MADE IN JAPAN — Ishikawa and Gifu Craftsmanship Film

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Learn more about the two prefectures in Japan
Ishikawa prefecture
Gifu prefecture
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MUSIC
Past, Future, Present by Analog Heart
Winter by Cathedral
Tok by Longlake
Cedar by Black Ewing
Glory by Chris Coleman
Infinite Love by Svvn

If you're a music producer, please get in touch—I'm on a major lookout for new artists!

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Over the past few months, I've been working on a short documentary-style film exploring traditional Japanese handcrafts in Japan. The whole film has been in partnership with the Ishikawa and Gifu tourism boards, and has had so much planning, preparation, and production since August 2019.

The film is incredibly personal to me, as it documents the epitome of Art in the Heart — a concept I celebrate passionately as the backbone to why creators create.

The prefectures Ishikawa and Gifu, are known as both the geographical and metaphorical heartland of Japan. Famous for their handcrafted products and manufacturing industries, they produce some of the most iconic handmade products across all of Japan.

During a week in September, Elly and I explored multiple regions to meet with prestigious artists in various fields. I wanted to make something really special, so we decided to focus outwardly on the artists and their craft as a premium film, rather than just vlog the trip in our usual style. This whole project was an attempt at telling a narrative in a completely different way to the videos we normally publish. I am so glad we took this approach, as it's ended up being a film we're both immensely proud of!

This full 20-minute piece documents how learning about Gold Leaf application from Kanazawa, Wajima Nuri Lacquerwear, Kutani Pottery Paiting, Kaga Yuzen Silk Dyeing, Aizome Indigo Blue Dyeing, Kusano Kashiragama Mino Pottery, G. Sakai Kitchen Knife making and Masu making, as well as trips to Shirakawa-go and Takayama.

Massive thanks to Elly for assisting with the filming, editing, translations and support during this massive project!

I highly recommend watching this film on your TV, or the biggest screen you can find. If you enjoy the film, I'd really love any support you can give to sharing it online or with friends. Your support is the energy that fuels these projects and I am forever grateful for it!

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#Japan #MadeInJapan #Documentary #ShortFilm #Photography #Travel #TravelPhotography

[HusseinAbdirahman]

This video is why I love YouTube and cannot return to normal TV programs. Now I feel compelled to see what other content this creator has in store for me.

[aaronmoiche]

In case nobody has said it already, this is absolutely INCREDIBLE, you did a splendid job no only showing what they do and what they each have to offer but transmitting the emotions and feelings you would get going there and experiencing it on your own. Everything about this video was perfect, from the music, to the commentary, to the editing, to the colorgrading, to the scenes you chose to film, absolutely incredible. Thanks for sharing!!

[abbeymattmi]

man this is seriously a very high quality documentary...

[wernerdanler]

I was in Japan in the late 60s and found it absolutely beautiful and fascinating. I wish I could have seen more of it. The craftsmanship they use to make anything makes the rest of the world seem dull.

[erinacho]

My family is from Tajimi, and this is one of the best documentaries capturing the soul and spirit of this part of Japan. I keep coming back to this video when I feel nostalgic for my motherland. Thank you for your craftsmanship and artistry with this breathtaking production. 💫

[AaronAragorn]

Seeing people master these crafts is quite inspiring.

[SIGSAUER_P]

Best documentary ever seen with respect for Japan.

[ScottGerke]

Dialogue, composition, color grade...absolutely incredible job.

[MH-ncwu]

what a beautiful city, , what a rich culture.. visiting Japan is in everyones bucket list!!

[TheScreamingFrog]

Born in the California prefecture of USA, I have always had a love for the culture and craftsmanship of Japan.
Unable to travel there myself, this video has allowed me to experience a taste of Japan.
Thanks for sharing!

[robertziarnik]

This is one of the most beautiful things on YouTube I've ever seen. Created with true respect and refined taste.

[wandaleopolda]

I love this video because the japanese tradition so amazing.
Like ceramic, food/sushi, garden, house, kimono and painting, all things look perfect.💜👍

[tonyagreene]

I've always loved Japanese culture and now I just can't get enough. I wish I could start my life all over again in Japan.

[Stoked]

I rarely choose favourites, but this is the best thing I've watched on YouTube all year. Thanks so much for making and sharing!

[volkerjansen]

I would say there is certainly a similarity between these craftsmen's approach to their work and yours towards your videos, and this one even more so. This created a beautiful resonance that I really appreciated!

[ramonborreguero]

Great job, is incredible how patient is the Japanese people by working in handcrafts.

[sakakij]

Joe, I am a Japan fan and have lived there and travel there annually. You really capture the spirit of Japan in the traditional rural regions of Nihon. Your narration and your videography is just on the highest level! Thank you!

[A.H.A-zs]

why does this video make me cry...
absolutely beautiful people, handcrafts, and footages.
Thank you for sharing my culture in such a wonderful way!

[georgekamenov_]

Absolutely brilliant visuals and I must say, the voiceover sounded so natural unlike a lot of others who try to make it super dramatic to the point where it just sounds forced and fake. Well done Joe, your work never fails to inspire.

[andylam]

craftsmanship means patience, practice, and persistence. cant be achieved in a day or any hour. great video.