosing Your First Japanese Knife
Kai and Zwilling Japan both point beginners to a santoku. Compare gyuto, santoku and bunka by length and tip, see where sources differ on bunka, and pick a steel.
Buying GuidesIs That Japanese Knife Really Made in Japan? 8 Checks
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.