伝統工芸とは ～日本の伝統～

What is traditional craft?

Traditional crafts are arts and crafts that are made using techniques and techniques that have been passed down over many years. Traditional crafts reflect the history and culture of the region and are considered one of Japan’s important cultural heritage.

Japan’s traditional crafts are extremely diverse. Typical examples include:

Ceramics: Imari ware, Arita ware, Kutani ware, Konohiki, Shigaraki ware, etc.

Dyeing and weaving: Kyo Yuzen, Kaga Yuzen, Kurume Kasuri, Hida Takayama Tsumugi, etc.

Lacquerware: Wajima lacquerware, Kyoto lacquerware, Kanazawa lacquerware, etc.

Metalwork: Nanbu ironware, Edo Kiriko, cloisonné, etc.

Bamboo crafts: tortoise shell braiding, Hyogo braiding, etc.

 

Each of these traditional crafts is made using unique techniques and captivates the viewer. Traditional crafts can be enjoyed not only as practical items, but also as ornaments.

In recent years, traditional crafts have been attracting attention from the younger generation. This is because people are reaffirming the beauty and depth of traditional crafts and are becoming more conscious of preserving traditional culture.

Traditional crafts are Japan’s treasures. It is important that we continue to protect and develop it.

Information about traditional crafts

Information on traditional crafts can be obtained from the following sites.

Traditional Craft Industry Promotion Association: https://kougeihin.jp/learn/
KOGEI JAPAN: https://kogeijapan.com/locale/en_US/
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Traditional Crafts: https://www.kanto.meti.go.jp/seisaku/chiiki_brand/index_densan.html
Agency for Cultural Affairs Traditional Crafts: https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkazai/kougei_hogo/93650901.html

These sites provide introductions to traditional crafts, event information, and information on production areas. If you are interested in traditional crafts, be sure to visit these sites.

NFT and traditional crafts

In recent years, the technology called NFT (Non-Fungible Token) has been attracting attention, and its use is expanding into the world of traditional crafts. NFT uses a technology called blockchain to give unique ownership rights to digital data.

Traditionally, traditional crafts have been sold as physical objects. However, by using NFT, it becomes possible to sell the digital data of traditional crafts as NFT. As a result, you can expect the following benefits:

Developing new sales channels for traditional crafts: Through NFT marketplaces, etc., it will be possible to sell traditional crafts to people around the world.
Increasing the value of traditional crafts: By issuing highly rare NFTs, the value of traditional crafts can be increased.
Creating a new source of income for traditional craftspeople: Proceeds from the sale of NFTs can be used as a new source of income for traditional craftspeople.
Preventing counterfeiting of traditional crafts: NFTs have anti-counterfeiting functions, so they can be used to prevent counterfeiting of traditional crafts.

Several initiatives for traditional crafts using NFT have already begun. For example, we have the following initiatives:

Sales of digital art of traditional crafts: This is an initiative to turn traditional craft designs and photographs into digital art and sell them as NFT.
Selling the right to experience traditional crafts: This is an initiative to sell the right to experience making traditional crafts and participate in workshops as NFT.
Forming a fan community for traditional crafts: This is an initiative to form a fan community for people who have purchased NFTs of traditional crafts and provide a place for interaction.

NFT is a technology that brings new possibilities to the world of traditional crafts. It is expected that there will be more efforts to create traditional crafts using NFT in the future.

Information about NFT and traditional crafts

Information about NFT and traditional crafts can be obtained from the following sites.

NFT and Traditional Crafts Special Feature: [Invalid URL removed]
The potential of traditional crafts x NFT “Proof of Japan x FabCafe Kyoto”: https://fabcafe.com/jp/events/kyoto/NFT_x_traditional_crafts
First in Japan! Start of a project to revitalize Japanese traditional crafts with NFT: https://www.jalan.net/kankou/280000/281700/g2_23/
NFT project “Chishin from the Past”, which aims to deliver the appeal of traditional Japanese crafts created by “Living National Treasures” to the world and preserve Japanese traditional culture, has been released: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001214.000006792. html

These sites feature articles, interviews, and event information related to NFTs and traditional crafts. If you are interested in NFTs and traditional crafts, please visit these sites.

Notes

NFT is a relatively new technology, and there are some areas where the legal system and market environment are not yet established. Please use caution when purchasing or selling NFTs.

Additionally, NFTs are also speculative products. It should be noted that the value of NFTs can fluctuate widely depending on market conditions.

Future outlook

NFT is a technology that has the potential to bring about major changes in the world of traditional crafts. It is expected that in the future, as more efforts are made to create traditional crafts using NFT, new value will be created for traditional crafts, and they will become loved by many people.