What are the main handicrafts produced in Japan?

In fact, not only ancient architecture, but also the traditional crafts of Japan, the Kyoto News Agency friends have a lot of feelings; on the one hand, we feel that the best of the tradition should be inherited and promoted, but on the other hand, the relentless impact of modernization to the tradition of sighing.

Since the founding of Kyoto, its traditional cultural industries have flourished and fallen into disrepair during many wars and have been passed down to the present day. Although they are not as prosperous as they used to be, there are still some people in Japan and Kyoto who are working hard to inherit and develop them.

Kyoto's "Nishijin-ori" is a beautiful, high-quality silk fabric made of silk and gold and silver foils that are woven meticulously according to exquisite patterns. It is mainly used for kimono garments, obi sashes, neckties, shawls and interior decoration. It is called "Nishijin-ori" because it is produced in the Nishijin area, and has a history of 500 years.

When we entered the large-scale "Nishijin-ori" hall, a few young girls in kimono and makeup were taking pictures on the stage at the front door, which is one of the special services offered by the "Nishijin-ori" hall for those who like traditional kimono. This is one of the special services offered by Nishijin-ori Kaikan, and anyone who likes traditional kimono can try it out. Shortly after, the kimono fashion show, which is held several times a day, began. With pleasant music and the sound of cameras clicking in the audience's hands, several girls showed off a set of beautiful kimonos to the audience in a graceful and steady manner.

When we looked around, we saw several old wooden looms around the stage, and on the second floor, in a huge space, there was a wide range of "Nishijin-ori" self-produced and self-sold products. Here, you can not only experience the entire process of handcrafting the ancient "Nishijin-ori" from silk weaving to kimono, but also participate in the process if you are interested. At the same time, you can realize that "Nishijin-ori" is an ancient traditional handicraft in Kyoto, Japan, and its heirs are working hard to pass it down and promote it with their perseverance and skill.

The vitality of traditional culture can also be seen in the Satsukiya Tea Ceremony, which is located in the old streets of Kyoto, where in the 16th century, Chirikyu (1522-1591), who had a great influence on the politics and culture of the time, established the tea ceremony that has been passed down to the present day. It has been more than 350 years since the Satoshi family residence was built, and the tea room has been designated as an important cultural property by the Japanese government.

"Welcome." The descendants of the Satoshi family tea ceremony received us warmly. Today, the tea house is not exactly a street full of people, but it is still a crowded place. We were greeted by a woman in her 30s, who explained that the Satsukiya tea ceremony was served with matcha, which is a green powdered tea made by a special method. This method of drinking tea was introduced to Japan in the 12th century by Zen monks who returned from China. On a wide table, she demonstrated the whole process of the tea ceremony from the origin of matcha, props, method of making, water and drinking, etc. When we followed her instructions carefully and finally drank it, we savored the light aroma of the tea and pondered over the four-word motto of "harmony, respect, purity, and silence" which expresses the spirit of the tea ceremony, and savored the tea in a quiet and courteous atmosphere. We are savoring the true meaning of being a human being in a quiet and courteous atmosphere.

In fact, this is not the only thing that has been preserved, inherited and promoted in Kyoto. In the Folk Culture Industry Pavilion of the Kyoto Persuasion Hall, we see that all the traditional ethnic industries have a booth with 66 varieties on display, such as metalwork, marquetry, lacquerware, folding fans, woodblock prints and so on. Each booth has exhibits provided by various association organizations and is equipped with a television which constantly shows customers all the production processes of each variety. Engage in this kind of exhibition may not be able to get how much economic benefits, but a glimpse of the whole picture, they make us y appreciate, in Japan, these pavilions, these people in the industry, these industry associations, they are with a firm conviction and persistent spirit of the traditional handicrafts handed down thousands of years of national art continues to survive and develop and carry on the unremitting efforts. (Reporter Wang Jianming Du Yipeng)