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japanese craftsmanship

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Craft

Making the cut

We join movie directors, curators and yakuza, who all drop in on the young blade keeping alive a centuries-old Japanese craft.

  • Issue #164
  • 4 min read
Sotaro Matsumura working with precision at his whetstone, wearing traditional indigo samue robes in his cedar workshop
Product design

Digging it

Getting your hands dirty in the name of cultivating your green patch is that much more pleasing with the right tools. And in Japan they have developed the ultimate garden shed accessories.

  • Issue #162
  • 5 min read
Royal Gardener's Club yellow watering can with retractable lid and long spout against beige background
Travel and restaurants

Hidden gems

The small Japanese town of Yame, and its surrounding countryside, is pulling in visitors with its new inn and craft heritage.

  • Issue #161
  • 10 min read
Traditional Japanese room with tatami floors, exposed wooden beams, paper lantern, low table and built-in shelving
Retail

Paper win

Expert gift wrapper Sayaka Takagi applies a precise finishing touch.

  • Issue #159
  • 1 min read
Sayaka Takagi smiling behind a counter with wrapped gifts at Itoya's Ginza store
Architecture

Hidden treasures

On a quiet residential street in Japan’s historic capital stands a living monument to the city’s coveted craft traditions.

  • Issue #158
  • 6 min read
Wooden walkway leading through internal courtyard garden with moss-covered ground and traditional Japanese architecture
Retail

Socks appeal

If you're in Japan and need hosiery for any occasion, there's only one place to shop. Tabio have shaped the market in its own image.

  • Issue #157
  • 5 min read
Colorful array of various socks in different patterns, colors and styles arranged on white background
Fashion

Call to action

How Japanese outdoors company Goldwin melds technical prowess with sharp cuts for adventurers and urban explorers – and is now known for producing the world’s most coveted outdoorswear.

  • Issue #153
  • 9 min read
Call to action
Fashion

Spring it on

Our round-up of the latest looks for spring takes in unisex cashmere from Amsterdam, ethical cotton from Nigeria, Japanese specs in the spotlight and the resurgence of a thoroughly modern Marimekko.

  • Issue #142
  • 1 min read
Spring it on

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