Japan’s Bamboo Craft: Artisans of Ohtawara

Bamboo is a light, robust, and flexible material that grows fast, making it highly renewable and environmentally friendly. When skillfully crafted, it becomes an even more exceptional material unmatched by any other, as it can be transformed into beautiful works of art. In this video, we explore how the bamboo craft artisans of Japan harness these qualities, turning bamboo into objects that are not only functional but deeply aesthetic, each piece a testament to centuries-old techniques and refined skill.

In northern Tochigi—the Nasu region, including Ohtawara—bamboo craft artisans enter the timber bamboo groves each autumn with their crafts in mind, carefully selecting and harvesting bamboo. Known for its high-quality timber bamboo, the Nasu region provides ideal material for artisans dedicated to this traditional craft.

Guided by knowledge deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions, these artisans look for bamboo that is around 3-4 years old, with a longer node-to-node distance—qualities that indicate durability and strength, perfect for refined craftsmanship. This selection ritual marks the beginning of their artistic journey, as they choose bamboo not only for its natural beauty but for its transformative potential. Through meticulous artistry, every step in their process moves this material closer to becoming a work of beauty and purpose.

Bamboo has played an essential role in Japanese life for thousands of years. Artifacts from the Jomon period (approximately 14,000 to 300 BCE) reveal bamboo’s longstanding importance in tools and utensils. Later, the exquisite bamboo pieces in the Shosoin Repository illustrate how bamboo was valued not only for its function but also as a medium for art.

In Japan’s oldest tale, “Taketori Monogatari,” a humble bamboo cutter finds a cute little girl within a bamboo stalk and raises her. She grows into an unparalleled beauty. This encounter symbolizes the wonder hidden within bamboo, a charm that has been passed down through the ages. The mystery and beauty hidden within this bamboo symbolize the allure of this remarkable plant. This connection between bamboo and a mysterious presence beyond it continues to inspire people even today, as artisans find beauty in each bamboo stalk, shaping it into creations of both practicality and artistic expression.

Text “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”

Deep within a bamboo grove, an elderly bamboo cutter discovers a radiant child hidden within a bamboo stalk. This mysterious girl, named Kaguya-hime, grows into a woman of otherworldly beauty, captivating all who encounter her. As noblemen and even the Emperor vie for her affection, Kaguya-hime’s heart remains bound to her true home—the moon. In this ancient tale of yearning and transience, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter embodies Japan’s timeless connection to bamboo, symbolizing beauty, mystery, and impermanence.

This enduring relationship with bamboo reflects its special place in Japanese culture. From traditional household items to intricate works of art, bamboo is everywhere—from fences, shoji (bamboo-framed sliding doors), and sudare (bamboo blinds) in homes to baskets, zaru (bamboo strainers), uchiwa and sensu (hand-held fans), and cha-sen (tea whisks for tea ceremonies). Its flexibility, strength, and natural beauty continue to enrich Japanese daily life and culture.

Bamboo’s enduring presence in Japanese culture extends into chikukougei, a traditional craft that transforms this natural material into functional and decorative art—from everyday baskets to intricate ornaments and sculptures.

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Chikukougei (竹工芸), or bamboo craft, is a traditional Japanese art that transforms bamboo into functional and decorative objects. From baskets and fine ornaments to intricate sculptures, chikukougei showcases the adaptability, strength, and natural beauty of bamboo. This craft demands mastery of technique and a deep respect for nature, blending practicality with artistic expression.

Among the many applications of chikukougei, baskets are perhaps the most versatile and beloved. Artisans have elevated the craft of basket-making into an art form, creating designs that are as functional as they are beautiful. From sturdy kaimono-kago (shopping baskets) used in everyday life to delicate flower baskets for special occasions, bamboo baskets showcase both practicality and elegance, highlighting the adaptability and beauty of this natural material. Some pieces, however, go beyond function; they are crafted purely for their aesthetic appeal, allowing artisans to emphasize intricate techniques and artistry, resulting in exquisite ornamental works that celebrate bamboo’s natural beauty.

