
Ohi Chozaemon XI: ‘We cannot make tradition the absolute rule’
The 11th head of the Ohi ware school of ceramics believes his craft can only survive if history is a set of guidelines, not laws.
The Japan TimesFrom European fashion houses to content creators, everyone is talking about "sashiko" — traditional Japanese needlework. But a new book from a third-generation artisan asks the world to remember the craft's
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‘Sashiko’ needlework artisan says craft is about 'the stories behind the stitching'
In a new book, a third-generation craftsman explores how the origins of his art are at risk of being lost in an upswell of popularity.
The Japan Times
What happens when Japan curates its aesthetic for the world?
The Sui Collection of traditional artistry demonstrates how Japan wants to be seen — both domestically and abroad.
The Japan TimesFor its 60th anniversary, Yamaha is expected to pull in ¥48.6 billion ($309 million) by the end of this financial year from its guitar business (16% of the company’s overall musical instrument section).
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After 60 years, Yamaha guitars still striking the right chord
This year marks six decades since the company put out its first acoustic folk guitar, the FG180.
The Japan Times
‘In Japan, people pack everything they love on their nails’
Tokyo’s nail artists say their customers view their chosen designs as reflections of their inner selves.
The Japan Times
Valentino, Italian haute couture 'emperor' who painted fashion red, dies at 93
From Hollywood glamour to Paris haute couture, Valentino built an empire on elegance, devotion to beauty and one unforgettable shade of red.
The Japan Times
Noto's Suzu ware reemerges from the earthquake rubble
Two years after the 2024 earthquake and tsunami, Noto potters find purpose in carrying on their craft.
The Japan Times
Designtide Tokyo 2025 closes this weekend with a creator-led marketplace
After returning in 2025 following a 12-year break, the event finished with a chance for designers and buyers to meet face to face.
The Japan Times
Why Japan’s internet looks weird — unless you live here
A closer look at Japan’s maximalist web design shows how cultural values and practical needs create an online world richer than it appears.
The Japan TimesFrank Gehry, who died Dec. 5 at 96, long rejected the tidy ideals of modernist design and aimed instead to capture the messiness and democratic spirit of daily life.
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Frank O. Gehry, titan of architecture, is dead at 96
Visionary architect of Bilbao’s Guggenheim and a host of landmark works, Gehry closes a career that reshaped cities with sculptural boldness.
The Japan Times