In the Heart of Aizu | Documentary | 2017

While Japan continues to be one of the world's leading nations in the tech industry, the former Samurai town of Aizu-Wakamatsu is home to a handful of artisans that remain committed to their craft. An ancient tradition passed down through generations of Urushi Shokunin, the art of Urushiware is kept alive through the skill and dedication of these craftsmen. A labor of love held fast in an ever-increasingly commercialized society.
Directed by: Taylor Hawkins
Produced by: Steve Sakanashi
Music by: Caleb Buse
Title design: Charissa Bangs
FEATURED ARTISANS
Kijishi - Susumu Ishihara
Nurishi - Toru Yoshida
Makieshi - Yasutsugu Yamauchi
SPECIAL THANKS
Canon Marketing Japan
Wataru Kainuma, Urushi Rocks
This film was shot on the Canon C300 Mark II in 4K with Canon CN-E lenses. Graded with Koji Color in Davinci Resolve.