Upholding Japan’s artisan traditions in the face of economic decline

Economic downturns are difficult for anyone, and this is especially true for people working in the arts. The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the economy in Japan and the rest of the world. Japanese artisans have been especially hard hit, considering that artisan work has been on the unfortunate decline well before COVID-19.

Shokunin, unique and devoted Japanese artisans

The Japanese word shokunin is often translated as artisan in English. However, the nuance is a bit lost in translation. Even in Japanese, the exact meaning is debated, though the word often brings to mind an intense devotion to one’s craft. Shokunin are often associated with crafts and wares. While perhaps stretching the definition a bit, other professions, including chefs and even shoe shiners, have been referred to as shokunin.

Even before the coronavirus crisis, appreciation for artisans’ products has been on the decline. Japan’s economic prosperity after the war saw mass production and with it less demand for traditional crafts. Lack of successors has become another problem, as the younger generation opts for standard career paths and more lucrative, in-demand fields.

Traditional craftmanship for young generations

Some young Japanese do become artisans or pursue related careers. One notable example is Rika Yajima, founder of aeru, a company dedicated to sparking children’s interest in crafts. While their main business is children’s products, they also hold talks and have ventured into hotels.

The continued passing down of traditions as well as employment for artisans may depend on further adaptability and support. Aeru’s children’s goods are an example of trying to spark interest for younger generations. Artisan products can also find appeal overseas. Japanese artist Hiroko Takahashi showcased her uniquely designed kimono at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, though she was also impacted by the pandemic and had to sell fabrics as masks when kimono orders stopped. The coronavirus pandemic took a declining profession and made the circumstances for Japanese artisans much more dire.

Serious damage to shokunin field from COVID-19

In 2020, aeru conducted a survey regarding the impact of the pandemic on shokunin in Japan. The survey was conducted in May during Japan’s first state of emergency. Half of the respondents answered that their April 2020 sales had decreased by over 50% compared to the previous year. In addition, 40% of participants feared their businesses would shut down by the end of 2020, with another 55% fearing it would happen going into 2021.

There were various support options from the government available to artisans, including financial support for small businesses. However, there were reasons why not everyone could take advantage of them. Some respondents to the aeru survey stated that their original income was too low to qualify for support. Finding ways to adapt also proved difficult, with some stating that they did not understand how to sell their goods online. Aeru itself started selling goods from various studios in response to the survey results.

Government support can also help artisans ride out the pandemic and other downturns. In addition to the need for financial support, various artisans in the aeru survey mentioned things such as consultations for changing business models and support for reaching and selling to online customers.

Modern technology is convenient but also reduces the demand for artisan goods. Artisan products in Japan have seen an unfortunate decline over the decades, though they can still survive in both traditional and innovative forms if there is interest in and support for them. Supporting artisans is not only about upholding traditions but also about preserving and valuing forms of artistic expression that help make our lives richer and more enjoyable.