Arts and crafts in Japan is a huge topic.  My gosh, one could write books about the topic, the history, the craft, the various kinds.  

I can’t possibly do that in a blog post and I’m no expert so I’m simply going to record some different experiences I had in Japan April 2023 with some of the different forms of arts and crafts. Hope you enjoy. 

My sense is that the Japanese truly love being surrounded with beautiful things.  It’s a marvelous country to visit for those of us who feel the same way. 

Art on Manhole Covers

My first discovery though was not of an object but of a manhole cover.  Actually a lot of them.  In the town of Matsumoto, we kept seeing brightly colored ones with a similar theme. 

It wasn’t too long before we learned that they replicate the Temari Balls. Read this link to learn more about Termari Balls.   Fascinating.  https://japanobjects.com/features/temari 

Originally toys for children, now artistic objects, Tamari Balls are beautiful and what a hoot, replicated on manhole covers. I wish I had bought one—a termari ball not a manhole cover.  

We spent a fair amount of time exploring ceramics. I don’t think we barely broke the surface of what you can see in Japan but in Western Japan, we explored the town of Karatsu, one of the three most important towns in Kyushu for ceramics.  We saw pieces being made and even visited a very old Kilm.  Covered in grass it dates to the 1200’s.

Ceramics have been made popular by the tea ceremony. I liked the bowl with a spout for Sake.  

For more about the Japanese tea Ceremony here is a link.   Japan Tea Ceremony: Buddhism in a Cup. 

The combination of cameras and ceramics was an innovative idea.  This shop held my interest  for a long time.

Longest Foot Bath in Japan

Colorful tiles were another delight and a surprise.  When we visited and enjoyed the longest foot bath in Japan on the Shimabara Peninsula, I saw lovely tiles installed in the sea wall near by.  What could be better? Soaking our feet, looking at the ocean and enjoying tiles created by artists.  Ahhhh, lovely. 

In Kanazawa, the Museum of the 21st Century is  a bit draw for art focused people. This outdoor installation at the museum intrigued me.  Colorful panels standing in a circular pattern a bit like a labyrinth.  Soon I was capturing our shadows….and then a young boy ran into the picture creating an image I rather like.  It is fun to use art as a background for my own efforts.  

Umbrellas are part of life in Japan often used to shade the sun. Stay tuned for some photos in an upcoming blog post about the red ones in weddings, but this slice of color drew my eye.    

I was in Japan on a trip called Cuisine and Culture of Western Japan.  Espirit Travel. 

Heads Up

Susan will be giving a presentation at Olli at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids on November 30 at 9:30. 

Join her on a journey to the Land of the Rising Sun where she will share photography from three multi week trips to Japan over the last four years.  

Experience the Cherry Blossom festival, the bullet trains, interesting art focused venues, Buddhist Temples, Shinto Shrines and both Atomic Bomb sites along with a plethora of other items and experiences around this exotic destination.