{"id":27423,"date":"2020-06-11T15:01:39","date_gmt":"2020-06-11T14:01:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=27423"},"modified":"2020-06-18T06:17:07","modified_gmt":"2020-06-18T05:17:07","slug":"edo-kiriko-masters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2020\/06\/11\/edo-kiriko-masters\/","title":{"rendered":"Edo\u00a0kiriko and the Kobayashi family"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p><strong>The term for an artisan in Japan is \u2018<em>shokunin<\/em>\u2019; it is heard regularly but never used lightly. At its best, <i>shokuninsan<\/i>\u00a0is a\u00a0title bestowed on those who evidence a complete devotion to their craft. Artisans who make their work the focus of their waking hours. It can indeed mean devoting one\u2019s life to something but as this interview with two<em> Edo\u00a0<\/em><em>kiriko <\/em>(cut glass) masters confirms, in the more refined spheres of Japanese craftsmanship, some crafts are polished over the course of multiple lifetimes. Expertise born across generations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Today we speak with the 3rd\u00a0and 4th generations of the Kobayashi family. A father-and-son who create a style of cut glass synonymous with the refinement that came out of Edo (now Tokyo) approximately 200 years ago.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27441\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27441\" style=\"width: 350px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-27441\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E-510x680.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E-510x680.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E6%B7%91%E9%83%8E.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27441\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Third generation Yoshiro Kobayashi cuts glass by hand into intricate patterns. This glass is still in the early stages the process.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Can you briefly describe what Edo\u00a0kiriko\u00a0is and how it became a craft of Tokyo?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(Yoshiro \/ 3<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0generation)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the fifth year of the emperor\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tenpo\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0reign (1834), it is said that\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> glassblower who lived in the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Odenma-cho<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0neighbourhood of Edo (as current-day Tokyo was known until 1868) started drawing patterns on the surface of glasses using a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">n\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">emery<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0stone<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This led to a wholesale business that specialised in glass and eyeglasses in the area near\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Nihombashi<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(a district that remains well-known even today for its upscale department stores and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">narrow\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">streets of traditional artisans and restaurants).\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kiriko<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(a term that can be translated as \u201cfaceted\u201d due to the intricacy and multi-sided cuts that are made in the glass) originally started in Edo and thus it is called \u2018Edo\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kiriko<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>For those who have not seen Edo\u00a0kiriko\u00a0up close, can you explain what makes it so special?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(Yoshiro \/ 3<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0generation)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kiriko<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0artworks are produced only in old towns in Tokyo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0pieces of Edo\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kiriko<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0remain<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0rare<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The attraction of Edo\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kiriko<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">comes from the intricate<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0cut<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">on the glass<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s surface\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">also<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0from\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the Japanese<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0workmanship<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that is evidenced in the finished piece. Simply holding or even examining a piece can bring about great calm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>I believe you and your son are the third and fourth generation craftsmen of the Kobayashi family. How did your grandfather first decide to partake in Edo\u00a0kiriko? \u202f<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(Yoshiro \/ 3rd generation)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first generation, Kobayashi <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kikuichiro<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0was born in 1896 (the 29<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> year of the Meiji period). He was originally from a rural area of Gunma (about 100 km from central Tokyo). He was the youngest\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nine<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0brothers. When he graduated from primary school<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0at the age of 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, he was apprenticed to Ohashi\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tokumatsu<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">one of the most<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0famous\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Edo\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kiriko<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">craftsman of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">his day<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">).\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ohashi\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tokumatsu<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0learnt the technique of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">k<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">iriko<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0from Emanuel H<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">uptman<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in 1881 (Meiji 14)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, a British glass-cutting engineer at the Shinagawa Glass Factory\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and shortly thereafter<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">became<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0famous\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">as\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">skilled<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0craftsman in\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">his own right<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At age 18, when\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kikuichiro<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0was<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">deemed<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">skilful<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0enough, he left the studio<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0bec<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">o<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">me an independent craftsman and open his<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0own<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0studio<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. That studio remain<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0today<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>How has the business changed from generation to generation?