The Shonai Craft Experience

-Join Hands-On Craftsmanship in Shonai Stitching, Woodworking, and Stories of the Sea-

Overview of Shonai Sashiko and Sakata Funadansu, their cultural value

In the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture, located along the Sea of Japan in the Tohoku area, there exist two important craft traditions that have served as valuable cultural assets since the era of the Shonai Domain: Shonai Sashiko and Sakata Funadansu.

Shonai Sashiko is a textile art technique in which indigo-dyed fabric is densely covered with intricate patterns stitched entirely with white thread. Unlike other regional forms of sashiko in Japan, which developed primarily as functional techniques for warmth or mending, Shonai Sashiko has evolved into a unique folk art culture valued not only for its “functionality” but also for its high level of “artistic expression.” In recent years, its appeal has begun attracting global attention, with renowned European watchmakers even adopting Shonai Sashiko patterns into their product designs.

Meanwhile, Sakata Funadansu is a robust yet highly decorative wooden storage chest developed during the Kitamae-bune maritime trade era. Among the various kinds of ship chests found across Japan, Sakata Funadansu is especially known for its massiveness and elaborate ornamentation. While funadansu from other regions prioritize practicality and portability, Sakata Funadansu has a stronger identity as an art object: “an exquisite one-of-a-kind piece that showcases the finest craftsmanship.” Its luxurious hand-forged iron fittings, multi-layered structure, hidden drawers, concealed locking mechanisms, and sophisticated joinery techniques are highly appealing to international audiences, earning praise at major exhibitions in Paris and other parts of Europe.

Current challenges, and project goals

However, both crafts face a serious challenge: the artisans who sustain them are aging, and the number of successors is rapidly declining. Although around 70 individuals still practice Shonai Sashiko, their average age is approaching 70, and very few young people are entering the field. For Sakata Funadansu, the traditional division of labor has become a disadvantage; although Kato Woodcraft continues to produce and assemble the wooden body as the last remaining workshop in Sakata, no craftspeople or companies remain capable of making the metal fittings.

In this project, we focus on these two invaluable craft traditions and organize a tour that includes a hands-on, high-value cultural experience program. Participants will visit the workshops of two central figures in cultural preservation

1.Ms. Emi Sato, President of the Shonai Sashiko Preservation Association, and
2.Mr. Wataru Kato, successor of Kato Woodcraft, the sole remaining maker of Sakata
Funadansu—to observe their craftsmanship firsthand and, under their guidance, participate in the creation of a Shonai Sashiko vest and a wall-mounted Sakata Funadansu art piece. Through direct interaction with the artisans, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the essence of craftsmanship.

The finished pieces created during the experience can be taken home as personal souvenirs, and authentic completed works will also be available for purchase for family and friends—allowing guests to compare their own creations and bring the memories and resonance of their journey back to their home country.
We hope that through the implementation of this tour, participants will experience a sense of connection with the region, local residents will feel renewed civic pride, and, ultimately, the project will contribute to the preservation and revitalization of these invaluable craft traditions.

Collaboration with High School Students

One entire class of 3rd-year general studies students at Haguro High School participated through their home economics course.
Under the guidance of master artisan Ms. Emi Sato, students worked not only during class but also after school and at home.

Students from Sakata Koryo High School volunteered to create the metal fittings as an extracurricular activity.　Each student produced one component entirely on their own—from cutting the metal to filing and finishing.　Many of these students are soon joining major manufacturers such as Toyota and Nissan, and will carry Japanese craftsmanship into the future.

Day 1

At Tsuruoka Station, guests are cheerfully welcomed by colorful Tairyo-bata, traditional fishermen’s flags that celebrate a good catch.
Our journey begins with a visit to Chido Museum, where a knowledgeable curator introduces the stories of the Kitamae-bune trading ships, Shonai Sashiko, and Sakata Funadansu in a clear and engaging way.

Next, we explore the historic Sankyo Warehouses, closely connected to local craft culture, followed by a walk through the lively port fish market, where many of the ingredients enjoyed on this journey are sourced.

For lunch, we stop at Kichiya, a popular local soba restaurant loved by residents.

In the afternoon, it’s time for the Shonai Sashiko hands-on experience.
Guided by Master Emi Sato, President of the Shonai Sashiko Association, participants stitch four traditional “Kakizashi” patterns onto small fabric pieces. These are then sewn onto a Sashiko vest that has been lovingly prepared by Haguro high school students.

Your finished vest is yours to take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir made by your own hands. You will also have the chance to view a beautiful collection of antique Sashiko pieces from the Edo and Meiji periods, as well as smaller items such as coasters. If something catches your eye, purchases are possible.

For a sweet afternoon break, we visit the neighboring confectionery Komatsuya, where you can choose your favorite handmade Japanese sweets.

In the evening, we gather for a friendly dinner with the craftsmen at the well-known Sakata French restaurant NICO.
See how the tour’s themes, “Kitamae-bune history” and “Local craftsmanship,” are transformed into delicious, creative dishes.
Local guides help keep conversations flowing, making it easy and enjoyable to connect with the artisans.

Day 2

We visit the workshop of Kato Woodcraft, where young craftsman Mr. Kato warmly shares his passion for making Sakata Funadansu and his dedication to carrying this tradition forward.

With Mr. Kato’s guidance, participants try traditional nail-hammering techniques and complete their own wall-hanging Funadansu art piece.
You will experience nail-hammering by yourself, and your finished piece can be taken home as a special memory of the experience.

Lunch is the delightful “Funadansu Gozen”, featuring fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. Guests can enjoy the fun surprise of discovering how the meal is presented, inspired by the design of Funadansu.

After lunch, we enjoy a relaxed walking tour of Sakata town.
Starting at Sanno Club and passing historic sake breweries, we follow the same paths once walked by Kitamae-bune sailors as they prayed for safe voyages.
The tour concludes at Sakata Station, where we say our goodbyes.

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