Journal: Stories of Japanese Craft & Design

The Next Meaning of Made in Japan: Factory Brands, Support-Based Crowdfunding and the Remaking of Local Production Regions ｜TOKOWAKA

過去「不用面對消費者」是一種安全，如今卻成了不穩定的依賴。日本中小製造業如何透過 D2C、群眾募資與 Open Factory 打開工廠大門，擺脫「下請け」代工宿命，重新把自己的名字印在產品上？本文帶你深度拆解日本產地的轉型思維。

12 min read

Japanese mineral makeup moto's signature Mineral Rich Powder and Foundation made with rare Tōei sericite.

A Foundation That Begins in a Mine: How moto Turns Tōei’s Sericite Into Light on the Skin

Some base makeup doesn't begin in a department store. Discover how Japanese mineral makeup brand moto uses rare Tōei sericite to create foundation that brings a natural, silk-like light to your skin.

Japanese Brands

9 min read

YUJINART Japanese craft kimekomi daruma doll created with Nishijin-ori textile

The Light in a Piece of Cloth, the Stillness of a Human Form: Inside YUJINART’s Century of Craft｜TOKOWAKA

See how YUJINART translates century-old Japanese craft into modern spaces. Tokowaka explores their use of Nishijin-ori textiles and Kimekomi techniques for contemporary interiors and fashion.

Japanese Brands

7 min read

The 2026 Good Design Award jury team, including Chair Jun Nakagawa and Vice Chairs, discussing the future of corporate vision and craft design.

When Craft Starts Talking About Vision: After Jun Nakagawa’s Appointment, Where Does the Good Design Award Want to Take Design? ｜ TOKOWAKA

In 2026, Jun Nakagawa became chair of the Good Design Award. As evaluation shifts from mere aesthetics to corporate vision, how will traditional crafts transition from preservation to industry renewal? Explore past GDA winners to see the future of craft.

Insights

9 min read

A group photograph taken in 1920 in front of the gate of the Taichung School of Craft Studies, with Mr. Yamanaka Isao seated at the center of the front row.

Tropical Papayas on a Lacquer Surface: In These Hybrid Objects, Another Taiwan Comes Into View｜TOKOWAKA

Discover the century-long history of Taiwanese and Japanese craft exchange. From Penglai lacquerware to Mingei and Kintsugi, explore how Japanese techniques and Taiwan's landscapes blended to create unique everyday objects.

Japanese Crafts

7 min read

A woman in a white pleated skirt wears bright red-and-plaid Gyoda tabi, showing how the traditional Japanese split-toe footwear has found a place in contemporary everyday dress.

Putting the Foot Back on the Ground: From Rikuoh to Gyoda Tabi, and the Contemporary Return of a Century-Old Craft ｜TOKOWAKA

Discover the century-old craftsmanship behind Gyoda Tabi, the traditional Japanese split-toe shoes featured in the hit drama Rikuoh. Explore how SAMURAITABI is bringing this "barefoot feel" back to modern daily life.

Japanese Crafts

6 min read

The effe rescue whistle from Sabae, showcasing Phase Free design that blends disaster preparedness with beautiful everyday Japanese craft.

Kept Within Reach, Not Buried in a Closet: How Japanese Craft Brings Phase Free Into Daily Life | TOKOWAKA

Disaster readiness shouldn't mean hiding gear in a closet. Discover how the Japanese concept of "Phase Free" design transforms traditional crafts—like Sabae whistles and Aizu lacquerware—into beautiful, life-saving everyday objects.

Japanese Crafts

7 min read

A beautiful Japanese traditional craft object illustrating the concept of yo no bi, representing the strict Dentoteki Kogeihin designation.

Not Every Beautiful Object Qualifies as Dentōteki Kōgeihin ｜TOKOWAKA

What does it take for an object to be officially recognized as a Japanese traditional craft? Discover the 5 rigorous criteria of Dentōteki Kōgeihin and the philosophy of time, use, and regional identity behind them.

Japanese Crafts

8 min read