Shokunin and Devotion

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April 19, 2022

a project of ServiceSpace

One who is obedient to nature receives the blessings of nature.

- Soetsu Yanagi -

Shokunin and Devotion

"The Japanese word shokunin is often translated as 'artisan' in English. Although it isn't incorrect by definition, the translation seems to lose the spirit of what a shokunin does," says Sachiko Matsuyama, "I have never been interested in simply defining what a shokunin is. I believe the complexity of the shokunin spirit exists beyond the confines of an occupation. By drawing boundaries and defining who qualifies as a shokunin, we may be limiting our understanding of the ways in which such spirit is manifested in this world." In collaboration with 5 other shokunin, Matsuyama attempts to distill some of the unique elements of a shokunin's inner and outer life that manifest through their work. Discover those elements here. { read more }