Hands-on with Japanese Paper, Cabinets, and Knives

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

SUBTITLES! The video is half English, half Japanese, so if you want the subtitles (in English), make sure that CC button is turned on! For my other two videos I talked about in this one, check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGSahXuiedeiqdk and kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5vVXoikqdqHmJY. Have a good one!

[@treborironwolfe]

I didn't need the subtitles. I cannot yet speak Japanese, but the language was conveyed clear enough for me to understand it. Thanks for the great video, keep exploring and posting!! :)

[@snehabhattacharjee9727]

Thank you for showing to us the hidden art unknown to many. A friend of mine who is crazy about Japan is now crazy about your channel. She has been binge watching all your videos from the beginning.

[@freak8385]

Here in Guatemala if you go to lake atitlan you can see the handcraft traditional mayan clothing, made in the same way it has been done for centuries, as well the production of Cacao beans into tablets to make the hot chocolate.

[@jarosawsiudzinski5442]

Echizen, I am coming...

[@garionprak7961]

The paper making lady, she seems to really love her job, I’m happy for her

[@YukorinFukui]

越前を紹介していただきありがとうございます！私の祖父、祖母、いとこは大滝で和紙職人です。このビデオを見つけてとても嬉しかったです。Thank you for introducing Echizen! My grandfather, grandmother, and cousin are Japanese paper craftsmen in Otaki. I was very happy to find this video.

[@Nimeariel]

I think it's so cool that Japan seems to encourage hands-on learning, or at least extensive demonstrations of its many crafts, products, and even general professions to the general public. I don't know if there are many places in the US that would even allow someone to get up-close and personal with some of these things that you've shown without first acquiring a ton of permissions and security checks and hours of training. At least, that's what you hint at when you say that your children could come along (or do come along) and that many of the places you visit offer public tours, audience participation, and/or workshops in many of the locations you've shown. It boggles my mind that they are so willing to share their "secrets" and arts with the rest of the public world so openly and yet other places keep it so secret and special that it's only for "professionals" to handle or do or make. Or, they aren't even open to the public to even come see- they're "employees only" places. Way to go Japan!!!

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Unless it's ice cream or a candy shop, that is how it feels, huh? I think the last time I was taught how to make something unique with my hands outside of school was at a museum as a kid. I lived in Alaska and there was a section where we learned how to make Native American beading of some kind. Otherwise...I struggle to remember any other such trips.

[@unapatton1978]

I visited the Corning Museum of Glass in New York State, where they do offer that. My son worked briefly at the oven to make his own bead. We had enrolled both kids in the engraving drinking glasses. I was very astonished by the American tourists. I found them very unskilled and rude, in places I considered workshops for kids. All the while the employees were surprised at what I consider safe for a three- and twelve-year-old. Btw I am from Germany.

[@ShaunDreclin]

There are places like this in the west! They're not always easy to find but I've had some great experiences trying out some artisan trades with my own hands to really feel what they're like. I can only speak for Canada but I imagine the US is the same.

[@katelynpatterns9611]

I find that when people or companies are super protective of their 'secrets' it often turns out that there's not much to the secret or it's not something you would be happy to see

[@Nimeariel]

Of course, many museums and made-for-tourist locations offer hands-on things or "beginner" workshops. But I don't really know of too many actual working places-of-business that would let you come and actually help them make real, functional products. For example, where in America can we find the "children's museum" in Japan (google it- it's a real place) that lets you actually take on the actual roles of different occupations (sales person, chef, etc etc) and actually sell or make things for other people. Sure there are children's museums in America, but they are clearly fake and clearly just for pretend (except for maybe extra-cost workshops for arts and crafts or other things which are isolated from the general public). Where can we find a sweet potato (i think that's what it was) factory that lets you pick and process your own sweet potatoes and see their factory? Sure we have pick-your-own farms for apples and stuff, and there's Hershey Park to make chocolate, but.... not many actual processing factories. Where else can you hammer your own knife or blow your own glass without first taking some kind of extensive safety course or exclusive extra-cost workshop? Sure places exist, but they seem harder to find or less well-advertised.

[@kimberleeclements7819]

Anyone else feel like a kid again watching Mr. Rodgers as he would show us how things were made? I love this.

[@edvhollywood4544]

I still have a Washi Paper picture framed. It is from a tour to a village which I have no idea where we were. 40 years ago. I bought a tour at Okura hotel for my mom and I. Through a pine forest then we got to a washi paper making place. I will never forget the old women’s hands ,arthritic, from being in the water all day. Back then they were worried the art was dying because no young people to take over. Glad to see this and again can’t wait to go back.

