Exploring the Heart of Japanese Craftsmanship: My Journey Through Japan
As the founder of MITSUBACHI.EU, my passion lies in discovering the finest Japanese craftsmanship and bringing it to an international audience. Over the past two weeks, I embarked on an intensive journey through Japan, meeting artisans, exploring new collaborations, and experiencing the beauty of handmade traditions firsthand. Here’s a glimpse into my travels.
Tokyo: A Meeting of Friends and Bamboo Artisans
My journey began in Tokyo, where I reunited with dear friends—some of whom I’ve known for over two decades. These meetings always remind me how time flies, but also how valuable long-term relationships are in business and life.
One of my most exciting encounters in Tokyo was with an eighth-generation bamboo artisan specializing in Edo-period fishing rods. The level of craftsmanship was breathtaking, from the precision of the bamboo structure to the lacquered finish. While these rods are still used for fishing, they have increasingly become part of fine art installations. Some of these rods have sold for over 6 million yen! Inspired by their beauty, I am exploring a collaboration to incorporate these rods into wall-mounted artworks, framed with handmade Japanese paper. I’ll revisit this project when I return to Tokyo next week.
Northern Japan: Lacquerware and Bending Wood in Akita & Odate
From Tokyo, I flew to Akita—a journey that nearly ended before it began due to heavy snow. The airline warned that if landing conditions were unsafe, we would return to Tokyo mid-flight. Fortunately, we landed safely, and I spent the next two days driving through snowy landscapes in a rental Subaru Impreza, a true 4WD champion!
In Yuzawa, I visited artisans who specialize in lacquerware, Japan’s second-largest handmade craft after ceramics. The quality and heritage behind their work were astonishing, and I am hopeful that we can finalize a collaboration soon with an artisan who creates luxury handmade Japanese wood plates partly layering with urushi.
The next day, I traveled further north to Odate, braving even heavier snow. Here, I met with master artisans in Magewappa (bending wood) crafts. These beautiful Akita Cedar wood creations, used for rice bowls and serving trays, are an essential part of traditional Japanese dining. Even Japan’s Emperor has visited these artisans, a testament to their cultural significance. I am eager to introduce their products to Europe, but careful planning will be needed to navigate import regulations on wooden products.
Driving back to Akita in a snowstorm at night was the toughest part of my journey. I was relieved when I finally reached my hotel!
Kanazawa & Wajima: Gold Leaf and Earthquake Recovery
After a morning flight via Tokyo, I arrived in Komatsu and drove to Kanazawa, a city renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship (and high prices!).
One of my most meaningful visits was to Wajima, a region famous for its lacquerware but devastated by earthquakes in 2023 and on January 1, 2024. Many artisans lost their studios, and some have yet to return. Seeing this destruction firsthand reinforced my commitment to supporting these artisans through business partnerships. I hope that by introducing their work to international audiences, we can contribute to their recovery.
Back in Kanazawa, I met with the world’s only remaining manufacturer of handmade gold leaf based on the traditional natural paper. The production of gold leaf depends on a special type of paper originally made from natural materials, though today, 90% of the industry has shifted to carbon paper made from special chemicals. This supplier is the last in the world still using the traditional natural paper process, and cutting gold leaf created with the original natural paper into squares by hand using bamboo tools.
One artisan shared a fascinating insight: "If my house were to burn down, the first thing I would take with me is the precious paper. It is worth much more than gold, and without it, I cannot make gold leaf anymore." The process of making this paper takes many months, making it an irreplaceable element in traditional gold leaf craftsmanship.
We discussed the challenges of keeping this craft alive, and I am exploring how we can support them by introducing gold leaf-based products.
Arita: Expanding Our Collection with Akio Momota
After a free morning photographing Kanazawa’s snow-covered castle, I flew south to Fukuoka and drove to Arita, home of our first ceramic artisan, Akio Momota. Spending five hours in his atelier was inspiring. We photographed new collections and discussed expanding our range. One highlight was his new one-flower vases, which incorporate real 24K gold glaze for the first time. He also crafted elegant cutlery rests—small yet refined pieces that we believe will resonate with European buyers.
A key challenge we discussed was product selection. With already 40 SKUs, offering too many options could overwhelm customers. This reminded me of a famous story about the most successful shoe salesman in the U.S. His secret? When customers asked to try a third pair, he would say, “I’ll bring it, but first, choose one to return.” Limiting choices made decision-making easier—an insight that we’ll keep in mind as we curate our collections.
Traditional Paper & A New Art Collaboration
Back in Tokyo, I met with my colleague Ayako Kurosu to review my meetings and finalize potential collaborations. We visited a traditional washi paper maker whose work has even graced the Emperor’s palace sliding doors. He agreed to collaborate with the bamboo artisan from Tokyo, blending two ancient crafts into one artistic panel. This unique combination of Edo-period fishing rods and handmade Japanese paper is something I am truly excited about.
A Sweet Surprise: Japanese Honey
A personal highlight of my trip was a visit to a friend in Yokohama who introduced me to a beekeeper specializing in honey from native Japanese honeybees. Unlike European bees, which focus on one or a few plants, these bees visit close to 100 different plants, creating an exceptionally rich and unique honey. As a passionate advocate for handcrafted Japanese products, this discovery aligns perfectly with our brand’s philosophy. Perhaps in the future, MITSUBACHI.EU could even introduce MITSU (=honey) from BACHI (=bee) to Europe!
Heading Home & Next Steps
After two intense weeks, I checked out of my hotel in Tokyo and took the most efficient and affordable route to Narita Airport—a 1-hour and 20-minute train ride for just 1,414 yen (~€9). As I flew home to Belgium, I reflected on the many artisans I met and the new projects we are starting.
This trip reaffirmed my belief in the importance of preserving and promoting traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Every handmade piece tells a story, and through MITSUBACHI.EU, I hope to share these stories with the world.
Thank you for following along, and I appreciate your continued support of Japanese artisans. If you’d like to explore our collections or learn more, visit MITSUBACHI.EU and follow us on Instagram @MITSUBACHI.EU.
Stay tuned for more updates and new product launches!