Editor's Column “The Path of Japanese Crafts” Part1: Japanese Aesthetic Sense

The term “mujo” refers to the concept that things are transient, not eternal. When expressed as “shogyo mujo” (literally, “all things are impermanent”), it signifies the transitory nature of all phenomena. “Mujo-kan” (“view of impermanence”), on the other ...

“Shibui” is one of Japan’s traditional aesthetics, expressing a deep-seated charm. Although commonly used to describe flavors, as for tea or wine, the term is versatile and finds its way into everyday language, describing not only taste but also colors or expres...

Ikigai. This word gained recognition among many non-Japanese following the overseas publication in 2016 of a book titled Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. “Ikigai” is an abbreviated form of an expression that means “a reason for living”...

In Japan, there is a word “縁” (en), which is used to describe not only connections between people but also the ties and relationships among various aspects of life. It is a word deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy and thinking.The concept of en is derived from the Bud...

When discussing the aesthetics of Japanese craftsmanship, there are several essential aspects that cannot be overlooked. One of these is the concept of “Yo-no-bi.” Although commonly translated as “the beauty of everyday things,” the phrase literally means ...

“Zen” is a widely known word overseas, similar to wabi-sabi. Owing to the influence of Steve Jobs, it is one of the Eastern spiritualities that continues to pique the interest of people in the Western world. When you hear the word “Zen,” often the first th...

As you learn more about the Japanese sense of beauty, you will come to realize that the Japanese people possess at their core a fundamental shizenkan, or “view on nature.” Japanese people find the falling cherry blossoms beautiful, not simply because of their beautiful colors or ...

Junichiro Tanizaki’s essay In Praise of Shadows, published in 1933, is one of the books that introduced Japanese aesthetics to the world. Written in a unique style, the book highlights the importance of dim light and shadow in the Japanese lifestyle. It has become a must-re...

When discussing the uniquely Japanese sense of beauty, the words “ma” and “yohaku” are indispensable, as are “wabi-sabi.” “Ma” is mainly used in theater, music, and interpersonal relationships, while “yohaku” is frequently used in a...

“Wabi-sabi” is one of Japan’s traditional aesthetic sensibilities, having grown out of Zen. Japan has long had a variety of aesthetic senses, such as “mono no aware” and “iki”, but wabi-sabi is one Japanese term that has spread worldwide, and can now be co...

Japanese crafts are beautiful. Sometsuke plates drawn with gosu pigment, bowls made up of many layers of lacquer, light-colored textiles dyed with the natural kusaki-zome technique, and one-of-a-kind yakishime style vases with unpredictable yohen effects that emerge during firing...