Why Japanese Calligraphy Ink Is So Expensive | So Expensive

Why Japanese Calligraphy Ink Is So Expensive | So Expensive | Insider Business

Рет қаралды 17,667,119

Күн бұрын

Traditional Japanese calligraphy ink, referred to as sumi ink, comes in a solid form. It takes at least four years of production before these ink sticks can be sold, and even longer for the most expensive ones. A 200-gram high-grade ink stick from a producer like Kobaien costs over $1,000. And at some other retailers, prices can reach almost $2,000. Meanwhile, almost double the amount of commercial India ink can go for as little as $9.
Editor's Note: The original version of this video incorrectly named the featured calligrapher as Shijo Azakami. His correct name is Sho Azakami. The original video incorrectly stated that monkey glue was used to make ink sticks, the correct type is donkey glue.
Intro 0:00
Making and using soot 1:37
Melting animal glue 4:00
Kneading the ink dough 5:30
Drying the ink sticks 7:35
Using the ink sticks 9:15
Kobaien and inkmaking in Nara 10:46
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Why Japanese Calligraphy Ink Is So Expensive | So Expensive | Insider Business

Пікірлер: 4 600

@fahimir5373 Жыл бұрын

It never seizes to astonish me how the Japanese are determined to preserve their traditions by not taking the easy way out.

@TheAustinBarnes Жыл бұрын

Ceases*

@temptemp4174 Жыл бұрын

Crazy to think they sold out on everything else to American culture

@garryjohnson6794 Жыл бұрын

I mean, they are big businesses in the art Industry. As long as old rich men in that country love calligraphy they would survive. I'm not sure whether the younger generation of Japan would have the same appreciation as their old one..

@ligondesenuts769 Жыл бұрын

It really depends. Some of their traditions are disappearing since the Meiji reforms

@abaxes Жыл бұрын

@@TheAustinBarnes poa

@roonn5584 Жыл бұрын

Can’t believe this Kobayen guy has lived for 450 years making ink for us. Absolute king.

@hmcredfed1836 Жыл бұрын

Haha this "docu" was full of shit xD

@APZeus3 Жыл бұрын

In our Japanese nation and history many people live beyond 600 years. He is still middle aged according to our society

@oaktree313 Жыл бұрын

It's all in the folding & turning & rotating

@vidard9863 Жыл бұрын

man figured out near immortality just to bring you ink, and nothing else. priorities!

@tan_k Жыл бұрын

His parents practiced and perfected the technique of making babies for centuries. After 300 years of relentless and painstaking efforts, the Kobayen guy was born with a life expectancy of a few thousand years. He is just a 2 year old in ‘normal human’ terms.

@ray-antraya4880 11 ай бұрын

The cameraman stayed with this Kobayen guy for 450 years making the ink from start to finish. Kudos to both

@jonatanwestholm Жыл бұрын

For every craft in the world, no matter how mundane, there is a Japanese person who has elevated it to the highest art. Massive respect

@geigertec5921 Жыл бұрын

Japan's murder rate is lowest in the planet. They have the art of being at peace because even doing seemingly mundane things like writing or brewing tea is ritualized for them.

@beans4269 Жыл бұрын

@@SuperDurv and rape

@jessepatrick7471 Жыл бұрын

By adding pointless bullshit to make the task harder.

@EujenSandu Жыл бұрын

And a Chinese person who mass-produces it at 0.01% of the cost.

@AK-jb8hs Жыл бұрын

@@SuperDurv what's that got to do with art forms ?

@JonnyBarrett Жыл бұрын

Shout out to the cinematographer for making the most of that light - the soot collection scenes were amazing - beautifully shot

@Demopans5990 Жыл бұрын

Photographers too, are craftsmen in a way

@adonaiyah2196 Жыл бұрын

You're one of the few people to really appreciate that.

@biglad6265 Жыл бұрын

Cameraman didn't want to catch any smoke..

@lance_c1323 Жыл бұрын

I agree

@dove3853 Жыл бұрын

Remember that the Lord Jesus Christ died on a cross for you because He loves you so much. He then rose up from the dead three days later. The Ten Commandments are called the moral law, (most of us are lying thieving blasphemous adulterer at heart and deserve hell) you and I broke the law, Jesus paid the fine. That’s what happened on that cross. By believing that Jesus died on the cross and rose up from the dead 3 days later and not just confessing your sin, but also repenting of all sin you have done and putting all your trust in Him in prayer, He will grant you everlasting life as a free gift

@schatzi333221 Жыл бұрын

"Even if it causes us to lose money, I believe continuing this process is our company's highest priority." There's something so beautiful about that kind of passion and care for your craft. There's so much love there in that sentence, almost as if the art and the ink was a living and breathing person.

@graxxor 9 ай бұрын

No shareholders helps a bunch. A bunch of my friends are small business owners here in Tokyo, and while profit is necessary to keep the company running, they all agree that it is the quality of the product that keeps the customers rolling in and that expansion for the sake of increasing profit will lead to a loss of the original focus that made the company successful in the first place.

