I Spent 3 Months With A Japanese Master Craftsman
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2019
- It's rare that we have the chance to see a true master craftsman at work. I was lucky enough to be able to follow one for 3 months, and want to share the experience with you.
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Norm Nakamura - Tokyo Creative
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Several months very well spent.
I hope you all enjoy getting to see this behind-the-scenes peek at at the workflow of a master craftsman from here in Japan~
If you enjoy this one, it would mean the world to me if you would take the time to share it somewhere (^-^)
Really out done yourself on the editing of this very music and overall presentation :) well done n keep up the epic work through your tokyo lens
Tokyo Lens great video and awesome desk brother
Tokyo Lens I have memories from linked though smell, mostly from 29 years ago or so
Saw some teaser at the end seems interesting....
Oh I've been waiting for this one!!!
Japan is a craftsman’s paradise. The culture really appreciates the traditional methods and materials and people there are willing to support the people and shops that make things using the old methods.
It’s nice to see people supporting this type of craftsmanship rather than chasing the lowest priced, fastest options.
I love Japan, plus everyone there is so nice and have 4 digit IQ
Time itself like Kutuzov said through Tolstoy - and patience, these are the final ingredients. Time. Except we can't afford 'time' in the West.
We are afraid of death. Eastern mystical tradition views time and death as friends!
It reminds me of the line of dialogue from the movie "The Last Samurai", where Tom Cruise's character says about the Japanese people: "From the moment they wake, every moment is spent in the pursuit of absolute perfection."
I’m a 51 year old man lying on my bed in Australia and I just watched the best ever video I have ever seen on TH-cam. What a wonderful experience. The passion of the craftsman and your respect and acknowledgment of what he does was amazing to watch, thank you for sharing the experience. Brilliant.
What do you do?
What is your profession?
I was a similarly enthralled middle aged Aussie when I saw this video and today I went to the factory and spoke with the masters. They even let me oil some timber and sweep up the shavings. So cool! Another one off the bucket list!
“I usually don’t get to see the smiles”😭
That was a rather emotional comment. I'm so glad he got to experience it even once.
right.. that killed me.
I cried at that part 😭
a simple smiles maybe the best reward for a craftsman
i found that really sad as well... i litteraly went "awww" when he said that. glad he got to see at least one smile :)
growing up in america, we are conditioned to the "productivity" style of doing everything, where our objective is to get things done as quickly as possible so that we can move on to the next task. We never really slow down to smell the roses and enjoy the process. There's something meditative about doing something slowly and with care- I think it slows us down internally and can bring a greater sense of peace and accomplishment.
you are so right...
We're told to hurry up with everything so we have free time, then in our free time we think of how empty we feel.
These are gross generalizations, but Americans and Chinese are all about sheer speed and efficiency, but the Japanese, Swiss, and Germans strive for perfection instead.
@@dereksbooks you just told me that the things I said were gross generalizations and then proceeded to grossly generalize four countries lol
Because America is a birth place of capitalism and everything you do is look for the profit and money. Life is not only about it...
As a fellow woodworker and custom furniture maker. This was an amazing video. I find it incredibly difficult for someone to truly capture the passion that a craftsman puts into just a single piece of furniture, And you have done an excellent job portraying that passion and love for the craft that so many people lack these days.
This comment really made my day
I appreciate your words
Thank you so much and all the best of luck to you
@@TokyoLens I'm glad I made your day better 😊 now go take that feeling make someone else's day better! And if you're ever in the states I would be happy to make something for you!
I started tearing up at the end, this feels more like a wonderful short film than just watching a desk being made.
Agree on the tearful ending...
thought i was the only one
ME TOO! How wonderful! But it is like the spirit of the tree lives on . . .
I literally almost cried. Congratulations on your beautiful desk brother. Thank you for sharing.
Definitely very cinematic. Minutes flew by
As a person born and raised in Asahikawa (now living in the Tokyo metropolitan suburb), I am so glad you find the Kagu-craftsmanship in Asahikawa. Well done, friend.
