Located in the far east of Asian, this area comprising around 6,852 islands is also super enriched with art, traditions and customs that led to the development of versatile artifacts. Among the most well known of these crafts are Bonsai, origami, and ikebana. Originating from Japan and shaped by 14,000 years of culture filled history, all these forms of arts are considered very popular among the Japanese and are taken as a unique and raw form of art.
Bonsai
It refers to a technique that uses cultivation to produce art in the miniature form, more specifically in small pots. The word “bon” in Japanese is a type of pot used for the growing of plants and trees and the word “sai” itself means planting in Japanese, hence it is the art of growing plants and trees in pots. It is said to require a lot of patience and it is a very time taking process to grow a single bonsai. Any type of tree or plant can be made into its miniature form using this technique and is thus present or can be seen in every Japanese household for an attractive look and relaxation of mind. The name on every bonsai depends upon the type of pots used and the kind of plant inside it. It is a very large-scale artistic hobby practiced in almost every house in Japan.
Origami
The interest of almost every Japanese person is, it is the art of making different shapes by folding paper with a certain technique. The word origami instantly strikes the remembrance of the story of Sadako and her 1000 paper cranes which is recognized all over the world. Special material of papers is sold for the purpose of making this art come to life. From simple to complex shapes, it includes everything.
Ikebana
The word Ikebana means the assembling or arranging of flowers. It is also called Kado which means “way of flowers”. It is considered as the art of making flowers alive with the vibrant pop of colors and aims to enhance a flora’s inner qualities . This tradition is known to have originated from the Japanese Heian Period as alters, these floral embellishments were offered. Later they found their way to every traditional Japanese household. In the Japanese culture, almost all of the flowers, plants and trees are associated with a certain climatic season and are embedded with some sort of a symbolic meaning. Ikebana too like other arts is taught to the natives. It starts with the basics such as how to properly trim a branch or flowers or meander the angels etc.
The Japanese have spared no opportunities in showcasing their cultural artifacts. Their traditional crafts have directly or indirectly been a part of the Olympic games for as long as one could remember. But unfortunately, due to ongoing pandemic, Japan is making headlines on the possible cancellation or delay of its occurrence. As if of 19th of January, London’s Former Chief executive claimed that it was improbable for Tokyo Games to take place this year in the summers. This although comes as a great loss for the athletes end but also as a loss to the craftsmen who spend days creating traditional crafts to present to these games and as well as welcoming gift at the airport for when different Olympics participants from all over the world come to attend the games. The sad reality is the entire world is likely to miss out on the most cultural, picturesque and eye pleasing crafts of Japan.
