Japan is a land of traditional crafts created using artisan techniques, such as Tochigi leather and Kyoto braided cord. However, many of these crafts are facing structural problems, such as a lack of successors. Knot started the MUSUBU Project with the belief that by passing traditional Japanese techniques onto the next generation, we can create wristwear that will be loved around the world.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the status of Japanese craftsmanship and the MUSUBU project, as well as a selection of Knot’s recommended products that incorporate traditional Japanese techniques.
Contents
The status of Japanese craftsmanship
MUSUBU Project, bringing Japanese craftsmanship to the world
Recommended Knot products showcasing Japanese craft techniques
Knot watches, the essence of Japanese craftsmanship
Japanese craftsmanship in the modern age
The quality of Japanese craftsmanship is widely regarded to be among the finest in the world. However, the manufacturing and development industries are currently experiencing several challenges. Let us first take a look at the current status of Japanese craftsmanship.
What is craftsmanship?
Generally, “craftsmanship” refers to manufacturing and development, and the technologies and services used in those fields. However, it is about more than merely making things, and often refers to manufacturing that utilizes advanced artisanal skills, as well as expressing spirituality, traditional culture, and history.
The state of craftsmanship in Japan
In recent years, the manufacturing and development industries have been experiencing a number of challenges. One of these is a shortage of successors, due to declining birthrates and an aging population. This state of affairs could potentially lead to the disappearance of traditional artisanal techniques. In order to reverse this trend, efforts are being made to convey the appeal of craftsmanship to the next generation and to the world. For example, workshops exist where you can experience the production process of traditional crafts, and there are exhibitions held overseas that showcase Japanese traditional crafts.
MUSUBU Project, bringing Japanese craftsmanship to the world
Knot’s MUSUBU Project aims to share Japanese craftsmanship with the world. Here, we will provide details about the project and the MUSUBU Partners who are participating.
MUSUBU Project
The MUSUBU Project is an initiative run by the Knot wristwatch brand. It aims to connect people from all over the world to Japan’s unique craftsmanship and the skill of its artisans, through the medium of wristwatches. The main goal is to express the tradition of delicate, meticulous craftsmanship that is alive and well in Japan, and convey this to the world.
MUSUBU Partners
MUSUBU Partners are Japanese manufacturing companies and factories that are participating in the MUSUBU Project. They produce the parts and straps for Knot watches, and include companies and factories from all over Japan that are committed to traditional Japanese techniques and manufacturing. Below you will find a selection of our MUSUBU Partners.
Hayashi Seiki Seizo
Since its founding in 1921, this precision metalworking company has continued to manufacture watch cases in Japan with uncompromising accuracy and beauty. Its metal processing technology is world-class; its mirror-polishing technique for high-end watch cases, known as Sallaz polishing, has been highly acclaimed, winning the Special Prize at the 4th Monozukuri Nippon Grand Awards and the 4th Utsukushima Monozukuri Grand Awards, among others.
Tochigi Leather
Tochigi Leather specializes in a tanning process that continues to employ traditional methods requiring a great deal of time and dedication. It utilizes a bespoke tanning solution to produce an exceptional, genuine leather that can be used in a wide range of applications both in Japan and abroad. The slow tanning technique, painstakingly executed by artisans through an intricate process, uses exclusively naturally-derived vegetable tannin to produce a true work of art.
Kimoto Leather Works
Tanning requires large amounts of water, so tanneries have tended to develop in areas with abundant water sources. Kimoto Leather Works, located in the Matsubara area of Tatsuno, Hyogo Prefecture, is surrounded by the rich waters of the Ibo and Hayashida rivers, making it a vibrant center for Himeji leather production. Skilled artisans carefully tan their hides down to the core, and provide assured quality through their meticulous craftsmanship.
Showen Kumihimo
Based in Uji, Kyoto, Showen Kumihimo is dedicated to silk. Kumihimo is a cord made by intricately braiding threads, and has a long history, said to have been introduced to Japan with the arrival of Buddhism. However, as cheaper products become more widely available, the sales of Kumihimo, which is extremely labor-intensive, are becoming increasingly challenged. Amidst these difficulties, the company continues to provide high-quality Japanese-made braided cord and to explore the possibilities of Kumihimo braided cord in the modern age.
Makita Shoten
Established in 1866, Makita Shoten has been making beautiful umbrella fabrics for over 150 years. Through its use of traditional techniques, it weaves Jacquard fabric using threads that have been vividly dyed using natural water from Mt Fuji, ranging from delicate patterns to bold designs. The quality and beauty of its products have even been recognized by Japan’s Imperial Family, which uses umbrellas made by the company.
Takeyari
This long-established company, founded in 1888, continues to weave canvas in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture. Its tools range from shuttle looms, of which there are now only a few left in Japan, to the latest high-speed, wide-width looms, manufacturing a wide range of canvas products from apparel to industrial materials. Takeyari’s products are also known as “woven leather”, due to its durability and rich texture.