Thank you so much
I’m really happy that you were able to appreciate this video
As an amateur wood worker, seeing that passion and relentless attention to detail is utterly inspiring. If I ever doubted that this craft was for me, that doubt has all but gone thanks to this video.
I love the way everything attaches to the desktop with sliding dovetails. Thanks for sharing this!
Future project? 😅
@@ericlyons6251 considering it
Matthew Cremona thanks so much mate~ just spent some time getting to know your channel. Absolutely beautiful work and makes me appreciate your comment even more. Thanks for taking the time to watch
@@TokyoLens thank you so much!
Me too! It's so much easier to use a different fastening method but it's hard not to appreciate the level of craftsmanship to make fine dovetails.
I am just imagining the eye-twitching that would go on if anyone ever dared place a drink on that desk without a coaster.
first they see the ring, and then they... lol
I believe that you have to offer up a pinky finger for that........
No one with a soul would even think that. That desk just oozes love.
🤣🤣🤣
I’d have that desk behind a bullet proof glass box. No one would be allowed near it. 😎
I’m sure that master craftsman is part of skynet. Unreal skill. 👍🏻👍🏻
This was ridiculously touching during a time where there is such an evident lack of thought due to modern consumerism. I’m moved by the level of craftsmanship that Yamaguchi-san put into your desk, as well as your work you put into the video. Both of you and Yamaguchi-san have passion and dedication to your craft, which clearly shine bright and is something to be proud of. I’m so happy to have stumbled across your channel. Subscribed.
Means a lot~ Thank you so much and a pleasure to meet you~
Cheers
I love the sentiment of the woodworker, and the gratitude of the new owner. This is how life is supposed to be! Giving & appreciation.
Wow... I don't know what to say.. I was brought to tears by the beauty of this story. The love and the weight of years of tradition and skill passed on by master craftsmen down through time for you to finally receive such a phenomenal work of art. The smile and care that was seen in Mr. Yamaguchi-san while he worked was quite powerful. Thank you Norm for making such an awesome story for us to enjoy.
That level of craftsmanship is so rare in this world today. Everything we use today is made disposable almost without purpose. Thank you for sharing this experience. Many of us that watch this may never have a chance to experience this level of craftsmanship personally. We need to slow our fast paced lives down and wait for a little bit of perfection. This holds true for everything we do. If it is worth doing, then do it well.
As the son of a long dead master craftsman who was trained as an indentured shipwright I envy you Norm. Very few people outside the truly wealthy will ever experience and appreciate this level of craftsmanship. These master carpenters exist still to this day everywhere there are center of excellence and the patrons willing to pay for their time and materials. Bravo to you and thank you for a wonderful documentary, you brought a tear to my eye.
This is one of the most beautiful short films I have ever seen on TH-cam. The respect the serenity the appreciation in your voice was sincere. I now have way more appreciation for it all. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow thank you so much for the amazingly kind comment. Glad you enjoyed it that much~
Norm, I'm touched by the reverence in your voice, the respect you show for this beautiful craft and the craftsmen. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Thank you Kathryn~
Kathryn T totally agree
I will absolutly have a desk made by these craftsman in Japan. The tree the desk is made of has a soul, the one who made the desk has a soul, and the souls are combined in this desk. What a treasure. I can truly feel the emotion you feel toward this desk
" I usually can't see these smiles". I'm in tears. He was in this art for half a century, yet those words comes out of him. He truly is an inspiration.
As a visual artist myself, I want to create something that will make people smile.
Mr Yamaguchi is a dear soul. You can sense how dedicated he is and truly puts all of himself in the moment.
The desk is so beautiful!! And how lovely that you got to see how it was made and also get to know the creator! What a very special piece of furniture you got yourself! Thanks for documenting the story! It was pure joy to watch♡
This is not just a table at the end of it.
