Tribute to the Past With an Eye Toward the Future

The city of Kyoto has an undeniable history, seamlessly blending the past and future with a rare balance. It also holds a special place for the INFINITI global design team. Paired with a local collective of artisans that work to put a nod to the past within their work, the INFINITI team finds their commonality of values and passion within their designs. INFINITI Senior Design Director Taisuke Nakamura recently sat down with six Kyoto-based artisans to explore their mutual appreciation for nature, innovation, and to hear their thoughts on modern Japanese luxury.

This in-depth series, coined “The Makers”, explores what makes Kyoto unique and admired among their artisans and our designers. The discussion begins with the natural evolution of the world that transcends their products – “I don’t look at it from the perspective of traditional crafts, I see it as something that’s beautiful … and aesthetic,” says Tsuji-san, whose wirework is intricately beautiful but also very useful. Which then evolves the conversation into what makes something a luxury, and the world around it.

“I feel it’s important for luxury to be real,” says Horiki-san. “And if you’re wondering what ‘real’ is, the finished product is beautiful, but the process of manufacturing is also beautiful. And the tools are beautiful … and the aging process is beautiful. Each and every process is beautiful and that’s what’s real.”

Click Here to watch “The Makers” series and dive into the world of Kyoto.