Many of Japan’s traditional craftworks arose in the country’s inland basins. These areas, surrounded by mountains, produced unique local cultures. Especially in the Tohoku region where there is heavy snowfall in the basins during winter, cottage industries involving crafting items at home flourished in the communities, as the weather made farming outside impossible. The locals say that the winter weather, which hinders normal daily living unless the snow is constantly removed, has instilled a sense of patience and determination that allows them to focus meticulously on their crafts. The Yokote Basin in Yuzawa, Akita has nurtured diverse handicrafts over the years.
When one closely observes the production processes involved in MINASE’s watchmaking, such as metal machining and Sallaz polishing, one cannot help but feel the radiant energy of those artisans who are pushing the limits of perseverance to produce these timepieces of beauty. When I heard of an upcoming collaborative project between MINASE, which prides itself on “MADE IN YUZAWA,” and Kawatsura lacquerware, another local traditional handicraft that has been refined and passed down through the generations in the Yokote Basin since the 11th century, I decided to travel to the atelier of Mr. Hiroki Settsu for a tour.