@jake9854 4 ай бұрын

but girls think these ink r useless, outdated, way overpriced, n hope its craftin method goes extinct tho

@oddursigurdsson9637 Ай бұрын

also making more would devalue the product. Like how diamonds are kept in artificially low supply to keep their value up as 'rare'. Diamonds aren't really that rare at all

@_ata_3 Ай бұрын

With that cost-price ratio I don't think they will loose money.

@leonard7703 23 күн бұрын

@@jake9854 "girls" what 💀

@peternotgriffin7237 Жыл бұрын

One thing I absolutely love about Japanese people is that whatever they do they do it with absolute passion, their love for their work is just wonderful no wonder they are far ahead of us .

@AntonioAguiar-hq4oh 2 ай бұрын

They just LOVE denying war crimes. No wonder they nevet got punished

@bloodysimile4893 2 ай бұрын

@@AntonioAguiar-hq4ohand your attitude is sh!t.

@Ie1222_ 2 ай бұрын

You'll hear europeans making expensive wine or perfume having the same attitude as these sumi ink stick makers, it's just what rich Japanese people do on their free time. That's their target audience.

@ApexGale 2 ай бұрын

They have love for their work because Japan actually cares about artisanship. Like, these small woodwork shops or tailors or cobblers can afford to have a small but comfortable shop where they both work and live, and their service provides them with a stable and valid income. The issue with many western states is that their governments simply don't care to support that kind of lifestyle. They are bought out by major companies like Amazon who produce cheap goods. And people would rather buy those cheap goods because they don't have the money to go hunting for a store that specializes in what they're looking for. example: they would rather go buy furniture at an ikea because it's cheap, even though they're flimsy. while a carpenter would produce something that lasts longer and has actual years of experience behind it. it's a personal item, you learn more about the artisan behind it. but because it's more expensive (and the economy is awful right now for the working class), they're stuck buying cheap garbage. and then the artisan goes out of business and we lose just a bit more tradition.

@plmokm33 2 ай бұрын

@@AntonioAguiar-hq4oh To be fair they did get nuked twice

@hohenstaufen.1010 8 ай бұрын

1000% respect for the craftsmanship and their legacy.

@tcat0211 Жыл бұрын

My aunt was an accomplished calligrapher and I spent hours by her side when I was a child grinding huge 100yr old inksticks like ones shown on the video on 500yr old inkstones. It was a huge honor to be given the task as all my relatives were intensely jealous of me and nearly half a century later I have only begun to understand the extent of how meaningful it was. The aroma which filled the room is forever engraved into my being for life. It truly was a zen experience that cannot be fully described nor explained by my limited mind.

@nofabe Жыл бұрын

@@redrustyhill2 what?

@tcat0211 Жыл бұрын

@redrustyhill2 Not at all in any capacity. If anything it has humbled me for life as i could never achieve anything near it. I am truly sorry if that was all you got out of it.

@geigertec5921 Жыл бұрын

Redrustyhill2's grandparents probably had him brewing moonshine, or more likely he never knew his grandparents and grew up playing video games and watching tv which has made him bitter.

@redrustyhill2 Жыл бұрын

@geigertec5921 and you are definitely wrong on everything you said. My grandparents didn't even drink alcohol, i saw them every week, i never had video games, we didn't even have a TV and i never even owned one until i was 25 or 26. Only an imbicel gets triggered by a simple question asked to someone else

@EliteBeast Жыл бұрын

Wow that’s cool. Aunt was based

@baba-of-legend Жыл бұрын

I love the recognition of these people as artisans in this video. Often times production videos like this underappreciate the labor that goes into making these products.

@robertvigil5480 Жыл бұрын

I love how the man in the suit is the one explaining the process instead of the works putting themselves at risk of danger and injury

@SubjectiveFunny Жыл бұрын

@@robertvigil5480 he is the owner? What you complaining about Karen, it's his company 🤣

@lyingeyes5579 Жыл бұрын

What ever you think their noun should be. After all, the noun is just as important as their skill.

@BIOSHOCKFOXX Жыл бұрын

Actually videos like these recognize those people. It's mostly like "How it's made" type of videos that overlook it and just show the process and tell the process reasons.

@suchabadkitty1293 Жыл бұрын

@@robertvigil5480 👈KAREN

@robinlee7531 6 ай бұрын

This ink-making process is truly fascinating.

@quietman2870 Жыл бұрын

I wouldn’t have the patience to light the lamps let alone finish the entire process of ink making. Much respect to these guys

@johnnymac6178 Жыл бұрын

I so admire the Japanese culture for their attention to detail, dedication to craftsmanship, and honorable approach to life and business. When the man said he would rather focus on quality and tradition even if it will cause them to lose money my desire to visit Japan doubled!

@Amor_fati.Memento_Mori Жыл бұрын

I like Japanese output. But I am sure living such a life would seem like slavery to me.

@johnjohnson9431 Жыл бұрын

Relax. He stomped it with his foot.

@playmakersmusic Жыл бұрын

@@johnjohnson9431 Tell me you didn't watch the video without telling me you didn't watch the video.

@iamonmypersonalcomputer Жыл бұрын

@@johnjohnson9431 Yeah and computer programming is just typing words. Relax. Neurosurgery is just cutting meat. Relax.

