A man in a white karate gi with black belt standing on a dojo mat in a martial arts training room.

Two people working in a woodworking shop surrounded by tools and wood shavings, with one person operating a wood lathe.

A man holding a handmade puppet, smiling at the camera, with a workspace in the background.

Stories of commitment to centuries-old tradition.

Smiling elderly man with glasses in an industrial or manufacturing setting.

A smiling man dressed in traditional white Japanese blacksmith attire, sitting in a workshop with blacksmithing tools and equipment, including a forge and tongs, behind him.

A woman with short dark hair smiling in a cluttered kitchen or workshop space, wearing a white shirt and black apron, surrounded by shelves and various kitchen or craft supplies.

Meet the Masters

Discover the artisan behind the art with in-depth interviews exploring each of the narratives of Deeper Japan’s cultural expert partners.

Deeper Japan 6/10/25 Deeper Japan 6/10/25

Meet Mitsumasa, Kurume Kasuri Artisan

“I’m doing a job that’s been going on for over 200 years, and I’ve been continuing the job in the same exact way it has been practiced for over 200 years.”

— Mitsumasa, Kurume Kasuri Artisan

Meet Yoshiharu, Mujizome Dyer

“I can share stories of being a craftsperson and about the difficulties of being a craftsperson, from my own experience. I hope I can convey such things to incoming guests. I think that is very important for those who come to experience our work here.”

— Yoshiharu, Mujizome Artisan