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

The mix of having both Buddhist and Shinto design elements can make a building very beautiful and appealing to look at

[@ayrazz._]

Aye Jun was featured😂

[@ayrazz._]

Melon God 😂 Yes man

[@MrDosa]

I frikin love haku.

[@mustakrakish]

“Some KZbinr” lol

[@imperialphoenix]

Where I'm from, I work in a wood shop where we make hand-carved Carousels! Much of the carousel is made with modern forging techniques, laser cutting out the metal. The horses and the animals, as well as the facade and other decorative elements, are still carved and made by hand. I work in the paint department, where all the artwork, as well as the animals, chariots and parts of the decorations are painted all by hand. No air brush! It's really great knowing that I'm doing something with my hands that other people get to enjoy.

[@LisaMarli]

I was given a Japanese puzzle box when I was a kid. It is long gone, but I still have the classically dressed doll in her glass case. I love the craftsmanship. And yes, Master would be the proper word. I knit, I'm a journeyman at best. But some of my friends are excellent spinners and weavers. And other friends dye fiber and cloth. One friend even studies Japanese fabric dying techniques. Watching her carefully tying off her Shiburi is fascinating. And have bought one of her scarves. I have far too much yarn on my stash, but I love the interesting yarns people have dyed and spun. There is never enough yarn.

[@vantoten]

the craftmanship by the old man making those cabinets is ❤

[@uhuebner]

Maybe you will never be able to make your own paper or cabin, but YOU ARE definitely a shokunin in making documentaries and showing people what life's like where you're from! A crew of ten with dedicated director, camera man, cutter or whatever couldn't do better. Amazing. Every place you show I want to visit!

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@jryaz90]

I realised his workshop is so clean. No dust and so organize.. very clean very Japanese 😍

[@Figgy5119]

I live in Mie and we have some amazing crafts here! Probably the most famous is the Ise Katagami. A specially made washi paper is cut with very intricate designs, and it can be used on its own or it was act as a stencil. It was very famous in the Edo era because it was used for dying kimono. But to me, Mie's most impressive craft is the Kuwana cranes. A monk in Kuwana in the 1700s. The Japanese name for them is the Kuwana 1000 cranes (Kuwana no Senbazuru) but that's a slight exaggeration, as the most cranes made out of one paper is 100. There are still about 50 remaining designs passed down of how to make connected paper cranes out of one piece of paper. Some designs are so unbelievable, it's amazing. But Mie has lots of other beautiful crafts, if you're ever here, please look into them!

[@Vinya]

I visited an exchange student friend in Okinawa when I was 17 and her family took me to a really neat Okinawan village where we used a loom to make a small craft and we made burnt sugar (I can't remember what the translation is off the top of my head). It was so much fun and reminded me a lot of a place we used to go in grade school in Indiana where we could watch horseshoes being made and we could make our own candles. Getting the invitation and opportunity take part in these traditions is always so special!

[@AndyJapandy]

Man, these are the types of videos I want to make when I get back to Tokyo next week! Love the craftsmanship of everything!

[@omgwtf3821]

That shrine and its landscape was beautiful (especially in 4k). Just watching it without any commentary feels so tranquil. It's probably a good thing that not many people go there.

[@DillyDallyDeeleeDallee]

Amazing how Japan preserve so much of their traditional crafts, absolutely mesmerizing!

[@astroam0r]

I think my favorite subject, would be knife making and paper making. So beautiful and artful!

[@susanswanson7757]

All of these Japanese crafts are gorgeous.

[@Jane-ms9ky]

The paper-making is amazing. So enjoy watching it. 💕🙏 the lady is so happy and calm , she looks just like Mako 👸🏻

[@cynthiacaoili8365]

Such a beautiful place, thanks for sharing.

[@OCUBOX]

Thanks For touching on how the Auto-Beating Machine worked, it seemed to operate by magic in the Artisan Knife Documentary You Previously uploaded.

[@etherdog]

Greg, I am glad I have a year and a half to learn about Japan before our visit. Great work! Thank you!

[@shinozsnow]

The cabinets were beautiful. The shrine was gorgeous. The garden looked serene. The paper was fascinating. Thank you so much for showing us this!

[@cathybenson5119]

I love the cabinets with the secret compartments. 😊

[@nuclearbananas3]

i visited the kyoto region and made washi paper at a place that looked really similar to the one here!! the texture of the paper is sooo nice! :) :)

[@jasonyasumoto2163]

Great video. It is true the younger generation is not as umm, eager to work the "traditional ways" of their grandparents on back. This was very interesting, places and these master craftsmen, who only do one thing extremely well, is for me, fascinating to hear them explain their craft. Thanks for doing this video.