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kouhei<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\/ 4th generation)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Until about 10 years ago, our main business came from the work contracted by a corporate glass maker but that all changed when the glass<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0making division was considered economically unviable and shut down.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">resulted in a lot of lost work and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">was a big change\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">for us<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We now<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0sell our products<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0independently as<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edokiriko1908.com\/english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2018<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Edo\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Kiriko<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Kobayashi<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2019<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27428\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27428\" style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-27428\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-510x383.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27428\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This finished Edo kiriko glass shows the beauty of a finished pieces. This glass is very representative of the style of the Kobayashi family and isn&#8217;t the more &#8220;standard&#8221; red and blue that one typically sees.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Do you feel pressure to carry on the traditions of the\u00a0first and second generation\u00a0Kobayashi?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kouhei<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\/ 4th generation)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I do feel that pressure. The first generation started the business more than one hundred years ago and it has survived the Great Kanto Earthquake (in 1923) and a World War. As the baton passes from one generation to next, the weight of that baton and <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pressure on the successive generation increases. As the fourth-generation representative, I would like to create something relevant\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and also<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0add artistic value to our craft.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What drives you to\u00a0achieve such exemplary quality in your work? \u202f\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(Yoshiro \/ 3<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0generation)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is not something I think about much. I would prefer to let others\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">judge our work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>How do you maintain such concentration where one small miscalculation will ruin a piece of art?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kouhei<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\/ 4th generation)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With any increase in the volume of work that needs to be done, it becomes inevitably harder to concentrate on a single piece but, perhaps surprisingly, the thing that I find most vital to maintaining the utmost concentration and attention to detail is simply looking after one&#8217;s health. If you are tired or hungover or out of shape your concentration will falter. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Aside from this, it is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">really important<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to maintain your motivation towards the job.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What was the training process like to get to this level of craftsmanship? Do you feel it was taught to you or is it something that simply exists in your family&#8217;s DNA?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kouhei<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\/ 4th generation)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0not a matter of DNA.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0grew up with Edo\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kiriko<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. It was always around me and part of the environment I lived in.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I received very little training from the previous generations. Japanese craftsmen have a saying \u201c<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">senaka<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0wo mite\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">manabe<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Children learn by watching their parent\u2019s every movement and carefully replicating in a system of trial and error. This is the environment in which I grew up and learn<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0my craft.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">may<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0sound inefficient<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0but it ensures that the skill is engrained through a repetitive system of PDCA (plan, do, check, adjust). In the long run, this builds foundations\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">of<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0adaptability and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">power of thought.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Is there an aspect of the Japanese concept of \u2018kodawari\u2019 that affects your work?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kouhei<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\/ 4th generation)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Our \u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kodawari<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d is<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0about the quality of our products. Even someone without knowledge of Edo\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kiriko<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0will notice a misplaced cut. It is evident by\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sight<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and to the touch of the hand.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Our pieces will outlive us so even if we are making the same product\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">over and over again<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0thousands of times, every single one must be made of uncompromising quality and each cut made with precision. This is our \u2018<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kodawari<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27443\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27443\" style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-27443\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E7%AE%B8%E7%BD%AE%E3%81%8D%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-510x383.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E7%AE%B8%E7%BD%AE%E3%81%8D%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E7%AE%B8%E7%BD%AE%E3%81%8D%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E7%AE%B8%E7%BD%AE%E3%81%8D%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E7%AE%B8%E7%BD%AE%E3%81%8D%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E7%AE%B8%E7%BD%AE%E3%81%8D%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E7%AE%B8%E7%BD%AE%E3%81%8D%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E7%AE%B8%E7%BD%AE%E3%81%8D%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/%E7%AE%B8%E7%BD%AE%E3%81%8D%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27443\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">These chopstick rests done by 4th generation Kouhei Kobayashi are not a traditional Edo-kiriko motif and shows how the family is trying to make Edo-kiriko more accessible &#8211; and affordable &#8211; to new buyers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>How would you define the Japanese term \u2018shokunin\u2019\u00a0(a term given to Japanese\u00a0crafts-people)?