1. Introduction
Note on Terms: Throughout this report, I use Kansei-based Well-being to capture the uniquely Japanese concept of kansei—a dual process of sensory perception (入力) and expressive output (表現). In English, we describe this as sensory‑expressive well‑being, emphasizing that kansei encompasses both feeling and creative expression.
1.1 Social Context
Have you noticed the knitting boom sweeping Japan lately? Yarn stores are frequently running low, revealing its surging popularity. The quiet, meditative act of losing oneself in handcrafting is captivating people of all ages—from middle and high school students to homemakers and seniors—thanks in part to social media.
This deep immersion in an activity is known as “flow,” a state scientifically proven to elevate happiness and well-being (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).
Moreover, engaging in artistic pursuits enhances mental health by boosting self-esteem, reducing anxiety and stress, improving communication skills, and fostering creativity (Clark, 2024).
The rising interest in crafts also mirrors shifting cultural values in Japan. According to a 2022 Cabinet Office survey, 48.9% of respondents feel proud of Japan’s “excellent culture and arts,” 45.5% take pride in its “long history and traditions,” and 53.4% report that, having achieved a certain level of material comfort, they now wish to focus on emotional richness and a more balanced life.
These findings suggest that creative and traditional crafts satisfy a collective desire for cultural pride and inner fulfilment. Yet the same survey reveals that younger generations still prioritise material wealth, hinting at an important question: how might hands-on, sensory experiences foster well-being among youth?
1.2 Edo Kiriko Studio “Hanashyo”
Do Japan’s artisans experience immersive flow states and express deep creativity through their craftsmanship? What additional factors shape their sense of happiness? To explore these questions, I turned my attention to Edo Kiriko, a traditional Japanese glass-cutting art form. I was fortunate to interview Ms. Chisato Kumakura, Executive Director of Hanashyo, an esteemed Edo Kiriko studio in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.
What is Edo Kiriko?
Edo Kiriko originated in Nihonbashi around 1834, when glass artisan Kagaya Kyubei first created this cut-glass craft. With nearly 190 years of history, Edo Kiriko remains celebrated for its delicate, intricate patterns etched onto colored glass, embodying the elegance of Edo-period culture.
Characteristics of Hanashyo
Hanashyo honors this Japanese tradition while boldly exploring new techniques and designs. Instead of lead crystal, which carries environmental concerns, they use eco-friendly soda glass made from natural sand. Hanashyo artisans’ timeless sensibility stimulates curiosity, individuality, and a subtle emotional resonance in those who use their creations.
In addition to classic Kiriko motifs, Hanashyo has developed original patterns. One notable design is “Kome-Tsunagi,” inspired by rice grains symbolizing prosperity and abundance. The studio’s mastery lies in cutting these intricate motifs with precision and polishing the glass to a luminous clarity.
Mrs. Kumakura, daughter of second-generation master artisan Ryuichi Kumakura, respects her father’s legacy while bringing his vision to both Japanese and international audiences. Her unique perspective bridges artisans and connoisseurs, offering valuable insight into sensory well-being in craft.
1.3 Artisan Well-being: Three Key Elements
In my interview with Mrs. Kumakura, three core elements emerged as vital to the well-being of Edo Kiriko artisans:
- Sensory Perception Leading to Flow (Engagement): Artisans enter a flow state by attuning their five senses to the atmosphere around them.
(Termed “Sensory Well-being through Perception.”) - Expressing the Soul Through Creative Sensibility: The artisan’s desire to express their inner spirit fuels continuous creativity.
(Linked to the PERMA model’s Accomplishment factor: “Sensory Well-being through Expression.”) - Dialogue with the Artwork Through Observation and Imagination: By engaging deeply with their creations, artisans find meaning and foster relationships, reflecting PERMA’s Meaning and Relationship factors.
2. Sensory Well-being through Perception: The Flow State
2.1 Entering the Flow During Edo Kiriko Crafting
- Experiencing Zen-Like Immersion
“At our Edo Kiriko studio, even beginners who join our workshops say that while cutting glass, they stop thinking about anything else. The only sounds are the machine and the glass—it’s like Zen meditation. They become completely absorbed. People who come after a long day at work find it incredibly refreshing,” Mrs. Kumakura shared. She believes that artisans experience this profound immersion daily, possibly releasing happiness hormones like serotonin as their brains sync with the rhythmic cutting. Research by Kaimal et al. (2016) found that creating art lowers cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Measuring participants’ brainwaves and heart rates during craft activities could reveal distinct neural patterns between novices and experienced artisans. - The Rhythm of Breath
Mrs. Kumakura, who handles sales, admits to holding her breath under pressure. “But our artisans maintain a steady breathing rhythm when cutting. I suspect it helps regulate their autonomic nervous system, contributing to both physical and mental well-being.” - Heightened Sensory Awareness
“Artisans tell me they can hear when a cut is going perfectly or slightly off. They listen to each other’s cutting sounds—my father’s differs from his apprentices’. Rather than following verbal instructions, they sense the feel and nuances in the atmosphere,” Mrs. Kumakura explained. The two-hour workshops also provide a digital detox, allowing artisans and participants to fully engage their senses without screens. According to Mrs. Kumakura, the constant use of sensory perception and artistic sensibility in their daily lives likely contributes to their enjoyment of the craft.
