How This Japanese Artisan Creates Wagasa Umbrellas | For The Culture
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- Опубликовано: 23 дек 2021
- Making wagasa, a traditional Japanese umbrella, is how Kotaro Nishibori reconnected to his Japanese heritage after his two years in Canada. Nishibori stays true to the 1,200-year-old process by using traditional methods and materials, including bamboo and washi.
For more info, please visit: www.wagasa.com
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How This Japanese Artisan Creates Wagasa Umbrellas | For The Culture 
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It's scary and beautiful to think how so many beautiful types of artistry literally could disappear if one person were to stop producing them
Imagine he dies and the kids are too lazy (if he has any)
@@gencat4039 not to be negative...but most craftsmans dissapear because of economy-change of eras, and there's not much we can do.
We all value some old craftsmanships and art styles that are long gone or close to extinct, but since there isn't a high demand for them, there's nothing we can do to keep them alive, because wether we like it or not, even if someone masters a certain art (which takes a lot of time) if that person isn't in a position to economicaly sustain himself, wether through his craft or something else while still having time for his craft, that person will eventually drop it for one of those 2 reasons.
@@magnezon1 yeah thats the reason why business insider mentioned alot of the craftsmen's lives getting destroyed due to trend or machinery doing all the job.
That's part of the beauty of the internet and digital age. We can easily record processes and lessons. It's possible for nothing to truly be lost anymore.
A chinese factory can make 300 for the same price, just minus the "Arty" bullshit hyping it.
"Master cannot be beat. I am a professional craftsman."
That is truly an admirable mindset. Proud enough to accept skill and accomplishments, humble enough to admit and accept that you still have things to learn. I wish more of us in the west would adopt this mindset.
So they stick some twigs into prefab slots they haven't even made themself, and glue on some paper and suddenly they are a "artisan" and some sort of genius? lmao... the inflated ego is unreal. Craftsman would be someone who painted skilled original art and did carvings into the umbrella. This person is an assembly worker.
@@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
Have you ever folded paper, let alone for a professional project? The slightest angle off ruins everything. Using materials with even just a slight imbalance ruins everything. He acts as both the assembly and quality control. You're acting like they're 3D printing the bamboo fam, no.
As for "genius"? No. No one's claiming that. But the skill needed to assemble paper and glue perfectly on the first try... go make some envelopes and tell us how well that goes, let alone a multimedia project that people are going to bump and reuse and be judged for.
@@Undomaranel You can use a template to fold. You are ridiculous lmao.
@@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep And you are just trolling for attention, not even trying to have a conversation, just hate. Have a good life fam.
@@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep well, someone is a little grumpy... if you think it's soo easy why don't you make one? don't just go around spouting hate comments, it would eventually backfire...
my dad bought home a sky-blue wagasa after working in japan for a yr. it's the most beautiful thing, from how it opened and closed, and the durability of the paper material itself. has been in our family for almost to decade and still no rips!
In case you were curious, "wagasa" literally translates as "Japanese-style umbrella"!
just a copy of a chinese umbrella
No, it literally translates to 'sum parasol'. The kanji/word for 'Japanese-style' would be '日本/nihon'.
@@akumayoxiruma "日本" simply means "Japan". "和" ("wa"), is attached to the front of a kanji set to denote Japanese-style things. For example:
"和服" ("wafuku") "Japanese clothes"
"和牛" ("wagyu") "Japanese beef"
"和室" ("washitsu") "Japanese-style room"
"和食" ("washoku") "Japanese food"
Or just "和風" ("wafuu") for generic "Japanese-style". And indeed, "和傘" ("wagasa") has "和" at the beginning, just like all these examples.
@@fireaza woahh that's neat!
@@user-iy2ps7pg1h Japanese umbrellas have a history of more than 1,000 years.
It is not a simple imitation.
This isn't a "oh the old ways are dying" story. This is a "I want to do this, I want to be this, so I became this" story. I like this narrative I feel like these traditional craft videos often obsess about how they're the ONLY one left and there's NO ONE who will ever do this again....not true!
