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!