Ben Richards Shokunin: A Journey Through Japan's Traditional Craft Workshops

A brand new book celebrating Japan’s treasured artisans and the regions they call home.

From Kyoto’s suburban mask-makers to the swordsmiths of Kanazawa, Shokunin is carefully designed and organised region-by-region, featuring curated itineraries filled with lesser-travelled destinations and local insights by Ben Richards.

Japan is home to some of the world’s most treasured 'Shokunin'. Literally translating to ‘artisan’ or ‘craftsperson’ in English, the Japanese meaning runs much deeper. A true Shokunin is someone who dedicates their life to mastering their craft; it’s a rejection of mass-produced standardisation and a personal responsibility to preserve their traditions for future generations.