Japan is world renowned for its traditional craftsmanship along with its history of technological innovation. Featured in books, documentaries, and TV shows, the Japanese craftsman quality is shown, but a method of attainment is not generally given. While the technology invented and optimized in Japan is found in the latest gadgets and start of the art projects around the world, why aren’t the equally as renowned traditional craft goods as accessible to the rest of the world in the same regard? Why are Japanese craft goods so exclusive?
The problem facing Japanese Whiskeys
Japanese whiskey is a rare treat known to the rest of the world, notably their aged Hibiki and Yamazaki whiskeys. These whiskeys, while well known, besides their hefty price tags are also extremely limited in accessibility. Generally walking the whiskey aisle of a store, you can find Suntory in one form or another, and if you have paid attention, a rectangular bottle with light colored whiskey is something you have noticed. This bottle is Japan’s answer to the problem facing their aged Hibiki and Yamazaki whiskeys. This bottle is known as ‘Toki‘, and although you have seen it at liquor stores in the US, you will not have seen them in liquor stores in Japan. Why would a Japanese-made whiskey be generally unavailable in the country of production? That is because it is made as a product solely for export.
Japanese whiskeys are so famous worldwide, that Suntory cannot produce enough to keep up with global demand. The Toki whiskey was created to sate the cravings the rest of the world has for Japanese whiskey. Could Japanese craftsman goods be suffering the same problem as Japanese whiskeys?
Why are Japanese craft goods so exclusive?
The answer for the craft products is much simpler. With crafts made in traditional ways, many craftsmen operate in traditional ways. Locally sourced raw materials and a local network of distribution. Not much thought is given to the outside world. Few have real websites, and even fewer have their websites also translated into English. Sites that do showcase traditional crafts are generally limited to pictures, an address, and maybe a phone number. The issue can be boiled down to distance, both physically and linguistically from those overseas who would be interested in their craft.
Rambling Merchant offers a unique solution for you to eliminate these boundaries. We, like you, appreciate what these craftsmen have to offer, and our goal is to make it accessible. Cutting out the trips to the showroom, or another country all together, learn the stories behind the craftsmen and their crafts and get an in-depth look at the process behind it. We work directly with craftsmen to make it reality for you.
Give us advice for how we can improve your experience here!
Stay up to date with the latest from Rambling Merchant here!
Follow @RamblingMerch
