‘Shokunin' is a Japanese term literally translating to ‘artisan’ or ‘craftsperson’ in English but the Japanese meaning runs much deeper. A true Shokunin, according to Ben Richards, the author of this book of the same name, is ‘someone who dedicates their life to mastering their craft’ and ‘a rejection of mass-produced standardisation and a personal responsibility to preserve their traditions for future generations.’
The vast majority of annual visitors who swarm to Japan will follow the same well‑worn paths, and much of the country’s deeper cultural identity goes unnoticed, ‘a more meaningful Japan; one shaped by human hands and a long-standing respect for craft and design’.
Ben Richards guides readers up and down the country, from Kyushu’s porcelain towns to the smithies of Kanazawa, and Ainu jewellery makers in Hokkaido to indigo artisans in the Japanese Alps. With actionable itineraries for each region, this book is a practical tool to help you explore Japan with a focus on design and authenticity.
