Meet some of Japan's top artisans and try your hand at metalworking in one of the most famous industrial regions in the world
We arrived just in time to catch a glimpse of the sweat, blood, and tears that go into making the high quality products Japan is known for worldwide. Just a two-hour shinkansen trip from Tokyo, Niigata's Sanjo and Tsubame cities – which are technically two separate municipalities, but are often branded as one – are famous for their metalworking, with the region's artisans being particularly known for their innovation and dedication to their craft.
The region's industry can be traced back to humble beginnings, when only a few lone craftsmen made wakugi (a Japanese-style nail) during the Edo period, and recently there's been a move to connect the artisans directly to their customers through factory tours and events. The idea is that through witnessing the labor-intensive process behind crafted items, customers can gain an understanding into their creation.
SANJO: HEAVY METAL AND BACH
この記事は Tokyo Weekender の August 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Tokyo Weekender の August 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
The Life And Love Of Japan's New Emperor
As Emperor Akihito prepares to step down, all eyes are turning towards his son and successor, Crown Prince Naruhito. Here, we reflect on his relatively down-to-earth upbringing, the freedom he felt while living in England, and whether his wife, who has battled for years to adjust to palace life, is ready to take on the role of empress.
What It's Really Like Inside Terrace House
The Japanese reality TV show has been described as both boring and fascinating, and has gathered a cult following abroad. Matthew Hernon chats with the stars to find out what it’s like on the inside.
Sanjo And Tsubame: Forged By Fire
Meet some of Japan's top artisans and try your hand at metalworking in one of the most famous industrial regions in the world
1 In 6 The Number Of Children In Japan Living In Relative Poverty
Although Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stated there is "no way" Japan is in poverty, statistics show that 54% of single-parent families, and 16% of children, are living below the poverty line. Matthew Hernon investigates the country’s hidden crisis.
Food Is Like Fashion
Chef extraordinaire Bill Granger on being inspired by Japan’s visual culture, what he learnt from his butcher father and grandfather, and his favorite Bills branches including the latest opening in Ginza.
Under The Tracks In Yurakucho
Surrounded by the extravagance of areas such as Marunouchi, Ginza, Hibiya and Shimbashi, this old-school neighborhood is something of an island extending in a narrow strip beneath the Yamanote line. But it does have a few modern surprises up its sleeve…
Breaking The Rules Of Kimono
A new book by Dr sheila Cliffe shows off the different personalities of this very traditional yet often misconceived garment.
The Misunderstood Crows Of Tokyo
Love or hate them, the city’s gigantic crows cannot be ignored. To make sense of their place in the concrete jungle, we look at their longheld connection with Japan, and some surprising lessons we can learn from these sometimes smart, sometimes foolish “urban guerrillas of birds”
Boys For Sale
A shocking new documentary brings to light a particular kind of sex trade happening in shinjuku ni-chome,where young, mostly straight boys are being paid to sleep with older men.
Seeking White Sand
Craving an island escape? Here are three destinations in Japan that should be on the list of “Asia’s best beaches”