The reason for the latter is because very few young folk are becoming apprentices to these ancient crafts. Without apprentices soon, the professional craftspeople will not have enough time to pass down their knowledge and skills, and the more difficult, advanced techniques will be lost. A lot of those craftspeople without apprentices are already in their 70's and 80's. They've got, maybe 10-20 years max before they die, 5-15 years before their body can't do the craft anymore, depending on the type of labor required. There's a lot of professions where, the craftsperson is the ONLY one remaining that has the knowledge of ancient techniques. They're not wrong about the knowledge being lost if they die without passing it on.
Sure, modern techniques can mimic ancient crafts, but they generally always create inferior products. And sure, we might be able to recreate the techniques eventually, through trial and error, but it'll take a significant amount of time - even if we already know the recipe and ratios. Just look at how long it took to recreate Roman concrete.
We might be able to reacquire the knowledge, but it's always going to be better, easier, and more effective, with an unbroken chain of knowledge passed down than it ever will trying to recreate it from scratch.
@@draguta8995 young people don't have the options to make a livable wage doing things like this anymore.
@@azoe6764 You're right. It's still a significant problem in the industry.
And a significant portion of the problem is the over-profiting done by the middlemen.
@@azoe6764
I disagree. A lot of people, especially in the states, would pay good money for something one-of-a-kind like this. It is hand-made, specifically unique, and also of a dying trade. Because of this, a tradesman of any dying craft could charge a reasonably good price, and someone would pay for it. We live in a consumerist-driven society, and if tradesmen like this were smart, they would push their products, be able to ship universally, and people would buy them. Not necessarily for a practical use, but because of the *aesthetic.*
I felt that disconnection from your own culture. Culture is so important to one’s identity. I’m glad he was able to reconnect and carry on such an important cultural art form.
When it's 300 to 3000 usd for a paper sunshade, it's hard to connect with your culture and keep it alive.
@@Haplo-san out of all the languages you chose to speak facts
Yup. Modern western culture has slowly taken over Japan since 1945.
Sooooo. He moved to Canada? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
@@Haplo-san oh no poop your pants over an expensive umbrella i guess
I love that his culture says “nobody can say they’re master” it’s very humble and inspiring :)
I’ve always found these umbrellas beautiful and elegant. Hearing where it come from and how they are created gives me more of an appreciation for craftsman such as this gentleman.
It looks so clean and nice. A lot of effort put in.
So they stick some twigs into prefab slots they haven't even made themself, and glue on some paper and suddenly they are a "artisan" and some sort of genius? lmao... the inflated ego is unreal. "A lot of effort" lmao this is an insult to real artisans across the world.
@@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep You literally oversimplified everything what he did. I feel sorry for people like you. Such sad people.
@@abouttime2569 I really never. He did nothing lol. He never even made the twigs or base of it. Other people did. Blows my mind how simplistic the mind of people like you have. I bet you thought the new Star Wars movies had good writing too.
@@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep You literally did oversimplify. So with your logic, if you don't make everything from scratch, you are doing nothing? lol ok nice logic there. You are the one with a simplistic mind.
And I never watched the new Star Wars movies after I watched first one in the theaters. I actually left the theater after 40 minutes of watching that.
@@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep you got owned in this debate
What a wonderful story. I'm so happy he found a connection to his roots and wants to continue this beautiful tradition.
This really makes me wanna save up money to buy one. Not the most expensive ones, since I'm basically broke, but they are just too beautiful to stay away from.
Fantastic artist, and very humble too.
First time seeing washi kozo being used in a non-destructive manner
Julian is right, it really is a beautiful paper
literally just came here from a restoration video hahaha nice to see fellow baumgartner fans cropping up in other videos
People destroy them?
@@green-sc2wg Kindof but not in a literal mean-spirited way. Since washi kozo is such a durable paper, it's used as facing to protect the surface of a painting while it's being restored/conserved.
After use, the washi kozo is removed from the painting and is torn up in the process, hence, the "destructive manner".
If you're curious, check out the Baumgartner Restoration RUclips channel. Julian Baumgartner is a nice, talented guy with relaxing videos 😊👍
@@a_soriano Washi paper is also used for wood objects restorations, such as instruments or furnitures and marquetry!
I was looking for this comment.
