Kyoto Journal marks its thirtieth year with a return to timeless print format. Featured in KJ89 is a collection of insightful articles and essays depicting the present-day, interdependent ecologies of traditional crafts in Japan’s ancient capital. See full contents at the shop button above.
Living Kagai Culture
"To me a living culture is rooted firmly in a continuing cultural tradition and in a place. Without this deep rootedness, cultural practices may border on nostalgia or at worst a kind of ‘Disneyfication.’ Those who devote years, decades and even generations to the world of maiko and geiko have, of course, made adaptations to Japan’s complex transition from feudal to modern society..."
— Robert van Koesveld delves into the role of local communities and businesses in supporting geiko entertainers.
The Spirit of Takumi
"The pride that craftspeople take in their work is reflected in their personal style, spirit and integrity. Some become teachers and leaders, playing a selfless role as vital transmitters of culture to their communities, and represent a very important and seldomacknowledged element of Japanese culture."
—Everett Kennedy Brown captures master craftspeople in Japan using the nineteenth century collodion photographic technique.
