Handcrafted work
Today, the rain that lasted until yesterday has finally stopped, and we have a clear autumn sky. In Japan, we call this kind of weather “Akibare,” which means “autumn sunshine.” It’s basically an ordinary sunny day, but since the hot summer has passed and the air feels so pleasant, we give it a special name to celebrate and enjoy it.
This is also the travel season, so many people go out to visit sightseeing spots. As for me, I’m taking two days off, and I’m now in Shizuoka. It’s a city about 110 kilometers from my workshop in Odawara, famous for Mt. Fuji and Japanese green tea. Shizuoka is also known for its woodworking, and many of the woods we use in our region are supplied from here. Also, the headquarters of one of my favorite companies, "Tamiya Inc.", is located very close to here. Do you know Tamiya? They’re a world-famous company known for their plastic model kits 😊
About ten years ago, I used to visit Shizuoka quite often because my family lived here for a while. So I know the area well. But it’s been around ten years since I last came, so it feels very nostalgic to be back 😅
I’m staying here today and tomorrow I’m planning to visit a handmade craft fair that’s being held here. I won’t be selling anything this time — I just want to look around, and an artist I know will be exhibiting there. About a thousand handmade artists are expected to take part in the fair. There will be many different types of crafts — leather goods, fabric items, woodwork, glasswork, and more. Most of the exhibitors are individual artists who create all their work by hand.
I also work as a craftsman myself, but every time I see other artists working by hand, I’m always impressed by their dedication. Not only are their creations wonderful, but the way they display them for sale is also very creative and beautifully arranged.
Selling at fairs like this takes a lot of effort — from preparation to setting up the booth and cleaning up afterward. But being able to see both the person who made the work and the piece itself at the same time is truly an enjoyable experience.
When it comes to puzzle boxes, since we need to make many pieces of the same quality at the same time, there are some parts of the process where machines are used. However, many of the works at this fair are made entirely by hand, without the use of large machines, and each one has its own unique character. I’m sure I’ll get a lot of inspiration and new ideas from them!😲
Have a nice weekend!
This is also the travel season, so many people go out to visit sightseeing spots. As for me, I’m taking two days off, and I’m now in Shizuoka. It’s a city about 110 kilometers from my workshop in Odawara, famous for Mt. Fuji and Japanese green tea. Shizuoka is also known for its woodworking, and many of the woods we use in our region are supplied from here. Also, the headquarters of one of my favorite companies, "Tamiya Inc.", is located very close to here. Do you know Tamiya? They’re a world-famous company known for their plastic model kits 😊
About ten years ago, I used to visit Shizuoka quite often because my family lived here for a while. So I know the area well. But it’s been around ten years since I last came, so it feels very nostalgic to be back 😅
I’m staying here today and tomorrow I’m planning to visit a handmade craft fair that’s being held here. I won’t be selling anything this time — I just want to look around, and an artist I know will be exhibiting there. About a thousand handmade artists are expected to take part in the fair. There will be many different types of crafts — leather goods, fabric items, woodwork, glasswork, and more. Most of the exhibitors are individual artists who create all their work by hand.
I also work as a craftsman myself, but every time I see other artists working by hand, I’m always impressed by their dedication. Not only are their creations wonderful, but the way they display them for sale is also very creative and beautifully arranged.
Selling at fairs like this takes a lot of effort — from preparation to setting up the booth and cleaning up afterward. But being able to see both the person who made the work and the piece itself at the same time is truly an enjoyable experience.
When it comes to puzzle boxes, since we need to make many pieces of the same quality at the same time, there are some parts of the process where machines are used. However, many of the works at this fair are made entirely by hand, without the use of large machines, and each one has its own unique character. I’m sure I’ll get a lot of inspiration and new ideas from them!😲
Have a nice weekend!
