As published on THE KINDCRAFT. The middle of September had me navigating through the streets of Tokyo’s downtown Sumida Ward, the sticky heat not quite ready to surrender to the much-awaited Autumn chill. My destination was Bunko-ya OOZEKI, a workshop that specializes in bunkogawa, pure Himeji white tanned leather goods, that are embossed and painted…

As published on THE KINDCRAFT.   Set in the Tokushima Prefecture of rural Shikoku, Awagami Factory creates some of the most stunning indigo washi seen in Japan. Eight generations of the Fujimori family have helped to preserve this beautiful Japanese traditional craft. Last Autumn I had the honor of meeting the overseers of Awagami, master…

As published on THE KINDCRAFT. My second trip to Kyoto was a whirlwind of art, design, and tradition: I didn’t stop moving for the few days I was there for, taking in everything I could within that short expanse. One moment I was walking through the Nishijin district and in another I was zipping through…