Part 9/11:
Participants argue that this slow, deliberate process not only enhances quality but also infuses products with a story and soul—attributes increasingly valued in a globalized market craving authenticity. The craftsmanship involves using old, sometimes antique, tools and materials, embracing imperfections and textures as vital to the object's character.
The Challenges and Future of Traditional Industries
Despite their deep roots, these traditional crafts face challenges, including modernization, dwindling artisan populations, and economic pressures. The speakers note that fierce community effort was essential to prevent structures from being replaced with modern materials like瓦 (kawara, tile roofs), which would erase the cultural landscape.