Rethinking Japanese Luxury (1): Traditional Crafts Today: A Personal Perspective

The market for traditional Japanese crafts, while open to debate regarding its size, undoubtedly retains a dedicated clientele. Even in an era dominated by inexpensive mass-produced goods, few question the exceptional quality of these crafts, and many still prefer them over impersonal, factory-made products. However, the persistent challenge of finding successors reveals that craft-making is not widely seen as a desirable career path. While internal issues such as low wages and exploitative distribution systems may play a role, the undeniable truth is that these products are simply not selling as well as they should.

As for global recognition, Japanese crafts are highly esteemed by those familiar with them. Yet during my recent visits to galleries in Europe, I noticed that greater value seemed to be placed on older pieces rather than contemporary works. Moreover, it is rare to see Japanese lacquerware, pottery, or furniture in high-end retail spaces abroad. In stark contrast, Western glassware, tableware, and furniture often occupy prominent sections in Japanese department stores. Even within Japan, the space dedicated to Japanese ceramics is often smaller than that for Western counterparts. This suggests that the global presence of Japanese crafts remains relatively limited.

That said, many international visitors to Japan actively purchase traditional crafts. In Kyoto’s craft shops, it’s not uncommon to find foreign customers making up the majority. Recently, an increasing number of craft stores have emerged in the city, and conversations with shop owners revealed that many are now catering specifically to inbound tourists. With the domestic market continuing to shrink, there is a growing awareness that expanding sales overseas is essential to securing the future of traditional crafts. And it seems that traditional crafts are increasingly being discussed in the context of luxury.