@___beyondhorizon4664 Жыл бұрын

Check out their cherry blossom tradition, 🍱 bento box picnic, it's just obsessions

@ichi-japan Жыл бұрын

In the 500-year history of Kobaien's ink production, Japanese society has gone through very significant social changes, from the feudalistic system of the samurai to the great reforms in Meiji era, World War I and World War II. The story of sumi ink manufacturing and their philosophy of craftsmanship that has been preserved in such circumstances is very interesting and valuable. Everyone is welcome to visit the Koubaien in Nara. We, Ichi inc, Japan, have been sending out information about Kobaien's ink production for several years now. We are very happy to have been featured in this way.

@thelandofmisteroz Жыл бұрын

When I go back to Japan I will come visit!

@ireneinbarcelona Жыл бұрын

And I feel very privileged to benefit from your willingness to share insights into one of so many intricate traditions of Japan. Arigatou gozaimasu.

@ichi-japan Жыл бұрын

@@thelandofmisteroz Please let us know then. We look forward to it! 😊

@ichi-japan Жыл бұрын

@@ireneinbarcelona It is a great honor for us too. Arigatou gozaimasu! 😊

@andmos1001 Жыл бұрын

Kobaien should be at the world inheritance list

@fireraya4235 4 ай бұрын

Wow, how much effort it must be to produce these ink sticks! I really admire the process. Thank you for presenting this to us

@bryans8653 Жыл бұрын

Wow. I never knew how much went into making this. Such dedication and how cool.

@MentalSmarties Жыл бұрын

It’s just mind boggling how human beings just figure all of this stuff out and solidify the process over the span of centuries. Incredible!

@xpez9694 Жыл бұрын

its the necessity. Someone figured out that charcoal is a good way to make make marks.. then someone experimented and found better ways based on the needs that arised from every new version... as the needs changed (needs to work best on rice paper..) new innovations were developed. The monarchy and leaders of each region probably demanded that certain artisans spend their days figuring it out.. they had the same brains as we do today. Through observation and experimentation and through cross pollination of knowledge from the other developing fields like agriculture understanding of the materials evolved. what is fascinating is that some places still prefer to make things an old fashioned way when modern understanding of molecular science could probably replicate the process with chemicals and machinery and could bring the production time down to weeks instead of years.

@twoowlcandies2798 Жыл бұрын

It's mind boggling how it takes hundreds of years is right.

@ryansales1836 Жыл бұрын

Yet here we are hating on one another letting the. Government do as they will. Come on folks let's set aside the differences and look. At what we are surrendering to these "people"

@MagikarpMan Жыл бұрын

@@neko7606 not getting along is literally part of our biology

@SticksNStones616 Жыл бұрын

Fear of the unknown. Lies told and manifested to confuse and control.

@JeDxDeVu Жыл бұрын

I'm a carpenter in Germany and it makes me sad sometimes when I see our workshops being turned into CNC farms. Traditional craftsmanship is dying and everything ends up looking the same. Those micro imperfections are lost and things end up looking and feeling sterile and lifeless.

@heyhoe168 Жыл бұрын

Idk. Handmade craftsmanship is good for rich people. I cant even afford a house, so I dont feel regret if old tech gets thrown away in order to make way to something affordable.

@JeDxDeVu Жыл бұрын

@@heyhoe168 true but generally the affordable stuff doesn't last and you end up buying things twice. I'd rather have less but what I have is quality and lasts forever.

@heyhoe168 Жыл бұрын

@@JeDxDeVu well, it depends on a ways to achieve affordability. CNC is one thing, garbage materials is another.

@waynebimmel6784 Жыл бұрын

Idk man, some work is better left to machines. The people of the past would sell their mother for a CNC machine.

@JeDxDeVu Жыл бұрын

@@waynebimmel6784 The people of the past have built things that will outlast things built now. I'm not saying machines are bad, but when everything is left to machines things become sterile. I see it.

@thxlovefactor Жыл бұрын

Japan is just something special. They beautifully balance the material life with the spiritual and consider the wellness of the mind, body and spirit in all that they do. Something like ink making in the West would simply be about all the material aspects and profit, and literally no one cares if it “calms your mind” or not. But for Japan, the mind and spirit is considered in even the making of the ink and using it. Perhaps the respect which goes into it boosts the value of the art more than just the material value of ingredients. It’s lovely.

@Alias_Anybody Жыл бұрын

Westerners simply prefer liquid ink because people usually used quills and later fountain pens, not brushes which I assume need a higher viscosity. The rituals around it are always obviously made up.

@billrich9722 11 ай бұрын

I feel like most people in the west wouldn't find peace of mind by spending that much money to slap some ink on rice paper.

@SandeepCYMR Жыл бұрын

The dedication and work commitment Japanese people have is amazing.

@clay2889 Жыл бұрын

I have such profound respect for the Japanese and their dedication to work, traditions, and quality.

@laurencewhite4809 Жыл бұрын

At the expense of health. There is no way the guy stomping on the ink, or the guy breathing in all that smoke, doesn't die from cancer within the next five years.