It's like a piece of Art you buy, a memory you purchased from him.
I was initially thinking to ask you how much it costed you, but now I am saying to myself, it has no RIGHT cost with the love it is made with, and the dedication it was given. It can never repaid that amount.
@@strongholds12 It's not too expensive either.
Why does everything you produce make me cry in that weird, heartfelt, "touched my soul" kind of way? Well done, dude.
this is legitimately one of the coolest things!! always love how much time and care japanese craftsmen put into their work, and how much effort they put into making it personal
Thank you Turi!
Really glad that you enjoyed it that much 😊
I love that it houses not one, but two shamisen
My father is a trained carpenter, and nearly every piece of furniture in our house is made by him.
Maybe I’ve underappreciated what a privilege that is (even though he’s probably a hobbyist compared to the guy in this video).
Ephrones Sharp Learn from him while he’s here❤️. My grandad was an absolute master craftsman and there isn’t anything in the world I wouldn’t do for one more day with him in his shop
Honor the man, bro !
Kudos to your dad. Honour him indeed
go to him and tell him thank you and give a big reverent hug "thanks For Being MY Dad!"
Be proud of him and his work. And be grateful! 💪
It is very rare to become emotionally touched by watching a desk being created, but I have become very fond of the woodwork craft, and know how much work the master must put down to create something as beautiful as your desk :) So honestly when I saw the finished product I was emotionally affected by the work. Beautiful desk :)
That means a lot
I’m happy that this video reached you
Thank you for your kind comment
to have a man dedicate his craft so much that he'd want to understand his customer's lifestyle to compliment/enhance their day-to-day life is really, admirable. The true value in artisans compared to by the numbers factory products.
This video made me happy. I love nature, I love wood, I love people who craft. The passion that this desk was maden with was amazing.
Thanks so much~
Amazing video on a master craftsmen, movie maker and wood master !
Man, I'm speechless. Such a big moment and memory u have for your entire life. I'm a beginer wodworker and I know what you mean with the smell of the wood on the workshop. Just a singular moment. While I was going through this video, I felt like I had almost the same feelings has you did on recording all those moments. Good video.
Beautiful experience and hats off to the craftsman, his dedication and love for his work! Amazing craftmanship! Thank you!
My father was a carpenter,so I grew up around wood working. This was an excellent video. He gave the definition of a craftsman. Thank you
That means the absolute world to me. Thank you so much.
Especially from someone who has experience or background in woodworking, I appreciate the kind words.
Yamaguchi san was an amazing man to work with, and I can only hope that this simple video captures enough of who he really was~
I think this is my favourite video you’ve done yet. The amount of care they put into your desk is amazing. I love watching craftsman work and this was so interesting to watch. I really love that they plant trees to make this sustainable.
I'd cry if i get a desk like that. So beautiful
This type of craftsmanship is a thing of beauty, and so hard to find now a days. I love knowing that there are still craftsman with that level of passion
I had the pleasure of living in Okinawa and Japan for 3 to 4 years. A life changing experience. Take in every day to its fullest. Domo arigato!
Wow. The level of craftsmanship is amazing. He is a true artisan.
Beautiful desk, not only because it looks great but also that the "master's" passion in the making of this piece.
Wow! The craftsmanship & 'personality' that went into this desk was sensational to watch & see it flourish. You would NEVER want to get rid of this desk, you would almost protect it 'with your life'. Thanks SO much for sharing this for ALL to enjoy. Cheers, Don from South Australia.
Wow, I didn’t realize how much art and dedication went into something like this! I admire creators like this, it’s incredible! Very well done video🙌🏻
What a fantastic story! This is how a craftsman should feel about his creation.
To be honest, that table look so simple, yet so elegant
It seems that the master craftsmen really took care of every single small detail and pours his heart and soul in making the table
I bet that table will last for centuries
It makes me emotional to see the amount of devotion and pride the Japanese craftsman dedicate to its work. Been a half Jap myself i live there for 10 years, i'm so proud to all the learning and discipline this land taught me. Thank you for the video.