3. Sensory Well-being through Expression: Creativity and Happiness
3.1 The Link Between Creativity and Well-being
Mrs. Kumakura noted, “Our artisans continually express themselves through new designs. Self-expression opportunities are rare in everyday life, so being able to bring their inner world to glass must be deeply fulfilling.”
Keyes et al. (2024) demonstrated that participating in creative activities significantly boosts subjective well-being by providing meaningful outlets for expression and achievement.
- Soul-Filled Creations
“When artisans create purely for themselves—without external pressures—their work carries genuine energy. They don’t want to burn out because they’re not making items just to sell. They focus on their own well-being, believing that healthy creators make healthy creations, which then convey positive energy to the end user,” Mrs. Kumakura explained. - Health as the Foundation of Creativity
“Healthy artisans produce their best work. If they’re physically and mentally well, their creations radiate that well-being. This insight resonated with me—it applies to any field or role,” she reflected. - The Energetic Influence of the Second-Generation Master
Mrs. Kumakura spoke warmly of her father, Ryuichi Kumakura, who received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in the spring of 2024. “Every morning, he wakes up excited to create. His enthusiasm is infectious—our staff look forward to working alongside him.”
(Ryuichi Kumakura’s commemorative work, the “Kome-Tsunagi” wine glass, gifted at the 2008 G8 Summit in Toyako.)
4. Dialogue with the Artwork: Observation and Imagination
4.1 Refining Presentation through Empathy and Imagination
Mrs. Kumakura shared how a personal health crisis shifted her approach to conveying artisans’ creations. “I used to focus solely on events and sales, but I nearly burned out. Then I realised it’s more meaningful to connect with individuals who truly appreciate the work.”
- The Power of Silence
“Sometimes I guide visitors through the workshop in complete silence. They want to absorb the art’s aura without verbal explanations. The less we say, the more they feel the craftsmanship’s essence,” she explained. - Imagining the Artisan’s Intent
“I often ask myself: ‘Why did my father choose this curve? What was he feeling when he cut that line?’ When he visited the Taipei National Palace Museum, he studied Qing-dynasty glass, dialoguing silently with those ancient artisans through their work.” Mrs. Kumakura credits her cultural anthropology studies at Tokyo University of Science for deepening her practice of artful dialogue and enhancing her ability to share these stories with customers.
(Photo: Hanashyo’s Nihonbashi studio.)
5. Conclusion: Insights into Japanese-Style Well-being
Reflecting on the interview through a Japanese perspective on well-being, it’s clear that harmony—keen sensory awareness, shared atmospheres, and dialogic engagement with art—underscores Edo Kiriko artisans’ well-being. These practices highlight the unique contribution of Japanese cultural sensibility to global well-being research.
The importance of understanding how crafts and arts influence well-being has been noted by Keyes et al. (2024), and this report marks an initial contribution from Japan to this field.
6. Future Directions: Expanding the Field of Sensory Well-being
This preliminary investigation into the sensory well-being of Edo Kiriko artisans lays the groundwork for future research. Questions now arise about artisans with sensory disabilities—how do they perceive atmosphere and express creativity? By exploring diverse sensibilities, we can continue to ask: what does a truly happy world look like for everyone?
As we promote spaces where multiple sensory experiences intersect, “handcraft” emerges as a powerful medium for fostering well-being across all walks of life.
Thank you, Mrs. Kumakura, for your generous time and insights. Your recommendations for exploring Nihonbashi on my way home added a delightful cultural flourish to my visit. I look forward to future conversations with Edo Kiriko artisans.
Photo: Mrs. Kumakura and the author at Hanashyo, Nihonbashi.
References
Nagashima, T. (2014). Sensible Thinking: Bridging Science and Humanities. Tokai University Press.
Clark, F. (2024). Making arts and crafts improves your mental health as much as having a job, scientists find. CNN Health.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making. Art Therapy, 33(2), 74–80. doi:10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832
Keyes, H., et al. (2024). Creating arts and crafting positively predicts subjective wellbeing. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1417997. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2024.1417997
Japanese Cabinet Office. (2022). Survey on Social Awareness: Pride in Japan’s Culture and Arts & Material vs. Emotional Enrichment. Retrieved June 24, 2025.