My grandma had one of these. I believe that it had belonged to a doctor whom she worked for. He gave it to her when he heard that my mum was starring as Yum Yum in "The Mikado", and she used it on stage. This was in the 1950s. I can remember the umbrella, and I wish that I knew where it was now.
Really enjoy these segments of beautiful craftsmanship around the world, each one sharing a moment in time. 🤗😇😊
I have a wagasa that my aunt and uncle purchased on a trip in 1969. I’ve always thought it beautiful, but didn’t know much about it until now (they never really said much about it; it was in Aunt’s cedar chest).
Thank you for the information.
"I am Japanese, but I don't know about Japan. - Nishibori"
And I find it funny when people don't believe me when I say that.
Yeah, I had to research Korean history/traditions on my own when my Korean wife wasn't able to tell me much about that sort of thing.
I am proud that certain craftsmanship is still practiced.
These type of artistry work which involves culture always looks so beautiful and peaceful to watch...
There was no artistry. He is an assembly worker. People are pandering here.
so glad he found his way to deeply connect to his culture
Watching these types of videos always make me feel awe and sadness. It's an art and a part of culture that's been passed on for centuries and countless generations, going through countless refinements and passionate minds. And yet now they've dwindled so much, becoming practiced by fewer and fewer
And here I was just looking at some to buy at least one, those types umbrellas are so beautiful and delicate.
1200 year old artisanery, on crocs, he truly is a man of culture
It originated in China 2000 years ago
@@canonicalensemble8727 all the japanese culture is just a labor intensive, ineficient copy of the chinese one
Amazing craftsmanship! Thank you for sharing!
IS THE BEST MAN I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND I LOVE YOU
Please explain what is amazing and where we saw any "craftsmanship" because I never saw either. This is an assembly worker. There was no original art painted on the umbrella or carving into the handle.
@WatersputsOfTheDeep So, they need to paint a monalisa or some random landscape paintings over their umbrella?
@@user-mh6ju3pg8c correct
@@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep ?
I'm glad he talked so openly about the importance of discovering his culture. It's something I feel I am missing in my life
Spectacular works of art to be treasured and passed down to future generations.
Beautiful craft. I have collected many since the ear,y 2000‘s. I use them in the summer time and receive many compliments!
How humble.... The artist is a wonderful person.. 👌👌👌
Your work is beautiful. These umbrellas are so elegant. 😊
I love these videos! Thank you Insider
I love watching these videos the Japanese culture is amazing
just a copy of a chinese umbrella
Such a humble person. And beautifully designed umbrella. 😍
Pure art!
I find these umbrellas really beautiful and elegant. I'd love to buy one in future! ☺️
I have a wagasa umbrella and its breath taking not seen one like it on Internet yet !:)
I want that Wagasa Umbrella ☂️😍🤩 it's beautiful 😘
It's so delicate and beautiful
Really love seeing expert craftsmen doing their thing.
Yes but this video insists on yousing "craftspeople" instead of craftsmen
I saw nothing "craftsman" about what this person did, far less expert anything. They are essentially an assembly worker. The inflated ego for the guy to call himself an artisan is unreal.
Very well produced. great job.
Very Humble Man, I respect that MOST..!! Many Blessings.
Very beautiful umbrella. I would love to own one 🤩
I hope the practice of traditionally creating/building everyday things can still live until many many years to come and not be replaced by machines. This is a form of art in its own ❤️
Stunningly beautiful! 💜
The craftsmanship is truly inspiring.
I saw zero craftsmanship. He is an assembly worker.
@@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep how?
@@user-mh6ju3pg8c my comment is self explanitory
Thank you so much for telling me what I'm watching, as I'm watching it
So amazing, a form of art, I need one 😭😭😭
Me, reading the title: Yass King! Do it for the culture.
So elegant! Imagine going out with it
How beautifull. I wish we dutchies had more traditional crafts like this
So beautiful
As a crafting master, his pronunciation is pretty good indeed!
If I ever end up in Japan before I die, I want one of these
awesome video
I need to get one of these for my nieces next time I travel to japan
Thank you 😊
Brilliant artist and a humble and a wonderful human being.Cheers from India 🇮🇳.
What was brilliant? What makes him an "artist?" He is an assembly worker. I saw no art being done...
@@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep Friend, I am an artist myself.The blood, sweat and tears that go into a creation are impossible to describe.Anyway I respect your opinion even though I completely disagree with it .Best wishes.
I have two of these from the 70s. They're really beautiful. One needs a little repairing of the paper umbrella where it ripped, but both wagasa are in pretty good shape. :) They have designs painted on them. I absolutely love them (I purchased both at a yardsale for a couple dollars a piece).
Yes I agree, you are most definitely a Craftsman. How I would love to own one of your creations.
Amazing
Love this!
@Insider Yo, Insider. Maybe you guys should collab with this video series "明日への扉 by アットホーム". It's about young Japanese artisans inheriting traditional handy crafts, and back in 2010, they made an episode about one of Mr Nishibori's apprentice, Takeshi Suzukawa(鈴川 剛司). It would be a content gold mine if you guys wants to continue with Japanese artisans, it includes lacquerware makers, fabric dyers, dozens of types of woodworker from beam carvings, furniture, artifact restorationists, and more.
amazing
So cool
This is so interesting
The Traditional standards of bringing the history of culture to the rest of the world, makes earth a suitable, habitable place for existence, and that concepts of realization is to make the said standards of excellence richer and wealthier in so many ways. SMEs....GM.
I have two of these. Both were bought in the States at unique stores. The one, I am sure, came directly from Japan, because the owner traveled around the world in the off season when her store was closed. The other probably came from some grandparents' old house. Both are beautiful and durable. Would love to have a little collection.
Great! An umbrella adequate for my giant Mai Tais
Gorgeous
A humble man 🙏
Man this is so cool
Beautiful. I've always wanted one of these types of umbrellas but I have cats and they love paper, so I will not ruin a beautiful peice of functional art.
Amazing attitude !!
How perfectly beautiful
Beautiful! I hope it won't disappear
Great story
Wow
A work of art
Precioso 💖
Now THIS is the type of umbrella my mom would disown me for if I forgot to bring it back home from work or school.
Awesome
Wowww🙏🇹🇭🇯🇵🙏
The fact I have a whole collection of these kills me I’ve spent so much money but these are so beautiful
@Rex S. both
So amazing, ancient Egypt used peacock feathers as umbrellas or fans 💕 we love umbrellas
Actually, in Ancient Egypt they used similar parasols to these, presumably using papyrus covers. In Assyria they used to make them with fabric
Damn, this would have made for a great souvenir
masterful
Keep your culture ALIVE‼️
*Can we all appreciate this true craftsmanship?*
😈👍
Very interesting
We used to throwaway this type of umbrella..
Seeing how much work and spirituality go into Japanese craftsmanship, you understand why they believed certain well-made and well-loved items would come alive and form their own consciousness. Umbrellas, katana, even hair combs and jewelry boxes could receive spiritual enlightenment and become youkai, thanks to the care and precision they were made with.
Thank you for putting subtitles for the narrator as well. I find it so rude when videos have subtitles only for people who have a bit of an accent or are not native speakers.
My dream is to visit Japan 🇯🇵 and learn more about the beautiful culture and people🌹
I wanna visit a lot of places I'd like to see Athens, Japan, Canada, France, Italy, Mexico, Scotland, Ireland and travel all the states in America. I live in Texas.
@@JustADogLover396 The best time to go was a decade or more ago. The migrant crisis in Europe and later covid now has really hurt everything...
@@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep Mmm. I was 3 a decade ago, so that sucks lol. I hope in the future it will get better and I will be able to go
❤️❤️❤️
I rember my family buying one of these umbrellas on our trip to Japan it was bought from a shop near a temple I think. Yea it's expensive I belive ours was 250 ish dollars but it looks great and functions well.
i get those on my cocktails all the time....
In recent years, some people have been passing off Chinese-made umbrellas (karakasa)as Japanese umbrellas.(wagasa) In Japan, there is a way to distinguish a Japanese umbrella from a Chinese one. The way to tell them apart is to look at the detailed structure.
I would love learn…do that…that in a heartbeat
I wish more of the mechanism was shown
❤️
This is so awesome! I wish I could afford one.