[@ctrlaltdisease]

"I saw some youtuber" - Shows a clip of Jun...oh yea..just some random youtuber.

[@astr0philia_]

ctrlaltdisease when?

[@mustakrakish]

Jason Lee lighten up Francis. Japanese youtubers are actually a pretty small community so yeah, Jun has been around and isn’t “some youtuber” lol

[@ashes1ashes]

@@Xman-Flavor look up Rachel and Jun

[@kershaw117]

beat me to it, i just watched this video for the first time and, i saw Jun and the comment. Was a bit surprised. It is what it is though, both are great in their own areas of expertise.

[@vee6253]

This video inspired me to get a canvass, some paints & brushes, and get to work creating a masterpiece!! 👌🏼😎

[@JustMeJH]

When I went to Japan many years ago, some of my favorite experiences were visiting craftspeople like these people who had these "open houses." Please feature more videos like this, and I’ll happily watch them. Thanks!

[@LasseHuhtala]

Fibre lady's pronunciation was so clear. I usually have trouble picking up single words, but she made it easy. #Sensei

[@AaronAntcliff]

I’m really enjoying these videos lately! A kind of “Craftsmanship” series 😎

[@dazdragon445]

As many times as I've been to Japan.....and never been there. On the list for my next trip. Thanks for sharing such a unique beautiful place

[@crazybooklady2104]

Those cabinets are cool.

[@terrenlisa]

those cabinets are awesome! I love all your videos thank you

[@ManOfSteel1]

0:27 that roof is so complex and amazing!

[@San-kq1ss]

these videos are the best, they make us appreciate and bring awareness to traditional arts that are at risk of being lost to time. Please continue making videos on traditional arts and topics!!

[@astroboy3507]

@ 3:23 how beautiful does that look!!!! 👌 The talents between the older man and the younger washi lady skills!!!! Nice vid Greg!! Merry Xmas!!!! 🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻

I'm always astounded by the quality of your work on this channel. You're amazing! お疲れ様でした

[@brandeeisbomb]

Wow I wish there was something like this where I live, I would LOVE this

[@MageThief]

I love watching Japanese handcraft, it is so interesting.

[@gruddy]

Thank you for these high quality vids about japanese craftsmanship!

[@llama-chi]

thank you so much for introducing my city! this looks much interesting :-)))) I love the culture and arts in my city!

[@TheJohn8765]

I have a VG-10 japanese knife and it kicks the crap out of my various European knives both in terms of edge sharpness and retention. Japanese laminated steel is *incredible* and I'd heartily recommend it to anyone that needs a precise tool. Well worth the cost, imo.

[@Boertje247]

I can't wait to visit here! I have 2 huge tansu, one very finely made, and a 100 yr old kitchen caddy that's a bit battered, but I love them. I bought a hand-forged knife--actually, 3-- from an 11th generation steel maker Shigeharu, in Kyoto. Literally went from the train in Narita, then Tokyo, then Kyoto--dropped off our bags and ran to Shigeharu. I cook a lot and the knife is so perfectly balanced (and canted for left or right-hand use, I never get wrist or arm fatigue. Beautiful, and he put my name in kanji on the blade. Next to his. Western arts and crafts....there are artisans, and masters artisans, but you really have to search them out. Mostly painters and sculptors, but there is a local man who makes saddles and tack that are beautifully simple and entirely made by hand.

[@nabukuma]

I know you get this a lot, but I love your videos. The moment I see one crop up in my feed, I can’t wait to click it and see what I’ll learn today :)

[@DaniLevitan]

Dear Sir, this is one of the most interesting channels in KZbin! Congratulations!

[@NarutoUzumaki-ue7fn]

When i think of crafts I DONT THINK OF MAKING DRAWERS A HOUDINI CANT OPEN. Japan is truly amazing. When im im america a think of glueing constriction paper and burning myself with hot glue

[@ditzydoo4378]

Thank you for posting this beautiful travel log of such a fascinating town I would not not have known of otherwise...

[@sga-]

Beautiful! Loved every minute of it. Thank you! Definitely one of my destinations when I visit Japan...if I'm ever so lucky!

[@hanshe4474]

Wow. Echizen is so full of traditional Japanese artistry. I know Tokyo most tourists' destination, this city is so very rich with history which I love about it the most. I'd definitely want to visit there.

