‘SABAE: Eye on Design’ – Journeys In Japan (NHK World program), Time-sensitive – VOD available only until 24-JAN-18

by arigelab October 17, 2017 · Artisans / Arts / Crafts / Culture / Japan / NHK World / Time Sensitive / Travel

Quoting from the introduction to the program on the NHK World VOD site:

Sabae City, located on the Sea of Japan in central Fukui Prefecture, has a population of about 70,000. Sabae is renowned as a center for craftsmanship since olden times. It produces 90% of all eyewear frames sold in Japan and produces more than 80% of lacquerware used in restaurants across the country. The textile industry is another leading engine of Fukui business.

In terms of eyeglasses, our traveler Cyril Coppini learns about its local history and tries his hand at frame-making. In the arena of lacquer, he visits a master artisan at his workshop for an in-depth look at how it’s made. As for textiles, Cyril meets a woman who is preserving, and passing on, the skills for weaving a traditional fabric called, Ishidajima.

Cyril also gets to know young people who have relocated to Sabae to pursue their craft. On Journeys in Japan, we meet the people of Sabae who continue to protect Japan’s traditional culture of making items by hand.

The video can be accessed at the NHK VOD (Video On Demand) site at this link:

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/vod/journeys/2007268/

Note: This video is only available until January 24, 2018