The desk is so beautiful. I love watching the process of it all.
That is one gorgeous desk. I also admire the love he puts into his craft, it is truly inspiring to see and hear.
Thanks for taking the time to watch~
Scientists say that the moon exists when you look at it, for the same reason I can say that the master exists as long as he is appreciated.
Hahaha - you freak!
True though, very true. We loose so much sometimes, in my Country of Australia, they are forever erasing the past, wether it is knocking down old buildings or simply thinking new is ALWAYS better. Here it is very much the truth that if something is broken - replace it. Don't spend a bit of Time repairing it. All off this means that master craftsmen become less, as the public want more. Thank you for your lovely comment - sorry about mine!!
Well said!
What a beautiful saying. ❤️
Truth be told!
@Mo Biggims the original comment had some truth but dang. Yours hit home my friend. 🙏
This is great to watch. To see a master at work is fantastic. I hope handcrafted products continue to grow as they do in Hokkaido!
Watching master craftspeople at work is such an enjoyable thing.
I love this, my godfather actually is a carpenter so I have so much appreciation for this. I've always found woodworking really interesting despite not having any interest in doing it myself. Also love that desk, walnut is gourgeous, one of my favourite woods. Great video, as always and the craftmanship is amazing.
Thank you so much
I love that you shared this with me
The passion he shows to his craft fills my heart. It is a deeply emotional video that showcases a persons pride and passion. Well done.
So ABSOLUTELY Beautiful!!! Watching this brought tears to my eyes! I LOVE woodworking so much! When i see Master craftsman do they're craft its like magic to me!! Awesome Awesome Desk!
As I traveled all over Japan I kept thinking of the word shokunin, the mastery of one's profession. The word bleeds through everywhere there and you can feel an innate connection between person and craft. I wish people had the same feeling here in the United States. It's such a different feeling to be in the present and hone your craft. What a great video!
Watching this doesmake me regret going into a metal trade, while i was at school i was the best ranking student. I just did not have the knowledge to know where wood would have taken me. I can say i missed out on the passion you can have with working with beautiful materials like wood and yes the smell always does it for me also. Fantastic video and a huge thanks for sharing your passion and fortune to meet people that share it also.
When the craftsman said he was so excited to see how much you like your desk and how pleased you were and that he was extremely happy and please with you and how much he enjoyed seeing your smile..... In my Mind watching this i was like wow what an amazing experience this must have been for you both clearly and i said lol if only they saw the look on my face with a really huge smile.. this was awesome man thanks for sharing this
All their wood stock is unbelievably beautiful. I'd love to have access to stock like that. What an amazing workshop.
What a wonderfully reverent way to honor the breadth of craftsmanship that was involved in the making of your desk, spotlighting the Master Craftsman himself. Thanks so much for sharing your entire experience!
He was an incredible man
And while the video started with me focussing a lot more on the woodworking and the piece, The more I worked with him, the more I wanted to showcase who he was as a person, and his process~
It means the world to me that the video spoke to you that much
thank you so much for taking the time out of your day
There is just something about Japan that everyone loves. It's either the culture, people, geography, language, their silly TV shows, politeness. But most importantly, they care. They care about their education, politics, jobs, customers, friends, nature and so much more. One of my long term goals is to live in Japan, but if that doesn't happen I'll be sure to, at the very least, visit as many times as I can.
The video you made was of a really good quality, the narration was well thought through, and your voice is soothing for it, I really enjoyed the entirety of it, thank you very much ^_^
This kind of stuff just mesmerizes me. To watch somebody craft something with such intention is beautiful, and your appreciation for it is wonderful to see. Maybe because it's such a sharp contrast to the hurried, distracted, slap-it-together and eventually throw-it-away lifestyle that seems to exist in much of America... and in myself.
Watching a true master doing his work, being so humble and dedicated... brought tears to my eyes.
Real nice video, real nice music too. 👏👏👏
Thank
You so much~
I just want to hug this table.
I can only imagine the feeling when you are an artist and make something for someone that you love so much, and yet can't see them smile . You being there and see how happy you were made him happy. Im an artist myself and also the lucky ones that gets to see customer face to face until im done
This is one of the best heartwarming videos I have watched on TH-cam.
Such care and concern for a piece of wood which others are so quick to throw away.
Thank you for your time making this and to the craftsman of this beautiful price of art.
Stay well
Ash from Scotland 🏴
it's the best documentary I've seen; thanks you to share this moment with us ,
Work of art ,respect for the master and his beautiful country
I used to live and worked there.. I I truly appreciate everything what they do. Thank you for this video. It brings back memories. Cheers
Sometimes very rarely you come across a video that brings out emotions unexpectedly and you just don't want it to stop. You make us feel we're there and also sad to leave. The table is beautiful and his craftsmanship is second to none. Thank you for showing us.
That was absolutely beautiful, on so many levels. The appreciation for the craftsmen, the love the craftsmen had for their work, the cinematography, and the absolutely beautiful desk. Thank you for sharing. It was great fun to watch.
I do appreciate the simplicity of designs that do not detract from the wood.
Japanese for me is the best in craftsmanship
From 🇵🇭
Cheers, eh~
There is definitely a deep level of respect that goes into the craft from woodworkers around the world.
But I can really feel certain differences in approach between back home and here~
it was quite the experience to have
The tokyo scene was probably the most bautifull take ive seen on this channel, not for tecnique, colour, etc, but it just so excellently portrays the city and its scale, and thats what its all about!!!
This is one of the most beautiful and wholesome videos that I have seen. I hope that every person can one day understand this type of love for what they do.
Such a piece of art is never your own, it's like a monument that you take care of for the generations after you.
What a master peace and the process that involves, my respect to the woodworkers.
Master piece? Although I guess there’s also master peace.
I got misty eyes watching. It is truly an amazing process and an incredible outcome. I resonated alot with what he says he feels while working on a project, everything fades away and your focus is on one thing. Great video!
Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thank you very much for documenting this and supporting these makers! 👍
If a tree can be respected so much for the precious wood that it gave so that a few souls could excel at their amazing skill sets for someone to appreciate it so much, then Mother nature has done her duty in Providing. Amazing video. So much of Respect ✊.
Seeing this was almost like being there, it was an amazing experience and I am really touched by the experience and the emotions you had and could pass on to us.
Thank you for this
I lived and worked in Osaka for three years. I love the love you have for Japan and all things Japanese. An amazing time, place and people!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. I could feel all the Love that was put into making the desk, and the best part was Mr. A’s reaction to see your Smile . ❤️❤️❤️💫💫💫🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I’m not going to lie, my eyes were very watery throughout this video because of the respect and love that was put into making that desk (both from you as the customer and the craftsman). I was keeping it together until you said it arrived at 10am on your birthday, then the tears didn’t stop (happy tears of course).
I hope one day I would be fortunate enough to have a furniture made the same way (although I’m not sure if shipping from Japan to the UK is a good idea, it might get damaged on the way).
I hope you create many great memories with that desk. Enjoy!
Dominika,
I really enjoyed reading this
To be honest is 330 in Japan right now
So I’m gonna sit down my phone and reply to this in the morning~
Tokyo Lens I am so sorry I’m just seeing your reply now! I was just showing my Mother this video.
Norm (if I may just use your first name) all I can say is my mothers reaction was the same as mine. We both shed a few tears.
I showed her my comment (I normally never comment, ever) and her reply was “whatever it takes”, it seems like a handmade desk ( and possibly other furniture from Japan) is now on our bucket lists.
Once again I wish you nothing but the best for the now and the future. Continue to make the content that you love and experience new amazing things. We will gladly go on these adventures with you.