[@femar-main]

越前海岸も京都より景色が素晴らしいですよ✨ Echizen coast is More beautiful scenery than Kyoto😆 Come with Echizen City🚃💨

[@jimw544]

Thanks for making these craft videos. I truly love the old crafts.

[@Yesica1993]

The building at :30 (the shrine) is stunning. And so are the cabinets. I was going to ask about how much such a cabinet would cost. But... it's better I don't know. Too depressing. It makes me happy to know there are still people in the world who love and are highly skilled in crafts like these. I hope all these industries find ways to pass these skills on to the younger generation. The thought of such beauty no longer existing in the world because people no longer have these skills seems to me an immeasurable loss. We need beauty in the world!

[@lazyfox1535]

You ever see stuff that has like secret compartments, and like sure you have nothing to hide but that stuff is just so cool that you want it anyway.

[@PallmallFtw]

this video was amazing to watch, thank you very much for sharing it with the world. May good luck and good fortune always be with you. Greetings from Germany

[@eXtremeLink859]

I was not prepared to see those sores, owwww no thank you. Great video as always though, such professional editing and cinematography!

[@harshulsingh6684]

It was really informatie vedio ...I really liked it ..m looking fr more vedios

[@naq27]

Thank you for making these videos. Watching your videos after a long day is my favorite time of the day :)

[@XCerykX]

Not really sure about where I live now. Used to be my school, they offer a whole list of workshops in the summer. I moved though, so the area is new to me. My family will be offering blacksmithing and jewelry making classes when we get our studios set up... Know we have some people that offer katana making workshops over on the other side of the mountain. But other than that, not sure what else is in my area.

[@Acquavallo]

Well, I'm convinced. I'll make sure to go to Echizen next time I go to Japan.

[@Appfle]

I love the simple, calm way you explain your experiences :) your voice is also really nice to listen to and the videos you take are really well made as well , Keep up the good work 頑張って👍

[@mememadore3174]

I have been in love with all things Japanese for 5 years now. Your videos have given me a bucket list of things to do. But first and foremost I want to learn the language. I've been saving and hopefully in 2 years i will be able to do an live in program . I am 41 so I've started a little later in life but I'm very much looking forward to living in Japan.

[@14Raine14]

I love watching this channel! So much fun, and so interesting! I spin wool :) it's so relaxing and gives me something to do with my hands, and seeing someone's face light up when you tell them that the item you knit/crocheted for them was also spun by me, is so rewarding. I love trying new fibers, seeing how different dying techniques work, and trying new colour combinations

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

I'm so jealous! I've tried learning to crochet to give me something to do with my hands and haven't had a lot of luck but the few moments when I've been going along well, it's perfectly peaceful. I'm using Skillshare to now learn how to crochet with just my hands and can't wait until I can make just one thing :)

[@14Raine14]

@@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley crocheting is a healthy mix of "do what feels right" and "follow these rules" for example I crochet "upside down", so instead of holding the hook with my dominant hand and working it like a pencil, I hold the hook facing away from me and use both my hands to crochet. Strangely enough, I cant knit 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

It’s a beautiful place, you had the place to yourself

[@itsyao]

Yes! I love videos like this! Great documentation! I love seeing how cultures are persevered such as this amazing art. We take things for granted and forget how special these crafts are. It's an amazing way of life, beautiful, minimalist, and eco friendly.

[@baphelled]

Jun!!! I love seeing other KZbinrs inside my favorite KZbinr videos

[@lunacraftcrochet]

I love the look of them and even more because of the secrets

[@sevenpointfive5450]

Great video, really really interesting. Paper making with so much dedication, i solute her

[@myopiniondoesntmatter7068]

This is so relaxing and amazing to watch. But the common theme seems to be everywhere that there aren't enough young people/apprentices interested in learning the craft. Hopefully the knowledge isn't completely lost in a few generations :(

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Would be great to find a way for these crafters to go around promoting their trade to schools. You never know, something might stick with kids. And not just the really young ones either, promote to teens, which would be a wonderful way to pull them out of the drudgery of constant exams and maybe give a few of them alternate career ideas. If I could speak Japanese, I might have loved moving to the country to learn something like this. Here in the U.S., it seems most companies like these are family owned and operated so there's little room for anyone else or all jobs are filled and they don't need anyone. Or the most common...the company has moved its production overseas. And one last one for me in particular...it's very labor-intensive so I can't keep up with it, lol! I couldn't make the knives shown here but I think...I *think*...I could perhaps make the paper. Looks like work I could get lost in.