The process of chikukougei begins long before weaving. Artisans carefully prepare the bamboo, cutting, peeling, and refining it into delicate strips. Each step, from splitting to smoothing the strips, is performed with an exacting attention to detail. This craft demands a deep understanding of bamboo’s unique properties—its strength, flexibility, and natural sheen—as well as knowledge of traditional techniques passed down through generations. Artisans strive to achieve a balance between form and function, creating designs that serve a purpose while radiating aesthetic beauty.

Through these intricate techniques, chikukougei celebrates both the beauty of bamboo and the craftsmanship of the artist. This rich tradition and dedication are evident in the pieces showcased today, where each item reflects a unique combination of function, beauty, and cultural heritage.

Today, we have the rare opportunity to see this craftsmanship up close at the 27th National Bamboo Craft Show in Ohtawara, Japan. This event, held at the Yoichi Folklore Museum from November 2 to 4, 2024, brings together a stunning array of chikukougei pieces, each crafted to showcase bamboo’s natural beauty and the skill of the artisans behind it. On display are delicate flower baskets, intricate trays, traditional shopping baskets, and even vases, each piece asserting its unique character and competing in beauty.

As we explore the exhibition, we see how Japanese artisans elevate bamboo beyond the ordinary, transforming it into pieces that combine nature and artistry in unique and timeless ways. Each item here reflects the essence of chikukougei: the merging of natural beauty and human craftsmanship into forms that honor tradition while adapting to modern life.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the pieces on display here. This remarkable piece, titled Self-binding by Rope, is the Grand Prize winner, created by Noriyoshi Sugee-ura from Beppu City. Crafted from black bamboo, this voluminous, egg-shaped piece embodies Sugee-ura’s unique creativity. The bamboo itself becomes the rope that binds itself, making both the title and technique remarkably innovative and unconventional.

Several other items were awarded for their unique techniques, innovative designs, and exceptional craftsmanship. We see innovative weaves that enhance both strength and flexibility, dyes that accentuate bamboo’s natural texture, and even lacquering techniques that add depth and luster. Each work reflects the artisan’s dedication to their craft, and even pieces that didn’t receive awards displayed incredible craftsmanship and artistry, reflecting the high standards of skill and creativity present throughout the exhibition.

Ohtawara, located in Tochigi Prefecture, has long been recognized as a center for bamboo craftsmanship in Japan, a reputation largely established by the late master artisan Keizō Yagisawa. Founder of Yagisawa Bamboo Crafts in 1947, Yagisawa’s dedication to chikukougei elevated the city’s status and solidified an unwavering reputation in the world of bamboo craft. His legacy lives on through this exhibition, chaired by Tadashi Yagisawa, who was present throughout the event, further connecting visitors with the artistry and heritage of Ohtawara’s bamboo crafts.

Visitors to the exhibition are treated to a remarkable variety of pieces, each one a testament to the unique skills of artisans from across Japan. From delicate baskets to bold, decorative works, the items on display reflect a vibrant blend of traditional and modern techniques, showcasing bamboo’s versatility in both form and function. Please enjoy these exquisite creations as you immerse yourself in the artistry of chikukougei.

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This exhibition doesn’t just showcase completed works; it also offers insight into the intricate process of chikukougei. Through displays of essential tools, demonstrations of techniques, and weaving patterns, it provides a deeper appreciation for the skill, tradition, and dedication required to transform bamboo into functional and artistic pieces.

One section of the wall featured photos illustrating four common weaving patterns frequently used in bamboo craft, as shown in the document titled What is Bamboo Craft? On the opposite side, several actual pieces showcasing a variety of more intricate weaving patterns were displayed, highlighting a broader range of techniques.

In the document titled “What is Bamboo Craft?” - four common weaving patterns frequently used in the bamboo craft - four-eye weave, six-eye weave, Amishiro-ami and Seikai-ami, were displayed.

On the opposite side, actual pieces featuring more intricate patterns, such as Interwoven Tessen-ami and Rinzu-patterned Amishiro-ami, were displayed, showcasing a broader range of techniques.

Additionally, there was an exhibit detailing the entire bamboo crafting process, created in collaboration with Living National Treasure Soho Katsushiro.

Let me share some of these details with you, along with my own interpretation—I'm sure you'll find it intriguing.

First, the exhibit introduced seven essential tools commonly used in bamboo crafts. Master Artisan Katsushiro once said, 'Your hands and a sense of practical instinct are the most essential tools,' underscoring the importance of craftsmanship in the process.

In the first stage, a tool known as a bark-stripping sen is used to thinly shave the bamboo's outer layer. Shaved down to a thickness of 0.1 mm, the bamboo becomes cleaner and more receptive to dye.

Next is the splitting process: the bamboo is split lengthwise with a hatchet. As it gets thinner, a finer hatchet is used, and the inner nodes are also shaved down.

In bamboo craft, two splitting techniques, masawari and hirawari are used. Masawari is a technique of splitting the bamboo vertically toward the center, while hirawari splits it horizontally toward the center. Using these two techniques together expands the range of expression in the finished piece.

Then, Peeling: The inner layer of the bamboo is carefully peeled away, leaving only the sturdy outer skin for the bamboo strips. The inner portion is discarded, as its fibers are too fragile for crafting.

To ensure each bamboo strip has a consistent width, the strips are passed through a width-determining sen. This method standardizes the width, typically around 2 mm, though it can be adjusted to suit the specific basket design.

Next is shaving off the nodes and splitting. In this stage, the bamboo nodes are carefully shaved off, and the bamboo is then split into four equal parts.

The bamboo strips are passed through a sen, where the bark and flesh are shaved down to achieve a consistent thickness of approximately 0.4 mm.

Regarding dyeing bamboo strips, the bamboo strips are pre-dyed with a basic dye to achieve a uniform color in some cases. However, Katsushiro chooses not to use multiple colors, instead aiming to bring out expression in his work through weaving techniques and the play of light.

Next is weaving, beginning from the bottom. This basket has a double-layered base: the inner layer is woven in a Senshu-ami pattern with masawari strips, and the outer layer in a circular arc with hirawari strips and a central Tessen-ami weave for added stability. This intricate layering technique not only strengthens the structure but also highlights the meticulous artistry involved.

Following this is raising the body or shaping the sides. The bamboo strips are moistened and woven horizontally on the inside before being raised, creating a crisp and precise angle. The artisan weaves a bit, then steps back to check the silhouette repeatedly, describing this careful adjustment as “like a gardener.

Then comes finishing the edge. After weaving the body, dyed rattan is sewn along the rim. Since rattan becomes fragile when dry, no holes are made; instead, it is threaded through the gaps in the weave, giving a natural rhythm to the piece. To avoid excessive decoration, the amount of rattan wrapping is kept to a minimum.

Suri-urushi, or 'wiping lacquer,' is a technique where a blend of lacquer and kerosene is brushed on, then carefully rubbed into the bamboo. This method enhances the natural beauty of the bamboo without a glossy finish, subtly highlighting its texture and depth. This delicate process is repeated multiple times, with careful drying in between, to achieve the final, refined look.

Finally, the piece is complete. The color of the lacquer becomes clearer and more beautiful with each passing year. The graceful curves formed by the bamboo on the inside evoke the image of a double-petaled flower, like a bellflower.

In the corner of the room, a display showcased five distinct materials commonly used in bamboo crafts, each selected for its unique qualities and artistic potential: madake (timber bamboo), kurotake (black bamboo), marufuji (natural, unprocessed rattan), susudake (smoked bamboo), and suzutake (thin bamboo).

From the careful selection of bamboo to the final lacquer finish, we’ve seen how Japanese artisans transform simple materials into intricate and beautiful traditional crafts, preserving both skill and cultural heritage.

In recent decades, plastics have often replaced bamboo for reasons of affordability and convenience. However, bamboo’s unique properties—strength, flexibility, and renewability—present a sustainable alternative that could find innovative roles in our daily lives. The skills and knowledge of chikukougei artisans might play an essential role in realizing bamboo’s modern potential.

Thank you very much for joining us in this exploration of Japan’s bamboo craft. We'll see you in the next episode. Until then, stay well, and keep discovering the wonders of Japan with us.