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 7/10/26 Deeper Japan 7/10/26

Meet Ryuta, Bashofu Textile Artisan

“[Visitors] can see a craft that isn't easily found elsewhere, touch the raw materials, handle finished fabrics, and even see and touch the plants that the fiber comes from.”

— Ryuta, Bashofu Textile Artisan