That’s ok.
Shortly after that the video took off
And I actually had trouble finding the comment
So I’m really glad that you took the time to follow up.
First of all,
Thank you so much for your original comment. And more than that, I’m touched and filled with gratitude that you would take the time to show this to your mother.
It means the absolute world to me that both of you enjoyed it that much. And even more that you would take the time to follow up with the second comment.
I don’t always get the chance to reply to every comment that comes on to the channel, but I’m glad that I got the opportunity to follow up with this one.
Thank you once again
And I hope both you and your mother have a spectacular day
Wow now that's what I call dedication and professionalism. True art man ship
I’ve been binge watching your videos and am just loving everything Japan. THIS one hit me in the feels!! I never thought my heart could feel so much about a desk, but seeing the oil finish that brought this piece to life…just wow! ❤
Without a doubt, you "get it". Your enthusiasm and love for true craftsmanship is definitely present. It is an amazing and beautiful creation. What a great experience to document.
This is amazing Norm, loved the desk, loved everything the process, the care, the mastery. This is truly amazing!
A mix of appreciation and pressure to sit and work at it~
@@TokyoLens Yeah!!! Something that cool would be a pressure to sit on!!! I would be SOO careful on it!!!
That is amazing, what a true labour of love you have there.
Rare that we get to actually see it being made
Makes me love it just so much more~
I am a college student studying to become a high school woodshop teacher. There is nothing quite like seeing a master at their craft. Amazing. Beautiful piece as well
Oh man that ending broke my control and a single tear rolled down my cheek. I can feel the respect and love the craftsman has for his work but the carpenter and the filmographer
500 dislikes from people who shop at IKEA
Lol
@@dirkdiggler6230 it's mass produced and heartless. People play almost no role in the making of the furniture.
@@combatwombat7773 relax, that is life. just because it is something you don't approve of doesn't mean that it shouldn't be.
@@mohdsalmanbinshafie7658 Exactly, I mistook a piece of boxed unassembled furniture from that of Walmart and the person was vastly offended... ....but yes, it was particle board....
@@mohdsalmanbinshafie7658 : Not for nothing but there's some fun customizable solid wood stuff that you can get from IKEA. You just have to be willing to put in the finishing work to make it worth keeping. It's nothing compared to high end joinery, but c'mon...that's not what IKEA is there for.
When your desk costs more than the house its in. I love watching Japanese craftsmen.
Thank you for this video man. I won’t lie I felt all the emotions that went into building this desk and seeing what this desk represented in terms of culture and ethics. Hope more people appreciate life how you do. Hope you and your friends and family are all safe during these times.
for a few years, I couldn't find a single satisfying video. I found this one and it changed me I don't know why. now I've a passion for wood working. after going Japan a few times, I know I can't reach their level but I want to learn it too. thanks for igniting a spark of wanting to learn something which I've lost for a few years already. thanks so much .
Pure art, true heart - a master carpenter who captures the spirit of the tree. Absolutely stunning.
Thank you so much~
*That workshop is the dream of any woodworker*
I have watched a lot of videos from a few furniture craftsman in Japan and this is by far one of the best ones I have seen. I took my first trip to Japan in June for 2 weeks and Im already planning on doing it again next year. I wish I could have the ability to do something like this because the care / emotion that goes into a piece like this is priceless.
Thank you so much for documenting both the process and the people involved. Such an event!
I was searching for atble and desk plans and designs and man this one is so beautiful. Now I want one!
13:05 got me all emotional, wow, what an amazing experience. It was so cool seeing his reaction to your reaction 🙌🏼
At this point i have no ide how many times i have come back to this vid. There just so many things that just hit those right notes for me. The cinematography, the craftsmanship and just the narrative being told. Will most likely come back again and again to this video
Just a beautiful video that carries with it the depth of artisanal appreciation Japan has upheld in its traditions. As an aspiring craftsmen this is always an inspirational and motivational watch.