Takada Orimono
This company is Japan’s top producer of “Tatami-beri” mat borders. Tatami-beri is the cloth that lines the edges of Japanese tatami mats to prevent wear on the corners. Although the company now utilizes high-speed needle looms equipped with electronic Jacquard machines, and the materials have moved from cotton to synthetic fibers, the focus on weaving has persisted, creating a new generation of Tatami-beri while preserving tradition.
Recommended Knot products showcasing Japanese craft techniques
As a firm believer in “Made in Japan”, Knot offers a wide range of products which epitomize Japanese craftsmanship. Below we’ll introduce some recommended items created in partnership with our MUSUBU Partners.
Watches
AT-38 Mechanical Watch
This Japan-made mechanical watch is created with a commitment to using only the finest Japanese parts. The case is made by Hayashi Seiki, which boasts Japan’s highest level of metalworking technology, and the movement and dial are also made in Japan. This is a genuine Japan-made mechanical watch that resulted from more than 16 months of development, with the aim of conveying the appeal of mechanical watches to users who may have moved away from them.
ATC-40 Mechanical Chronograph
This Japan-made mechanical watch uses twice as many parts as the AT-38, and strives to even greater heights. It is equipped with a mechanical chronograph movement with a highly intricate mechanism consisting of approximately 310 parts. The cut surface on the inside of the lug not only gives the watch a sense of depth, but also of lightness. The three sub-dials combine functionality and elegance, with the font adjusted to micrometer-level precision.
CS-36 Small Second
This timepiece not only looks beautiful, but also demonstrates a high level of Japanese technical refinement. The hour markers, designed with legibility in mind, are set using the techniques of a long-established watch manufacturing factory in Akita Prefecture. The dial is inspired by traditional designs from the 1940s to 1960s, applying the latest materials such as 316L surgical steel, which is less likely to cause metal allergies.
Straps
Tochigi Leather Traditional Shape Strap
This is a traditional leather strap made from Tochigi leather, tanned with natural tannin. With its transparent sheen and comfortable fit, the skill of the master artisans is tangible. Even those with slender wrists can wear this strap with comfort.
Himeji Semi Grain Leather Strap
This strap has a smooth texture and is resistant to dirt and scratches. The vivid and beautiful colors unique to Himeji leather are created by applying several coats of paint in stages, with the colors judged by the discerning eyes of master craftsman. The elegant design can be worn on any occasion.
Kyoto Showen Kumihimo Silk Strap
Kyoto Showen Kumihimo uses bespoke techniques to create a striped twill pattern known as “Aya”, available in seven colors. You can enjoy the novel sensation of wearing Kumihimo braided cord, which has been used through history for Buddhist altarware, tea ceremony utensils, armor, swords, and kimono decorations.
Maitaka Traditional Shape Strap
This strap is unique for the vivid colors and glossy sheen of its umbrella fabric, woven by skilled artisans. It has a gentle texture while also being water-repellent and water-resistant, making it a highly appealing wristwear item. Combining the dragonfly pattern of Makita Shoten’s traditional umbrellas and Tochigi leather, the strap is a real gem.
Okayama Takeyari Canvas Straight Shape Strap
This strap was created by Takeyari, which has been weaving canvas for over 130 years in keeping with the times. It is made from carefully selected material that is both durable and flexible. The material has the firmness of canvas at first, but it gradually softens and ages over time like leather. The unique, vivid colors of Takeyari are also very attractive.
Okayama Takada Orimono Tatami-beri Straight Shape Strap
This is a strap that takes the material used for the edges of tatami mats, which has been a part of Japanese culture since ancient times, and re-imagines it for wristwear. The strap combines the tradition of Tatami-beri, which has been woven for over 120 years, with the evolution of synthetic fibers that are colorful, strong, and lightweight. The elegant lattice pattern, inspired by the storehouses of Kurashiki, adds a touch of individuality to the wrist.
Knot watches, the essence of Japanese craftsmanship
In Japan, there are many traditional crafts that have been passed down from generation to generation in a variety of fields. At the same time, the mass production of cheap products, the increase in imported goods, and the shortage of successors have combined to put the continuation of traditional craftsmanship under threat.
The Knot MUSUBU Project was started in order to shine a light on the traditions of craftsmanship that are found in various parts of Japan, preserving them for the future and sharing them with the world. Because this high-quality wristwear is made by master artisans, you can wear it with a sense of affection, and it can also make a wonderful gift for the people closest to you. The history and skills of the artisans who support Japanese manufacturing are incorporated into every aspect of Knot wristwatches, from the watch to the strap. If you are interested in learning more, please visit the Knot global website or one of the Maker’s Watch Knot gallery shops located throughout Japan.