Japanese Culture in New York - Chopsticks NY

you look around your room, you'll find something that was made in Japan (even though you might not have guessed it was a Japanese product). New York City's subway cars are made by a Japanese company; karaoke was developed in Japan; instant ramen was a Japanese invention. What else? Nintendo, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are among some of Japan's most famous companies.  They are global brands, with products that are manufactured all over the world, yet these companies have retained their early goals of making high-quality products and continually improving these products. Here, we explore the secret of Japan's success in the electronics, engineering, manufacturing, food, entertainment, and fashion industries.

The Japanese Approach to Craftsmanship ––
"Mono," "Waza," and "Kiwameru"

A good way to understand Japan's craftsmanship is to start with these three key words: "mono," "waza," and "kiwameru." "Mono" simply means "thing," "object," or "product," but it also implies quality. This indicates that Japanese people believe that the things they use should have a certain quality. "Waza" is used on various occasions to mean "skills," "techniques," "arts," and "craftsmanship," and people who have waza are highly respected in Japanese society. "Kiwameru" is a verb that means "to master something," "to do something thoroughly," or "to reach the limit"; what's hidden behind the word, however, is that there is no end to this journey toward mastery. Japanese craftspeople tend to dedicate themselves to polishing their skills until they are satisfied with the quality of the products they are making. Another factor that contributes to the focus on quality in Japanese craftsmanship is that Japanese typically use their products for as long as possible; products must be high quality: durable, strong, compact, convenient, and easy to handle. These elements comprise the soil in which Japanese craftsmanship grows.

Traditional Crafts Passed Down Over Hundreds of Years

As an indication of Japan's high regard for refined, meticulous, and labor-intensive crafts, an extensive tradition of handcrafts exists in Japan: lacquer, gilt, parquetry, papermaking, ceramics, dyeing, weaving, and embroidery, among others. Each craft reflects the region where it was made. This is largely because each craft was traditionally created by people using what they could find in their surroundings. Sake brewing, for example, is connected to the local climate and nature, and it also requires a laborious process based on meticulous calculations to produce premium sake. In addition, many regional craft traditions were historically protected and supported by the local regime to develop the industries in the region; the resulting products were often offered to the central Japanese government as gifts to show the region's prosperity.

From the Nose of a Bullet Train to the Back of an iPod––The Importance of Domestic Industries

The tradition of craftsmanship that has developed over hundreds of years is the foundation for Japan's modern technology. Many of today's global corporations started as small domestic companies. Even now, there are still many small factories in Japan, and they make many of your favorite products possible. If you are part of the iPod generation, did you know that the mirror-like metal on the back of the iPod is polished by a few artisans in Japan? Or if you are a Star Wars fanatic, you must be familiar with the action figures of Kaiyodo, a company that faithfully reproduces the details of the film's characters. Most people are not aware that the noses of bullet trains as well as high-speed locomotives in China, South Korea, Singapore, and Dubai are made of hammered sheet metal manufactured in small factories in Japan. Though the noses are made through a completely low-tech process, hammering the metal requires years of experience and dedication.

The Spirit Behind Today's Innovation

Whether you are buying electronics, cars, medical equipment, video games, beauty supplies, or food, the Japanese products you enjoy today share one thing in common: They contribute to people's everyday life. Staying close to life and improving it are the goals of Japanese companies and the basis for innovation. About 120 years ago, the dry battery was invented in Japan, and it is now a necessity of daily life. The blue light-emitting diode––a Japanese invention––has enabled eco-efficient LED screens, and optical communication systems––another Japanese innovation––are essential in this fast-paced society. These are just a few examples of the ways that Japanese technology has contributed to human life and made it both more convenient and richer. So, the next time you ride on subway or go to karaoke, imagine what will come next from Japan.

This full-bodied and mild sake has a depth of flavor and a refined quality that lingers nicely. It is very smooth and silky.