@peace_Palestine20 Жыл бұрын

I agree even if ppl think following traditions is conservative I find it BEAUTIFUL. It's so sad that people like them are working so hard for integrity but today's generation is way to busy on wasting time

@hugh.g.rection5906 Жыл бұрын

overpriced and often inferior to top western products

@sint3640 Жыл бұрын

@@peace_Palestine20 Maybe because most traditions are not related to craftsmanship but rather mutilating women (India), physically and mentally abusing your children so they "perform" (China) or how to "eat properly". Yeah. Following traditions is nonsense and outdated. I´d rather have not a single tradition left, rather than having those degenerated and outdated believes. Rarely is a tradition really worthwhile. Many of them are disgusting. Some of them are "beautiful" and result in great.

@BrazilianImperialist Жыл бұрын

@@peace_Palestine20 And why finding something to be conservative would be bad?

@mylesisthename Жыл бұрын

I just love these types of handmade items that the Japanese create as a art and a traditional item.

@kamaruddin9172 Жыл бұрын

I think it is feetmade.

@guyyoung4388 Жыл бұрын

Agreed 💯 percent this series could be called why Japan is so expensive

@mylesisthename Жыл бұрын

@@kamaruddin9172 I agree with that more than handmade lol

@mr.wookiesack Жыл бұрын

I love watching these and realizing quality could be better with machines. And the lives of the workers. I wouldn't want to be a smoke catcher.

@sreenivasaraghavan9608 Жыл бұрын

And training takes 25 years

@oliveyule Жыл бұрын

Fascinating. I love how the stay true to the integrity of the traditional process and quality.

@artofescapism 3 ай бұрын

Very cool video! So cool to see artisans work, when someone truly understands and cares for their craft. Thanks for showing us!

@stephanieyee9784 Жыл бұрын

I love the fact that the CEO of this company is not driven exclusively by profit. That the Product and the Process are so important to him is awesome and a wonderful thing. The staff have such awful dirty jobs but they are performed with pride. I hope this company stays viable for many more years to come. 450 years. Incredible.

@kentlimleong75 Жыл бұрын

woah. you go and buy one

@pikekeke Жыл бұрын

"not driven exclusively by profit." Sooo, 6000 of the 1000 dollar sticks a month, 72 million dollars a year, with like 10 people. Either those people are damn rich or the CEO is making plenty profit.

@Giganfan2k1 Жыл бұрын

@@pikekeke If you would watch the video you could understand *some* of the daily labor that goes into these sticks. If the guy wanted to maximize profits he could probably mechanize some of this process, or use replacement chemicals (like finely ground charcoal or synthetic fragrances). If there is one thing to truly respect about the Japanese culture is their respect to a living wage in traditional occupations. Look at their designer fruit market. The amount of care into *one* strawberry, or cantaloupe is incredible. What is more incredible is the society that shows that such activities are rewarded.

@pikekeke Жыл бұрын

@@Giganfan2k1 I can see a ton of labour goes in to these sticks. However, they say that of just the $1000 sticks they make 6000 every month using a "handful" of "artisans". So where does all that money go?

@Giganfan2k1 Жыл бұрын

@@pikekeke Have you ever looked at the wage brake down of Japanese worker? The guys making the wicks are probably getting paid more than a X-ray tech. The company itself is probably a family business... Which if it is doing it for 450 years. That checks. The financial outlook is generational, not quarterly.

@kitsunelee007 Жыл бұрын

I've had the privilege of working with high quality sumi ink stones before and it truly is an experience that cannot be easily put into words if you are a calligraphy lover/practice calligraphy, love traditional Japanese traditions, love art, or love ink. There honestly isn't anything comparable with the whole process of rubbing an ink stick on the ink stone and the feeling of calm and transcendence while working with the materials.

@himynameisjeff Жыл бұрын

Having worked with these, can you actually smell the perfume used in the glue when you use the actual ink? Or is it a ceremonial thing they just experience when making the glue

@FreshsoCleanYep Жыл бұрын

I can relate. I have taken Shuuji lessons in Japan and grinding the solid ink onto the stone felt so satisfying; the sound, the chalky grinding feeling, and the silence of the room. It really was something else.

@ambervale6172 Жыл бұрын

@@himynameisjeff I've used high quality ink sticks before. The perfume smell comes out as you grind the ink. All med-high grade inksticks do this. You can also tell the difference between a med grade ink stick from a higher end one from the smell apart from the blackness. The fragrant smell in lower grade ones hits you quite hard. The smell in the really high grade ones come out slow and what's even more special is that the smell is entwined with the soot- so you get a fragrant smell with a tint of firewood smell. Its truly wonderful. These high grade inksticks cost ~$120 usd for just 22.5 g.

@TearsOnAWind Жыл бұрын

@@ambervale6172 this is crazy, so much money for grain of ink

@user-fg9ch9jp7m Жыл бұрын

@@himynameisjeff It smells light and great, elegant, like the smell from some old books but fresh and without paper.

@nemesis9378 Жыл бұрын

Japan is never stops to amaze me... It is crazy how dedicate they are. A lot to learn from them.

@appalachianfamilyrecipes4647 11 ай бұрын

The detail of the production of these ink blocks was mesmerizing.

@minnity2476 Жыл бұрын

We've seen why the brushes are so expensive, now we are seeing why the ink is so expensive... when are we gonna see why japanese calligraphy paper is so expensive?

@PsychiCorey Жыл бұрын

Great question

@gaveintothedarkness Жыл бұрын

It takes years to master.

@xXxSkyViperxXx Жыл бұрын

the secrets will take years to master in years you will know about it all fully

@mayazhussain Жыл бұрын

melons and tuna are expensive there too... the question is what is cheap there?

@terramarini6880 Жыл бұрын

I saw a video on the calligraphy paper here on YT (can't remember title) but it too is all handmade with carefully curated materials by a diminishing number of masters and apprentices.

@GeorgePutzenheimer Жыл бұрын

I first encountered this while staying at a friend's grandparent's home in Nara for new years in 2003. The family had no interest in Grandpa's art or keeping with the traditions. The grandfather taught me a bit but I was utter rubbish at creating art like he did. I ended up taking home many pieces from his collection that I still maintain and display 20 years later.

@sharkladyindisguise Жыл бұрын

I bet that meant more to that grandfather than you know.

@billrich9722 11 ай бұрын

I don't get it but I'm not shitting on a memory like that. I'm glad you had that moment with him.

@yldrmcs Жыл бұрын

This is true dedication to art. Respect!

@user-fr1qr1ef9q Жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking up Japan. Please come and visit Japan. With love from the Japanese to everyone💞🇯🇵🌸

@santiagouc2364 Жыл бұрын

Mad respect for the boss to priorize the quality over efficiency even if it makes them lose some money. I would love to have companies like that in my country, would buy from them allways-

@beepbop6697 Жыл бұрын

The company featured in the video admitted they are losing money (not profitable), and if you used these as inputs into your own manufacturing the high costs for the bars would make your company unprofitable too. These handmade bars should be considered "art" and collected as such: driving up the selling price for the bars and hopefully allowing the company to regain profitability so it can continue for another 450 years.

@xman6717 Жыл бұрын

That will not ever happen in the USA. Lol🤣

@r_jd5518 Жыл бұрын

Most countries it wont happen anymore. The rules of sustainable things make it hard. If you see all the traditional things shown in Insider are mostly from Asian countries. Even Italians are struggling now to keep up. Its sad what my generation is doing. We all know that NGO's (not all) are run by many jobless people who are funded by countries such as china, south korea so most countries cannot manufacture their goods and depend on these countries. People are going and destroying paintings, so you think the ink will remain?

@KM-bu5yw Жыл бұрын

How is he losing money? He controls the supply of artisan ink, it would be pointless to produce more and sell it for less. Boss man ain't stupid but he surely knows how to sell a story to the very naive.

@coyotelong4349 Жыл бұрын

That’s Japan for you. Honor and integrity and doing the best job you can do because it’s the right thing to do, even if it means losing profits

@frankieeisenberg6506 Жыл бұрын

Apart from it being incredibly fascinating, it’s so refreshing seeing people with such a dedication and attention to detail for their work.

@garrisonwoods7810 4 ай бұрын

I completely agree. It feels like everything in our world has become so cheap and mass produced. I wish there were more things of quality and craftsmanship like this.

@Hm-wr9pm 4 ай бұрын

French cheese workers

@nnoas971 Жыл бұрын

Almost every expensive thing in Japan has the same core story. The one guy in the country who care the most about this specific something came up with a unique way of making/producing it for years/generation.

@toradora1439 3 ай бұрын

It is truely amazing how the Japanese will prioritize the traditional process to keep the heritage and culture in tact over profits.

@alil8270 Жыл бұрын

Yes, it is a long process. But this is one of the reasons their country has managed to keep ancient crafts and techniques alive. So much of preserved heritage.

@lostinthesupermarket Жыл бұрын

I just love the idea of craftmanship and dedication japanese people have and how everything is related in their economy. They've built an entire industry around ink sticks, making them extremely valuable thanks to their skills and in turn japanese caligraphers and artists produce also high value art that is regarded worldwide. Such an example of a hard working economy based on real value and not just profit and speculation.

@psychotropnilachtan8869 Жыл бұрын

Actually their economy is failing partialy because using 10th century methods in 2023 is terrible idea. If anyone else did it you would clearly see how stupid it is but Japanese somehow managed to bamboozle bunch of westerners into worshipping them.

@kimthomas8717 Жыл бұрын

This amazes me , much respect to the Japanese people and their craft Wow

@johnperez2374 Жыл бұрын

Such an amazing dedication to their craft.

@christianterrill3503 Жыл бұрын

Dang that dude is 450 years old?!?! Incredible he has been making ink for 450 years.

@laramaaike3050 Жыл бұрын

I listened to that a few times....and yep, he is making it for 450 years, and I think he didn't start as a baby, so he must be more to 470 years 🤣

@ibnu7942 Жыл бұрын

proof that asian doesn't age

@christianterrill3503 Жыл бұрын

@@laramaaike3050 well if he lived to be 450 years old he also could have been a baby able to make ink lol. But yes I'll take it they are probly old

@visiblepain7676 Жыл бұрын

Dude is immortal 🗿

@Kenmanhl Жыл бұрын

Must be all that antioxidants

@imxploring Жыл бұрын

Old school traditional crafts and the materials to make them are always very expensive in every culture.... more so in a society such as Japan that embraces its traditions. Unfortunately in time these crafts... and craftsmen will die out. Thank you as always for sharing and memorializing such incredible crafts.

@zacharybond23 Жыл бұрын

The more expensive things get, the less accessible such luxuries will be as well.

@ossie1129 Жыл бұрын

Meanwhile in other places. People learn to make the stuff without all the 'embracing of traditions' nonsense that takes so many years and is off-putting and the product is still being made....

@chrissmith3587 Жыл бұрын

@@ossie1129 Embracing tradition is one of those feel good ideas to people with no understanding of manufacturing. If we still followed traditional manufacturing, we’d have government agents going around Britain collecting urine for use in gunpowder to support Ukraine (genuine historical requirement of gunpowder). Just because a human made something does not mean it’s better quality

@ManifestingADream Жыл бұрын

@@chrissmith3587I hope these sorta crafts die out. Monkeys and pigs and cows were all harmed needlesly for some dumb ass ink.

@kobrapromotions Жыл бұрын

@@chrissmith3587 thankgod common sense, like this is cool and all but pretty pointless and efficient, not to mention theres better materials for most things available thesedays

@user-qk3sc8rq9r Жыл бұрын

Fascinating, I been using Japanese ink sticks for decades(the cheap ones) but had no idea there was so much to it. I like them because you can make it an black as you what by controlling the amount of the pigment. Thanks

@adog3129 11 ай бұрын

it seems like there's a lot of potential for creating layered effects with different amounts of pigment

@DiseasedDreams Жыл бұрын

In a world where traditional crafts are slowly dying out, it warms my heart knowing that there are people continuing on their traditions.

@Hoggod Жыл бұрын

They ain't dying out They just ain't record anymore because there is not big interest in them. Search in small places, explore, go off the grid as they, and you'll find thousand of communities with very well preserved secrets that have never seen the spotlight. I know I have, so I'm sure you can too.

@Ass_of_Amalek Жыл бұрын

warms your heart? did you miss the part where they said MONKEY GLUE, and the part where the soot harvesting job is done with no gas mask or even dust mask?

@majorpwner241 Жыл бұрын

@@Ass_of_Amalek It warms my heart when people turn monkeys into glue...

@Ass_of_Amalek Жыл бұрын

@@majorpwner241 knowing the japanese, I bet they have old collectible ink sticks with chinese glue and korean glue.

@endopol Жыл бұрын

I hate to agree with @semechkiforputin, but yeah: a lamp attendant's lung must be a sumi-e masterpiece.

@annaka1859 Жыл бұрын

On 10:44 the calligrapher actually wrote the word "ink" in japanese (墨) which I think is a great detail 💕

@CourtneyVisser Жыл бұрын

Now I want to become a master calligrapher so that I can strive to obtain and experience the joy of working with this ink

@machinewings Жыл бұрын

I know most of ur hearts started melting watching these satisfying shots

@miredmind Жыл бұрын

It's amazing how they put so much care into their work and how they always aim for quality above all else. I also love how they are very technologically advanced as a country but are still able to keep their traditional techniques alive.

@TJR82 Жыл бұрын

Good point! 👍

@miredmind Жыл бұрын

@@albertocarrilho5839 Anybody can, people in my country do it, too. Unfortunately, we fall behind in terms of technology.

@anonimoactornauta7858 Жыл бұрын

Japón, el país con más suicidios del mundo, no puede ser un lugar agradable para vivir...

@jake9854 Жыл бұрын

@@miredmind but girls think these ink r ridiculously expensive and useless though

@miredmind Жыл бұрын

@@jake9854 I know next to nothing about Japanese traditions, but if they're getting sold, I don't think we can really say they're useless. For one, I and a few people I know treat writing and drawing as some sort of self-therapy.

@eutemyi8940 Жыл бұрын

日本の文化をいろんな人に見てもらうのはうれしいねぇ

@user-li7se1fp1t 9 ай бұрын

Great video! Very informative! Very interesting! 😊

@howardeugene7948 Жыл бұрын

"the same way businesses are created through the pen is the same way you need ink to sign your cheques". quote written by a financial Advisor (Nicholas Deniehy )

@GracielaLynneSchriewer_ Жыл бұрын

wow, I m going to contact him, I really need some guidance towards this trade market and how to earn with it , I would love to be educated.

@howardeugene7948 Жыл бұрын

wow glad to see everyone that worked and still working him , he amazing on what he does, i made over $500k with his strategies and guidance

@miller58_49 Жыл бұрын

Tbh we all do need a financial Advisor who would guild us through our time when trading seeing a lot about a success of Nicholas Deniehy helping people to reach there goal financially , all i can say is that i would love to give him a try and see where it leads

@juanignaciofernandez4280 Жыл бұрын

omg im still working with his and he has thought me many things and put me on a portfolio that's dropping a margin of profit, Nicholas is the real deal .

@treyskims2675 Жыл бұрын

how can i contact him?

@casusbelli2050 Жыл бұрын

Japanese commitment to their tradition in an industrialized world is so romantic. Watching this video made my day and inspired me. Thank you.

@extrashifty578 Жыл бұрын

This fascinates me, i really hope they enjoy what they are doing. I can't believe that you have to wait 4 years to even know what your first attempt looks like or if its even good.

@user-ln9pb9mx2v Жыл бұрын

Потрясающе,низкий поклон людям делающим такие вещи

@tunepuppet5965 Жыл бұрын

Calligraphy writers are having one of the most satisfying works out there...Props to them👏👏👏

@aaronjohnson2215 Жыл бұрын

We were living for a very short time in an era of information. Now we're moving to an era of AI. We need to treasure and cherish artistry like this because this is literally all that is left.

@alexforget Жыл бұрын

I think we will return to crafts because we enjoy the process. We recently started with pottery, it’s quite a complicated rabbit hole. You don’t do that because it’s efficient but it’s satisfying to build lasting things by hand. AI and robotics will be able to take care of all our needs pretty soon. We will be left with gaming and crafts.

@allouttabubblegum1984 Жыл бұрын

@@alexforget We will be left as slaves in smart cities with social credit scores.

@donaldhobson8873 Жыл бұрын

What do you mean? Highly automated factories exist and aren't going anywhere. Once long ago the techniques here were the best way to make good ink. Nowadays it's a luxury product. Given any clear measurable quality, like darkness, industrial chemists will beat the pants of old timey artisanal processes.

@bassyey Жыл бұрын

What do you mean, this would stay in those countries and many other countries, especially poor countries where things are done by hand. AI would be exclusive to the west lol.

@BrazilianImperialist Жыл бұрын

@@alexforget No

@raymondharnack4160 11 ай бұрын

Nothing but respect for this craft.

@madhaviarella1254 Жыл бұрын

For Mr Toshitsugu Okabe San and Sho Azakami San i have massive respect toward his dedication and perfection towards those precious ink sticks which is my dream to learn Japanese calligraphy (shuji) to learn it perfectly and make my dad ( Japanese ) mom ( indian ) proud

@SleepNeed Жыл бұрын

That was a much more complex and intense process than I thought it would take to make ink. A lot of respect for the sumi ink craftsmen who keep this tradition alive.

@Amirhesamyan Жыл бұрын

As someone who is into calligraphy, this is just CRAZY. Japanese people are next level. WOW

@ShamanZ-ji9qu Жыл бұрын

Watching your Channel make me feels enlightened.

@Rayji10 Ай бұрын

Beautiful work. A piece of art and tradition.

@TheNukebooster Жыл бұрын

I felt a sense of solemn joy and appreciation from the calligrapher using the ink. Like he loved and appreciated every minute that lead up to him using the ink. Beautifully captured in your video, this was amazing. Thank you.

@saturdaysbomber7502 Жыл бұрын

There is something magical about Japanese culture, I keep watching and study it and it never gets boring quite opposite. Thanks

@mr.n7620 9 ай бұрын

If there is one thing I will fight and die for it is the protection and continuation of unique and meticulous crafts that have been around for years.

@lyndamordi642 9 ай бұрын

All of these processes to make ink, and it's entire worth it ❤

@chrisskiingpowpow Жыл бұрын

Japanese work ethic cannot be underestimated, much respect

@charlieblume448 Жыл бұрын

i could watch videos like these for hours.

@navdeepniitverma Жыл бұрын

In India, to celebrate dipawali, we put diya(lamp) filled with mustard oil, in front of our goddess Laxmi and lit it. Now, during the night my mother puts something like a lid which collects all the black smoke and then she makes Kajal using the same.. it’s usually enough to last a year since we kind of put the biggest diya(lamp) to collect all the black Smoke from.

@leothemushrooms 8 ай бұрын

It's a hard way but also an astonishing way.

@Sunfell Жыл бұрын

The depth of craftsmanship is palpable in this video. So is the beauty of the final product. Please consider making a video about the creation of Japanese incense. It's an art in itself, too. There are some rare types of aloeswood incenses that go for well over $1000 a box.

@manishacharya4936 Жыл бұрын

It is amazing to see that almost same method is used to traditionally prepare kohl or kajal in India. Ghee filled lamps are lighted and the soot is collected on copper or silver lids, then some ayurvedic oils and pure edible camphor is used to enrich the soot. This paste is then called as 'kajal', which is used as an eyeliner. It is said to protect the eye sight, reduce the eye strain & beautify the eyes.

@sahelanthropus4991 Жыл бұрын

Because there are people who are willing to buy it at that price 💁‍♂️

@caterinavega4228 8 ай бұрын

Japan has a fantastic way of making common products such as grapes, watermelons, beef, ink etc using expensive, complex and traditional methods.

@quenchtv5436 Жыл бұрын

Everything made in japan is high quality simply because they put so much effort and dedication i have so much respect

@Sonicfoxtrot Жыл бұрын

Item 😒 Item, JP 🤯😮😮

@Blackflagxll Жыл бұрын

like waifu >.>

@AwakenedAvocado Жыл бұрын

Japanese blades are amazing

@billrich9722 11 ай бұрын

Like their panty vending machines and dumbass gift boxes.

@xr_ecall8710 9 ай бұрын

@@AwakenedAvocado so amazing that they can easily be cut in half by a German sword lol

@cryptojuicer Жыл бұрын

The color is so rich and dark! And the process is like something out of a fable! Amazing

@johngslot8367 Жыл бұрын

My narrow mind says this seems unnecessary but certainly this is how traditions last for a thousands of years.Respect.

@emxnl 3 ай бұрын

I don't know why i felt happy just by looking at those bars, the making was satisfying also...

@stevewhite51 Жыл бұрын

I miss Japan so bad. I was station at Atsugi in Yamato. Definitely one of the best times in my life. One statement in the video, he says, even if we loose money that’s okay as long as our product doesn’t loose quality. Not a lot of those people left in the world.

@deliritori Жыл бұрын

Hey! Me too (2005) I missed Japan so much I'm moving back this year. Cheers sailor!😄

@demeter-the-great Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Insider, for bringing such unique, interesting, and artistically masterful stories to the attention of the masses.

@JS-ld7yp Жыл бұрын

이정도 촬영과 편집만이 천만뷰를 끌어내는구나..

@lallasultana1037 Жыл бұрын

This is amazing ❤️🙏🏼🌿

@leokimvideo Жыл бұрын

Putting a white sliding door in a black ink factory was a interesting move 😣

@psirvent8 Жыл бұрын

Except it's still white many years later 😂😉

@Jaml321 11 ай бұрын

I guess the game is no fun on easy mode.

@beatnik6806 11 ай бұрын

Well, it's still white 🤣

@shanelbryant5638 11 ай бұрын

The paper on traditional doors actually gets replaced somewhat frequently since they’re more susceptible to damage from the elements, so there’s no real reason to use colored paper. The white also lets light filter in better. It’s why when you see a lot of traditional buildings you don’t really see windows

@RaymondCore Жыл бұрын

This is some of what you get when you preserve tradition and culture; the best of the old and the best of the new. Japan: cutting edge and old-fashioned at the same time. Highly informative and interesting video. Thank you.

@cupcakes4100 Жыл бұрын

The ending phrase is so beautiful :)

@user-bj5bf8ct4v Жыл бұрын

There are similar techniques in China to make traditional ink. Different from Japanese, Chinese workmans burns wood with perfume to make soot. (but still expensive)

@jdk5281 Жыл бұрын

Seeing the methods and mastery of this stuff is art itself. When I was in Venice I remember buying some leather-bound journals at a book-binding store. You just don't see quality, hand-made stuff like you used to. There's a spirit to this stuff that needs to be retained.

@Dusty_Inkwell Жыл бұрын

I have the utmost love and respect for these craftsmen. What an incredible and grueling process. Thank you for these wonderful shots!

@JodyY808 Жыл бұрын

How many other cultures would devote the time and the skilled labor of these artisans to preserve the tradition of producing this artistic commodity and to appreciate its value in the works of art it is used for and be willing to pay so much for it? Simply amazing!

@diegosc985 Жыл бұрын

In Japan, ink calligrapher number one👆🏼

@BMTVMeditationandSleep Жыл бұрын

This was an absolute joy to watch, the sticks where beautiful by themselves, but the process of making them was astonishing. I just loved every part of this video, very relaxing 🙏

@jijafaizi Жыл бұрын

We can't appreciate things until we see the hard work behind. ~With love from Afghanistan 💖

@EBKNOBODYSAFE Жыл бұрын

I don’t know why but this is mad satisfying

@gaveintothedarkness Жыл бұрын

Anything Japan: "It takes years to be able to master lighting the oil lamps"

@gavinjenkins899 Жыл бұрын

Pretty sure it takes a week and a half and they're just being polite to their lamp guy

@greatninja2590 Жыл бұрын

@@gavinjenkins899 learning yeah mastering I doubt it.

@gavinjenkins899 Жыл бұрын

@@greatninja2590 its literally turning lids quickly

@greatninja2590 Жыл бұрын

@@gavinjenkins899 and other work like oil replacment candle position placing that thread thing and everything inbetween.

@oppositeofh8 Жыл бұрын

so nice to finally understand these ink sticks. i had no idea what they were actually made of. thanks for documenting this.

@gavinjenkins899 Жыл бұрын

Pretty much all black pigment in the world in anything tends to be either charcoal (soot is the same thing) or black iron oxide. The oxide can get a blacker black but is a bit more expensive to make generally. From artist paints to inks to house paints to car paints to black plastics to black dyed fabrics to pretty much anything, almost always one of those 2 pigments.

@phuthuyzin 4 ай бұрын

Look at the ink maker. He really is happy with what he is doing. So his product is in good quality too.

@BradGryphonn Жыл бұрын

If I was relatively rich, I'd buy one of these ink blocks and keep it in a box. When friends came over, I'd make it a conversation piece by explaining how the block was made. It's just so intricate. Great for talking about when you're stoned as a dead goanna.

@mukulsrivastava5505 Жыл бұрын

Japanese craftsmanship is always excellent 👌

@griffinmccue6189 Жыл бұрын

In 1973, Kuretake, also based in Nara, became the first company to launch a "fudepen," effectively a pen that can write using sumi. Fudepens have become popular not only among calligraphers, but also comic book inkers like Neal Adams.

@FriedrichWeidig Жыл бұрын

I went there after seeing this video and I am impressed. It is in Nara, a very touristic place. The workshop is right next to the busy street that leads to the main attractions... thousands of tourists walk it everyday. Still, this place sees nearly no tourists at all. I was lucky enough to be able to see the process live and it was one of my highlights in Japan. Thank you for that documentary!