The Japanese concept Shosa is hard to translate: it’s about the beauty that lies in the repetition of actions and movements, striving for perfection and efficiency in their execution. You can find it in the rituals of a Japanese tea ceremony, but also in the repetition of cleaning actions (like in the movie Perfect Days) or in the skilful actions of craftsmen and women.

This book portrays 12 Japanese makers from different regions. From a bamboo weaver to a tatami mats maker, from a ceramist to a cook who specialises in puddings. The writer and photographer went to visit these makers in their studios and created profound portraits in words and images. Because the craftsmen and women often rely on locally sourced materials, the stories in this book also cover the surroundings. The aim isn’t to provide tourist guide-like information, but to share a taste of various regions in Japan, so this book can also serve as a source of inspiration when you’re planning a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.