What is a "Traditional Craft"?

Japan has long inherited countless craft traditions, each shaped by the unique materials and techniques of its region, originally created as everyday household items. Those officially designated as Traditional Crafts (Dento Kogeihin) by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry number 243 items nationwide as of November 2024. Among these, Niigata Prefecture accounts for 17 items across 14 production areas — tied with Kyoto and second only to Tokyo in the nation.

Note: This film series was produced in January 2015, when Niigata had 16 craft items across 13 production areas (219 items nationwide). It captures the artisans and techniques of that time.

A "Traditional Craft" designation under Japanese law requires a product to meet all of the following five criteria:

  • It must be a daily-use article (not purely a work of art).
  • The main part of the manufacturing process must be done by hand.
  • It must employ techniques and methods with a history of at least 100 years.
  • It must use raw materials that have traditionally been used for that craft.
  • It must have an established production area in a specific region.

Products that meet all these criteria and pass inspections conducted by their regional cooperative are permitted to display the official Traditional Craft mark (Dento Shoshi) — a seal guaranteeing authentic, handcrafted heritage.

Niigata's 16 Designated Traditional Crafts

  • Uetsu Shinafu (linden-bark cloth)
  • Murakami Kibori Tsuishu (carved lacquerware)
  • Niigata / Shirone Butsudan (Buddhist altars)
  • Niigata Shikki (lacquerware)
  • Kamo Kiri Dansu (paulownia chest)
  • Sanjo Butsudan (Buddhist altars)
  • Echigo Sanjo Uchihamono (forged blades)
  • Tsubame Tsuiki Doki (hammered copperware)
  • Echigo Yoita Uchihamono (forged blades)
  • Nagaoka Butsudan (Buddhist altars)
  • Ojiya Chijimi (ramie crepe)
  • Ojiya Tsumugi (silk ikat weave)
  • Shiozawa Tsumugi (silk ikat)
  • Hon-Shiozawa (fine silk crepe)
  • Tokamachi Gasuri (ikat weave)
  • Tokamachi Akashi Chijimi (fine summer silk)

Further Information

○ Niigata Prefecture — Traditional Crafts (Commerce & Local Industry Promotion Division)
http://www.pref.niigata.lg.jp/shogyoshinko/1293144423860.html

○ Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries (Kougeihin Aoyama Square)
Nationwide craft introductions, exhibition info, and online shop.
http://kougeihin.jp/home.shtml

* This site is an archive of promotional films produced in 2015. The 16 craft films featured here document the artisans and techniques as they were at the time of production. For the latest information on Niigata's designated traditional crafts, please refer to the official Niigata Prefecture website.