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
This story is from the August 2017 edition of Tokyo Weekender.
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This story is from the August 2017 edition of Tokyo Weekender.
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