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Arts and Skills of Hida Takayama: A Look into Traditional Craftsmanship

In the 8th century, the renowned craftsmen of the Hida region, specifically the Hida no takumi, were elevated to prominence due to a decree by the imperial government. This decree enforced the provision of skilled woodworkers to the imperial capital in lieu of traditional taxation in the Hida area.

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Artisanry and Traditional Crafts of Hida Takayama: A Deep Dive Into Japan's Masterful Craftsmanship
Artisanry and Traditional Crafts of Hida Takayama: A Deep Dive Into Japan's Masterful Craftsmanship

Arts and Skills of Hida Takayama: A Look into Traditional Craftsmanship

Takayama, set in the forested heart of Japan's Hida region, has a rich history of skilled craftsmanship that dates back to the eighth century. The town's artisans, dubbed the Hida no takumi, were legendary master craftsmen who contributed significantly to creating Japan's ancient wooden structures.

Originally supplying the imperial government with timber and skilled workers as part of a tax development system, the Hida no takumi made their mark in the construction of famous shrines and temples in Nara and other historical capitals. With 1,300 years of history, their craftsmanship remains alive in Takayama, honored with 235 national treasure crafts (as of November 2019).

Our platform is highlighting six artists from various crafts in Takayama, including woodcarving, textiles, ceramics, kirie (papercutting), lighting, and photography, representing the region's diverse creativity and the legacy of Hida no takumi.

Ayayuki Kosaka II and Kosaka Choubou Studio

A second-generation woodcarver, Ayayuki Kosaka II, delves into his father's footsteps in creating Ichii itto bori, a complex style of woodcarving that uses a single instrument (usually a chisel) - only on Japanese yew wood. His pieces have garnered numerous awards, and he was instrumental in renovating Nagoya Castle's interior.

Ryota Fukujyu and Fukujyu Shunkei Lacquerware Studio

Established in 1850, Fukujyu Shunkei Lacquerware Studio is a traditional lacquerware workshop in its fifth generation. Led by Ryota Fukujyu, the studio fuses tradition with modern elegance while preserving Hida Shunkei's unique essence.

Shibukusa Ryuzo Kiln

Dating back to the seventh generation, Shibukusa Ryuzo Kiln is renowned for its Shibukusa-yaki ceramics. Master ceramist Shibukusa Ryuzo VI is famous for his detailed, classic designs featuring elaborate, concentric patterns and cherry blossom paintings, as well as deep, rich red-dyed porcelain. His successor, Shibukusa Ryuzo VII, collaborates with artists across various fields to showcase his innovative yet respectful interpretations of the Shibukusa-yaki technique.

Norihito Yoshimoto

Norihito Yoshimoto is a dedicated papercutting artist. The roots of kirigami, or paper cutting, date back to the eighth century in Japan. Yoshimoto's creations reflect this rich legacy while bringing new life and meaning to the intricate art form.

Kakishita Woody Works Co., Ltd.

Since its establishment in 1957, Kakishita Woody Works has produced high-quality wooden lighting products in Hida Takayama. Their celebrated Moare line is Japan's first wooden lighting brand and showcases traditional skill harmonized with modern designs.

Fukutaro Teraji

Fukutaro Teraji is a photographer and videographer from Takayama who aims to capture the essence of the region through a unique perspective. His work has received significant recognition, including winning the Grand Prize in Universal Music's video contest in 2013.

This selection of artists highlights the creative diversity and the enduring legacy of the Hida no takumi in Takayama. Their craftsmanship continues to make a meaningful impact on Japanese culture and provides a valuable educational resource to curious minds.

  1. Ayayuki Kosaka II, a second-generation woodcarver, continues the tradition of his ancestors, creating Ichii itto bori on Japanese yew wood, significant for its use of a single instrument.
  2. The Fukujyu Shunkei Lacquerware Studio, established in 1850, is a traditional lacquerware workshop that showcases modern elegance while preserving the unique essence of Hida Shunkei.
  3. The Shibukusa Ryuzo Kiln, dating back to the seventh generation, is revered for its Shibukusa-yaki ceramics, with master ceramist Shibukusa Ryuzo VI known for his intricate and classic designs.
  4. Norihito Yoshimoto is a dedicated papercutting artist, following in the footsteps of his Japanese predecessors, bringing new life and meaning to the intricate art form of kirigami.
  5. Kakishita Woody Works Co., Ltd., founded in 1957, produces high-quality wooden lighting products in Hida Takayama, showcasing traditional skill harmonized with modern designs through its celebrated Moare line.
  6. Fukutaro Teraji, a photographer and videographer from Takayama, captures the essence of the region with a unique perspective, earning significant recognition for his work.
  7. The diverse creativity of these six artists serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Hida no takumi, providing a valuable educational resource for those seeking to understand the rich cultural heritage of Takayama.

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