THE MAKERS

CRAFTSPEOPLE OF KYOTO

They’re redefining traditional crafts with new practices and techniques. Now, follow along as we meet some of the most inspiring makers of Kyoto, Japan.

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Season 1 Finale

The Makers Roundtable

A group of Kyoto craftspeople discuss their traditional techniques and skills.

An INFINITI meeting taking place in a Japanese boardroom.

Two INFINITI Japanese craftsmen of Kyoto talking.

A DEEP DIVE INTO JAPANESE CRAFTSMANSHIP

Taisuke Nakamura, Head of INFINITI Design, sat down with six master makers to delve into Japanese craftsmanship's past, present, and future. Here, Tatsuyuki Kosuga, owner of the Kohchosai Kosuga company, explains how he feels traditional crafts are now being recognised as tools that we use every day, which has created new opportunities.

Three INFINITI Japanese craftsmen of Kyoto talking with each other.

THE JAPANESE AESTHETIC

"Building a car in Japan is like challenging the world of cars that existed before. In a way, that's what motivates people that work in this industry, and I think the INFINITI brand embodies this spirit,” said Taisuke Nakamura, Head of INFINITI Design. The roundtable discussion included a conversation on what defines the Japanese aesthetic and why its innovation is like no other.

INFINITI Japanese craftsmen of Kyoto and board members talking with each other.

INFINITI Japanese craftspeople of Kyoto discussing design.

“There is always modernity in each era. Individuality is always what makes up the modernity of that era.”

Eriko Horiki - Washi Paper Craftswoman - Kyoto

WATCH SEASON 1

You can now watch all 7 episodes of The Makers and finish season 1 by watching our additional Roundtable content.

A Japanese craftsman handling tools in Kyoto.

EP 1 - TEA CADDY

Takahiro Yagi’s family-run workshop uses ancient Japanese design practices, such as shitate and mitate, to bring his traditional tea caddy creations to life.

A Japanese craftsman working with metal wires in Kyoto.

EP 2 - METAL KNITTING

At the sight of his tattoos, Toru Tsuji was snubbed by his peers. But like his unique aesthetic, Tsuji-san is using unconventional methods to help his craft thrive.

A Japanese craftsman hammering a wooden bowl in Kyoto.

EP 3 - WOODEN BUCKETS

He stepped out alone to forge his own craft. Now, Shuji Nakagawa’s mix of contemporary and modern design aims to redefine Japan’s very definition of beauty.

EP 4 - WASHI PAPER

Horiki Eriko left a career in banking to become an expert washi maker, a traditional form of Japanese paper-making that dates back over 1300 years.

EP 5 - CERAMICS

The sixteenth generation of his family to make beautiful tea ceremony wares, Hosai Matsbayashi combines traditional techniques with modern aesthetics.

EP 6 - BAMBOO

Tatsuyuki Kosuga used to hang out with biker crews. Nowadays he’s a leading craftsman. He creates everyday objects from natural materials that improve with use and age.

7 Japanese craftspeople standing for a photo.

THE MAKERS ROUNDTABLE

The season finale. This episode serves as a wrap up to season 1 of the Makers series. It features all 6 Kyoto craftspeople in deep conversation with Taisuke Nakamura, Head of INFINITI Design, as they delve into modern Japanese craftsmanship, timeless beauty, and more.