[@banyantree8618]

Great timing - was literally looking at next Japan trip itinerary. You are correct in that Kyoto is getting too busy, but it’s a place I visit in winter - most beautiful with far less people (and you appreciate the hot meals).

[@Dr.HooWho]

geez, i'd preserve those my entire life, those are beautiful

[@johngo3715]

DAMN! Great video! You had me at the cabinet part. I want one of those badly!

[@mistybuttercup110]

Merry Christmas 🎄 to you! And your kids & wife!!!!!! 💛💛💛🎷🎄🎺🎶🎅🏼🎄 😇🇺🇸🎷

[@cuteshadow]

I really love that Drawer at the end, i would nickname it "A**hole Cube" because it keeps opening another drawer when you put your stuff in, Need it to drive my spouse insane!

[@luisbanegassaybe6685]

Great pacing and editing on this video

[@SevenDayHeaven]

I'm so glad you got to visit Echizen! Not many people know about little old Fukui 😅 but I'm so grateful you experienced it!

[@Osprey1994]

Every time I watch a video from your channel or one of the other wonderful channels I follow it makes me miss Japan. The time I had there was incredible and it made me fall more in love with the country I had grown up wanting to visit. It's funny because I was worried that I might be let down before I made the trip, but luckily it surpassed my expectations even inside the limits of a planned tour group that was mostly so my father didn't have to worry about getting around even though I found navigation pretty straightforward (inside cities at least).

[@bonyo888]

So good as always!! Loving this departure from the big stops in Japan and this nice dive into a less well-trodden locale.

[@Ana-pq8oe]

Would love to visit all those places but the crowds give me anxiety,given my son has a compromised immune system along with other cardiac issues. So those no crowds places look perfect. Love the little hidden compartments.

[@JimL666]

Fascinating. Thank you.

[@SneakyChan]

流石、素晴らしビデオを作ったりして、ありがとう！Sublime production and naration. Keep up the good work x)

[@Alamklin]

Well presented and very informative information on your channel. Quality of production is excellent and you never feel that you personally get in the way of your content, unlike some other GO channels. Good work Greg and look forward to the next one.

[@1156511]

Love your work.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

I so want one of those cabinets! Those are amazing.

[@Sleepysod]

Thanks Greg - another great video. Love your video style and the topics you are picking.

[@danthesandman]

With these craft videos lately is there a chance we will see a cross over video with David Bull the woodblock printmaker?

[@catpurrfect]

I’ve watched the previous knife video and this one and is just like to say you’ve really outdone yourself. They are amazingly well produced and are outstandingly informative as well. I’m sure these types of videos take a lot of time and effort when it comes to filming and editing, but I can guarantee you it doesn’t go unnoticed. Keep up the great work and I can’t wait to see what king of content you might publish in the future. Just don’t push yourself to hard, since I definitely understand that this isn’t the sort of video that can be pushed very frequently. But if you publish these sort of documentary-sequence style videos at least a couple times a year. I think that would be great.

[@PoopaPapaPalpatine]

The paper art at 9:47 I just had to stop and admire. Aidee Bernard is someone now I have to follow. Her paper art is INCREDIBLE!

[@khust2993]

Apparently she's the one wearing blue at 7:10

[@brramzi31]

Great work, Greg! Thank you.

[@nyracharles6046]

Juns kitchen is a good channel👍☺

[@smokonlytree]

08:13 the black and white painting is so dope

[@donaldallensarra8298]

I love this channel - great content and helped me with my recent trip to Tokyo! Ty!!

[@redonakajmaku]

This was so interesting. Thanks for sharing so many facets of the japanese culture!

[@tankeryy1566]

wow i like the hidden compartments!

[@mikowaifuvlogz8580]

WOHOOAAAH O': IM SERIOUSLY AMAZED!! this video was so relaxing watching them show how they make cabinets and papers and just so relaxing! Thanks dude! This really helped me calm my mind before bed !!

[@sintes88]

It's so cool Shin has become interested in art!

[@BigWinWinter]

This video was amazing.

[@psycholocke4090]

thats so great! here in Germany we do face a similar issue. due to a lack of appreciation for craftmenship we have a lack of knowledge and young people willing to do the job. unfortunately i do not know of a place like Echizen here. i know there are institutions like puplic art "schools" and puplic workshops (Post Apocalyptic Inventor or Laura Kampf are members of such a workshops). personally i try to discover as many handy crafts for myself as i can. but I won't be able to achieve any noticeable skill in comparison to Japanese masters. But I'm proud to say "I've build my own Shed and our family beds." one big sized bed for 4 people and individual raised beds for my kids. one is even hanging from the ceiling.