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(Yoshiro \/ 3<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0generation)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is a person who loves what they do. Once a job is started, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">he or she is<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0immerse<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">d completely in their work and in this immersion notices a meagre moment of happiness. That is a\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shokunin<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Have there been many pieces where a mistake has meant that a piece of Edo kiriko was rendered unworthy and had to be destroyed?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(Yoshiro \/ 3<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0generation)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Absolutely. But I\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">don\u2019t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0break them recklessly. These repeated mistakes are perhaps better referred to as \u201ceffort\u201d. For craftsmen, successive failure is what allows for growth. If you\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">don\u2019t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0try something you will never know if it is possible. The applications of this are infinite.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is why<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0studying is something that must last one\u2019s entire life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>How is the reception for your work different between Japanese and overseas buyers?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(Yoshiro \/ 3<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0generation)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0not something that can be easily summed up. The reception amongst Americans, Europeans, and those from Southeast Asia have all been slightly different.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In my experience, the Europeans have focused on the tradition behind Edo\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kiriko<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> whereas many from Southeast Asia have an aspirational appreciation for Japanese crafts. Meanwhile, I have been made to feel that the Japanese are not interested in crafts.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Regardless of nationality, there are those with a strong appreciation of crafts and these individuals have\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">discerning eye. They understand the different levels of sophistication in terms of skill and originality. Perhaps I should have been better at adjusting my work to the demands of the public but, unfortunately, this is not something\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u2019ve<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0been capable of.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27429\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27429\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-27429 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%E5%86%85%E5%81%B4%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-510x383.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"510\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%E5%86%85%E5%81%B4%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%E5%86%85%E5%81%B4%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%E5%86%85%E5%81%B4%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%E5%86%85%E5%81%B4%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%E5%86%85%E5%81%B4%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%E5%86%85%E5%81%B4%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%E5%86%85%E5%81%B4%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Fuji3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%E5%86%85%E5%81%B4%EF%BC%88%E6%98%82%E5%B9%B3%EF%BC%89-rotated.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27429\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Mount Fuji motif is often seen on Edo-kiriko glases but this is really quite exceptional and evidence the craftsmanship of top tier artisans such as the Kobayshi family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Do you feel there is a balance between staying loyal to a traditional craft\u00a0and also to add your own artistic design?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kouhei<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\/ 4th generation)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This balance invariably differs with each artist. I am often experimenting between tradition and innovation<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0but as each piece has its own expression, this balance is never fixed. My new ideas for pieces are built on a foundation of traditional fundamentals. If I allow these ideas to age and develop into my own personal, unique style, I believe that these can form the basis of a new tradition.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kouhei<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\/ 4th generation)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For me, I am not just looking for new designs in an abstract sense, more tangibly I am<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0endlessly<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0pursuing new possibilities of Edo\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">k<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">iriko<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0as\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">jewellery\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">smaller<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0goods<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">haven\u2019t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0traditionally been made as Edo\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kiriko<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Interview by Tyler Palma and Yu Mizuno<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27603\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27603\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-27603 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Edo_kiriko-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Edo kiriko\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Edo_kiriko-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Edo_kiriko-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Edo_kiriko-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Edo_kiriko-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Edo_kiriko-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Edo_kiriko-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Edo_kiriko-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Edo_kiriko-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Edo_kiriko-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Edo_kiriko.jpg 1186w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27603\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Edo kiriko is crafted by select workshops in Japan. These red and blue glasses are more typical Edo kiriko pieces and because of the far less intricate patterns, much cheaper than the work of the Kobayashi family whose work is shown above. Photo by Alastair Donnelly.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F27423\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! The term for an artisan in Japan is \u2018shokunin\u2019; it is heard regularly but never used lightly. At its best, shokuninsan\u00a0is a\u00a0title bestowed on those who evidence a complete devotion to their craft. Artisans who make their work the focus of their waking hours. It can indeed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2525,2367],"tags":[2195,3826,4659,4662,4665,4668],"class_list":["post-27423","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-japanese-arts-and-entertainment","category-japanese-culture-and-history","tag-tokyo","tag-crafting-in-japan","tag-edo-kiriko","tag-tokyo-craft","tag-family-tradition","tag-japanese-craft"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27423","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27423"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27423\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27668,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27423\/revisions\/27668"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27423"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27423"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27423"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}