OKITAMA TRADITIONAL CRAFT⑨【Sasano-bori (Yonezawa City)】
The farmers' carving technique of using only a single knife has been passed down for several thousand years
This is a local type of toy passed down in the Sasano district since a long time ago. It originates from two items: a shaved wooden flower and an octagonal charm. It is said that they are closely connected with rituals of the local Sasano Kannon belief. Also, during the late Edo period (18th to 19th century) the 9th lord Uesugi Yozan of the Yonezawa clan is said to have encouraged farmers to make them as a side business during the winter season, helping bring about their prosperity. In technical terms, there is a similarity to Inau carvings of the Ainu people (indigenous Japanese) which are said to be used in festivities.
《Yamagata Prefectural Government 》
Walk Over Fire in Japan! Wander Yonezawa
Yonezawa is a mountainous region in northern Japan - because of this it is home to many religious traditions that were created by mountain monks hundreds of years ago. The Jyunanado-sai held at Sasano Kanon sees participants walk over hot coals in order to receive blessings for health and happiness for the new year. Why not get heated up for your next trip to Japan?
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Nobuyuki-san Wood Carving Craftsman Japan
Nobuyuki Takahashi a master wood carver (Sasano Ittobori). Nobuyuki-san has been carving Otakapoppo for 35 years now and highly recognized in Japan and around the world for his craftsmanship skills. Although Nobuyuki Takahashi pieces are simple, it takes a great deal of skill to create objects of the highest quality. His travels took him to Disneyland in Calif., on six different occasions, where his demonstrations were popular and onlookers were full of curiosity as they watched him create a bird with a layer of beautiful feathers using only his chisel and a log. We hope your inspired by Nobuyuki Takahashi skills. To See the complete video and sign the guest book please visit You will also find other interesting videos here from Japan.
To see a previous show I recorded with Nobuyuki-san please visit this link: