MADE IN JAPAN - Ishikawa and Gifu Craftsmanship Film

[@aaronmoiche330]

In case nobody has said it already, this is absolutely INCREDIBLE, you did a splendid job no only showing what they do and what they each have to offer but transmitting the emotions and feelings you would get going there and experiencing it on your own. Everything about this video was perfect, from the music, to the commentary, to the editing, to the colorgrading, to the scenes you chose to film, absolutely incredible. Thanks for sharing!!

[@joeallam]

Thanks for such a kind comment! This type of support is what fuels me to make more like this 🙌 Glad you enjoyed the film!

[@bethmwas3673]

Llll

[@sundaranmurali7414]

I am a great admirer of the Japanese people, the culture and craft. I felt as if I were sitting there next to him myself physically, so involving had been your effort, the video is brilliant and informative. Thank you Joe.

[@HusseinAbdirahman]

This video is why I love UA-cam and cannot return to normal TV programs. Now I feel compelled to see what other content this creator has in store for me.

[@abbeymattmi2791]

man this is seriously a very high quality documentary...

[@Mr.Monta77]

Almost hand-made one could say.

[@user-lv5yb6dc8i]

p

[@alexpinhero8371]

Exactly 👍

[@erinacho7217]

My family is from Tajimi, and this is one of the best documentaries capturing the soul and spirit of this part of Japan. I keep coming back to this video when I feel nostalgic for my motherland. Thank you for your craftsmanship and artistry with this breathtaking production. 💫

[@SIGSAUER_P320]

Best documentary ever seen with respect for Japan.

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

Then check out NHK World. They post consistent quality stories about Japan. You can also get ongoing news about it too. By the time you watch only a few episodes, you'll be dying to pack your bags for Japan. I think Gifu is as close to paradise as a craft lover can get.

[@dbiswas]

Same here. Simply awesome !

[@13Stoked]

I rarely choose favourites, but this is the best thing I've watched on UA-cam all year. Thanks so much for making and sharing!

[@joeallam]

That means a huge amount - thank you! There’s a long way to go on the path of where I want to be as a filmmaker, so here’s to hoping I can better it in 2020 and beyond ✌️

[@georgekamenov_]

Absolutely brilliant visuals and I must say, the voiceover sounded so natural unlike a lot of others who try to make it super dramatic to the point where it just sounds forced and fake. Well done Joe, your work never fails to inspire.

[@joeallam]

I’m really pleased to hear that. I have always been reluctant to do voiceovers as they can so often feel unnatural. This video from the outset was always planned with voiceover in mind, so perhaps that helped with it fitting better than other videos I’ve thought about adding it. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mlykke]

@@joeallam Would love to hear more about your voice over process. Maybe a small BTS video? How much do you script what you say? How do you handle speaking mistakes? etc.

[@tonyagreene6087]

I've always loved Japanese culture and now I just can't get enough. I wish I could start my life all over again in Japan.

[@user-nw8xn3cl1u]

Thanks for loving Japan 🇯🇵

[@MH-nc3wu]

what a beautiful city,,what a rich culture.. visiting Japan is in everyones bucket list!!

[@robertziarnik477]

This is one of the most beautiful things on UA-cam I've ever seen. Created with true respect and refined taste.

[@ac3arcadia]

So true! Never seen so much mesmerizing and precise creative craftsmanship described in such a beautiful, creative and pleasant way.

[@holi_spaces]

who else watched it stoned?

[@andylam73]

craftsmanship means patience, practice, and persistence. cant be achieved in a day or any hour. great video.

[@volkerjansen3901]

I would say there is certainly a similarity between these craftsmen's approach to their work and yours towards your videos, and this one even more so. This created a beautiful resonance that I really appreciated!

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Born in the California prefecture of USA, I have always had a love for the culture and craftsmanship of Japan.
Unable to travel there myself, this video has allowed me to experience a taste of Japan.
Thanks for sharing!

[@Csoery]

10/10 For "California prefecture" 😂 Obvisouly, right now all of us are in a similar situation, and I feel the same way you do - what a fantastic way to experience this amazing culture from afar! 💖

[@saqibali6998]

@@Csoery can we all make plan to visit japan together? Wat d u say

[@dkdude]

You should go... life’s short

[@saqibali6998]

@@dkdudei dint ask ylu

[@aysinduarte]

When you are able to you must go visit Japan. It is an amazing country to explore. I cannot until we are aloowed to travel again so I can go back.

[@AaronAragorn]

Seeing people master these crafts is quite inspiring.

[@user-zx6bs6wl5r]

why does this video make me cry...
absolutely beautiful people, handcrafts, and footages.
Thank you for sharing my culture in such a wonderful way!

[@TheMarkEH]

This took be back 30 years when I regularly visited Japan on business. It was a wonderful experience. I was so taken by the dignity, honesty and friendliness of the people. And of the beautiful aesthetics, the orderliness and the attention to detail of their culture. This film does Japan justice, well done Joe and thank you for posting it here.

[@sakakij]

Joe, I am a Japan fan and have lived there and travel there annually. You really capture the spirit of Japan in the traditional rural regions of Nihon. Your narration and your videography is just on the highest level! Thank you!

[@joeallam]

Many thanks 🙏 I’ve really enjoyed visiting more areas of Japan this year. The traditions and cultures of each area are so varied!

[@user-nw8xn3cl1u]

Thank you for this comment about Japan 🇯🇵

[@shogohonda3079]

I’m from Takayama. After living in foreign countries, I realized how beautiful Japanese culture is and all these are related to Japanese spirituality. Although I’ve done those experiences when I was kid, I’ll definitely try again.
Thank you for sharing Japanese culture

[@cdnsilverdaddy]

This deserves to go viral and at least 30 millions views

[@user-zd4lp2rj3j]

I live in Ishikawa prefecture!
Thank you for making a great video!
Ishikawa Prefecture has many delicious foods and old and beautiful places, so please come and visit us!

[@4jup4ter4]

I just happy these artiest are keeping ancient traditions alive.

[@sammaleen]

This is so beautiful. Somehow I got so emotional while watching that I cried, mostly because of how much kindness I felt. I think If I go to Japan, to places like that, I'll probably be just touching things on the streets, this wooden panels, hand painted signboards, plants, even an asphalt looks pleasantly tactile. Thank you!

[@user-wb4kb7to8r]

Thanks for you to get emotion to Japanese things.appreciate
Please have fun when you come here😌

[@wernerdanler2742]

I was in Japan in the late 60s and found it absolutely beautiful and fascinating. I wish I could have seen more of it. The craftsmanship they use to make anything makes the rest of the world seem dull.

[@94deepz]

Wow! I held my breath when that gold leaf flickered a bit and I stood motionless when the pottery was taking shape.
I could smell the wood through your words and I could experience these awe inspiring artworks through your eyes and lenses. This video documentary right here, is an artwork in itself. Thank you for shedding light on the beauty that these amazingly talented people produce, after years practice and generations of perfecting their work. Thank you. ❤️

[@gordonbgraham]

Awesome film, Joe. As someone who has lived in Japan for 20 years I can appreciate your love for the culture and craftsmanship. I enjoyed this film aesthetically while deepening my understanding of the dedication each artisan has for his/her craft. The same dedication shows in this film by you. Kudos!

[@jinn2722]

Netflix level quality, and exactly what I needed. Loving the Japanese aesthetics shown even through just in their workspaces.

[@sikkimese268]

learning and appreciating what different cultures have to offer seems like a life very well spent.

[@harsha_vhv4636]

This is a truly heartfilling 20-minute documentary. Thank you Joe for making such a beautiful motion picture.

[@goodphotoideas]

Pottery may not be your cup of tea, but you're a very good documentarian, Joe-san.

[@joeallam]

My first experience with a potter’s wheel and I absolutely loved it! Definitely got it on the cards for ideas of relaxation 👍

[@simdemol1]

I am obsessed with Japanese culture - Finally a modern and beautifully made segment that vividly shows the beauty of this country!

[@TomooIchigami]

I live in Kanazawa. Thank you for introducing Kanazawa with beautiful videos.

[@ramonborreguero3182]

Great job, is incredible how patient is the Japanese people by working in handcrafts.

[@VanNelleX]

The quality of this documentary is so high and really enjoyable.

[@yuka]

Such a beautiful film Joe and Elly! Made me so happy and proud of my culture :) This needs to be on Netflix!

[@Kuro-cm6lr]

This is an excellent example that it takes a great person to meet great people. Thank you for your great work.

[@inquisitvem6723]

You're one of the rare youtubers who does BOTH videography and photography....usually it's one or the other, but you concentrate in both.

[@DiscoveringMusic]

Man your voice is so relaxing, i could watch this for days

[@sushimio]

Sounds like NatGeo

[@michaeltracy1080]

He should be the narrator for Earth

[@akosipolsu]

I agree. He's also informative in his photography vlogs. This man is a Jem here on UA-cam.

[@japanviewneth]

待ってた！
めっちゃ綺麗に日本撮ってくれて嬉しい、金沢は寿司も美味いし最高です！ありがとうございます。
関のナイフは日本人でも一部しか知らない…

[@SajithNair911]

The only 21 minutes where I sat still completely immersed in the true craftsmanship of your documentary by so nicely getting the characters out of each element to the finest detail.
I didn’t even check the comments below until I finished watching the entire video.

[@tutzu4]

The soul of Japan is something that all countries should encompass. Thank you Joe for showing it to us.

[@kevinalay7595]

I was in Japan for 20 minutes .you take me with the video was so satisfying I love Japan

[@mlykke]

This is a masterpiece. I absolutely love it. I've personally only been to Japan once, but I've already fallen in love with the country and the culture.

[@wandaleopolda6750]

I love this video because the japanese tradition so amazing.
Like ceramic,food/sushi,garden,house,kimono and painting, all things look perfect.💜👍

[@socks_cat356]

Thank you for focusing on the essence of Japanese tradition and culture. As a Japanese, it is a happy thing.

[@haslinazali74]

Thank you! I love Japan so much!
Love from Malaysia!

[@hanayu4145]

"their passion and determination to CONTINUE is what commands my highest RESPECT" why I cry at 7 am in the morning before breakfast

[@faynan4165]

It's so beautiful that a man can introduce the culture from another land so vividly and emotionally. I really enjoy it Joe!!

[@GuillaumeTANNEUX]

I cried at the beauty of the craftsmanship. Thank you for the great document.

[@josephwu6299]

Hey Joe Allam, by any chance you come across this comment, I just want to thank you. I appreciate all the hard work that was put into this video and I was STUNNED how well your trip planning was!
I'm a half-japanese canadian born citizen where my mother grew up in Gifu, and her father was from Ishikawa prefecture. I want to explore who I really am and where I belong, what's on my mother's side in my family tree house. As I grew up in Canada, I visited Japan time to time for summer vacations and even explored different parts of Japan by myself like Kyoto or Tokyo where many people want to visit, however I never really explored where my family came from. Your video was the perfect video I NEEDED this MOMENT. I felt like I was venturing with you through your trip in Japan and felt like I found some parts of myself. As I make my own bucket list to go in Japan, I certainly want to experience the craftsmanship that is available to the public and certainly experience what the prefectures have to offer.
Thank you for helping me find parts of myself and keep up the great work.

[@joeallam]

Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad you found a part of yourself in this video and appreciate you sharing some of your story. I hope you one day get to explore more of Ishikawa and Gifu; they’re honestly some of the most incredible parts of Japan! Kanazawa and Takayama in particular are such great places!

[@KerrieRedgate]

Truly excellent! I’ve been studying many aspects of Japanese culture for the past 40 years, but I’ve learned so much from this video! Marvellous! You’ve done such a superb job in putting this beautiful film together, I think it shows your own type of mastery and understanding of the Japanese way. Arigato gozaimasu !

[@user-nw8xn3cl1u]

ありがとうございます。

[@ScottGerke]

Dialogue, composition, color grade...absolutely incredible job.

[@Sailingbill1]

Joe, an absolutely fantastic video! I have been to JP twice, and took my kids there last time. As someone who was trained as a cabinetmaker when I was a teenager and someone who is passionate about quality you highlight the art of being the best at your craft. This was inspirational and I cannot wait to go back, and this will be the first place(s) I will visit.

[@cdnsilverdaddy]

I love Japan so much .. stunning

[@MackTheMaker]

I lived in Gifu when I studied abroad in Japan. Miss it everyday

[@nidiarodriguez6832]

This was absolutely beautiful and inspiring. I love how the Japanese pay attention to detail and how they use negative space brilliantly. Thank you Joe

[@henningbadrow7143]

You might not have mastered the craftsmanship you tried out during your journey, but in my opinion you are darn close to master the art of documentaries about Japan. This is only due to the fact that one can never be perfect or master anything, we can only constantly learn and improve. By non-japanese standards this was perfect.

[@ryantanakaphoto]

This is wonderful, Joe! I love photographing craftspeople and their passions. I mainly focus on food and cooking in Los Angeles where I live, but I love the heritage of craftspeople in a Japan. Watching craftspeople is mesmerizing. I’m trying to transition my photography into video, so this is very inspiring for me. Thanks again.

[@joeallam]

Glad you enjoyed it! My background stems from photography long before I started taking video seriously about 5 years ago. Hopefully this will help in getting you more involved with video too!

[@ryantanakaphoto]

Joe Allam Thanks Joe. I appreciate the response. Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@JacobafJelling]

WHAT a journey. Im currently studying to become a carpenter, this is right up my street. And I've been interested in Japan for years so even better. Greetings from Denmark

[@TheWat870]

I very rarely feel the need to commend someone on UA-cam, but this is really exceptional stuff - delicately rendered, and conveys the real sense of wonder that the subject matter invoked in you. Beautiful.

[@keigo9589]

こんにちは、
I am a Japanese University student.
and I learnt a lot about Japan from your video even I am Japanese.
appreciate it and looking forward to watching your contents!

[@MGMKT]

素晴らしいビデオを撮ってくれてありがとうございます！
Great Video! THANKS💯

[@joeallam]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for the support

[@keosbay]

Amazing, the Japanese are true perfectionists as shown through your eye opening documentary. Japan is most definitely somewhere I see myself enjoy exploring in the near future. Thanks joe-san ✌️

[@MyRealEstateNotes]

What UA-cam should support more of - these types of videos wherein time, talent and passion are melded together to create more than craft but art. Your obvious fascination for craft and art speaks of who you are as an artist yourself. It should inspire your viewers not to scrimp on effort to produce work and be generous with one’s self to build uniqueness and originality. Each one is special. Each one has a story to tell. Again, it is refreshing to have discovered your video. I look forward to more of this. Thank you.

[@zavton-ofton-ui1go]

I am a Japanese born in Tajimi city, Gifu prefecture. This was a nice movie introducing my hometown. In the 16th century, Tajimi City has become famous for its truly artistic pottery. There are two reasons. This is because in Tajimi City, good quality clay that matches pottery making was selected, and Oda Nobunaga planned to make a foundation for the industry. I think foreign tourists can make good memories in Gifu prefecture.😃

[@KH77x]

Great documentary Joe! This one is of the many reasons why I love Japan, and you did such a great job in portraying that. Thanks!

[@1hourphoto]

Best video I’ve seen in a long while!!! Japan just moved to the top of my travel bucket list! Incredible! Awesome job Joe!!!

[@saibliss7976]

Everything done with patience and a sense of calm.

[@AnaghaVenugopal-wi6yl]

This is undoubtedly one of my favourite UA-cam videos ever. I have already watched it thrice and every time it feels better than the last time. Every single aspect about this video is just breathtakingly beautiful! Be it the photography, the content, the artwork or the description

[@VTK72]

Thank you so much to make me traveling in this beautiful country .... 🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@retro5ile571]

The way you present, it tooks me to Japan ... I felt like I was witnessing everything with you... Best of luck... keep going... ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@vaughanatkinson8421]

I find all these artisinal aspects show off Japanese culture to the highest standard, the attention to detail and the actual pure love these people have for the processes and products is outstanding!

[@bigdhav]

I want to spend a good amount of time trying these things in Japan. Absolutely amazing!

[@doaaabukhalaf]

all respect and love for Japan!

[@patrickwerner7684]

Amazing video Joe.
I appreciate your passion in sharing the amazing culture of Japan, as well as your film making.
Thanks.

[@joeallam]

Thanks Patrick, always appreciated!

[@sarahsuero]

Prayer hands and a bow of respect. To meet such masters even via a screen makes me tear up. I too am an artist and know the dedication honing a craft takes. May we all be so brave as to continue come what may.

[@jeremywendelin]

Truly the Japanese people are the master craftsmen of the world. From art, food, music. They are really the gem of the world.

[@butters32197]

watching this on Christmas with a nice coffee :)

[@joeallam]

Had my Christmas Coffee this morning and it was glorious! 👍

[@C4rt3Bl4nch3]

Ditto, best combo !

[@Lucasschoenfeld_foto]

Such a good documentary. Pure silence, perfection and the love to create some good things. I like this so much and I love japan before I have visited. 🙏🏼

[@reach2prasanna]

Your love for Japan is absolutely evident in the way you have weaved this video together. It was a delight to have watched your documentation of the craftsmanship of Japanese artists.

[@runway741]

I'm from Gifu living overseas last 11 years. I really appreciate this video reminded me where I came from. I felt like I could even sense the air of my home from the video. Great work!

[@docaddy]

This was so so beautiful. Thank you so much for taking the time to share it. I really want to go to Japan now!

[@ireneseverova2369]

I’m speechless😍I love Japan more and more! Thank you so much for the video❤️

[@davidverolme]

An absolute masterpiece you have created here Joe. The scenes, the music, the calm way of commenting on everything. Thanks for creating and sharing.

[@jonathanhansen5208]

This just healed the pains and confusions in my heart and soul, to see a culture with generations of people passing along technique and adding their own findings to the technique something that seems so sacred, but every artist openly shared their knowledge and demonstrated their passion for their crafts. I wish to take a trip to Japan someday. Thank you for documenting and sharing your experience.

[@kidblazer16]

Wow, just wow! I think its safe to say that joe has cornered the market in Japanese Cinematography/Documentaries lol

[@BigManKC45]

Joe, this has to be one of your best work yet! I really felt your passion and eagerness to learn about the culture of Japan. I enjoyed getting to know the craftsmanship around the Gifu Prefecture. You've made me want to visit these cities and learn the art that they offer. I hope that on my next eventual visit to Japan that I can also experience what you have. Thank you as always for creating the content that you and Elly create :)

[@chio486]

As a Japanese, thank you for capturing beauty in my country. Japan has almost no natural resources so we had/have to become resources ourselves. Trying to be polite so we avoid conflicts. Creativity and intelligence are needed even now. Thank you again for making this.

[@randing2872]

Chio Then why your country invaded so many other countries? Is this the way you try to be polite or your way to be self-contained?

[@DebbieWeilandGIRLFRIDAY]

Loved this video.
おりがとございます

[@kaye.b]

This is beautiful! I've always been interested in Japan's culture. I hope I can visit there.

[@kaixiangong2296]

I have never wanted to buy kitchenware this badly before

[@joeallam]

Likewise! Came away from the trip thinking our whole collection of kitchenware was inferior haha

[@greghelton4668]

Those artisan knives need great care and love. Learn how to care for it before leaving Japan.
We bought a handcrafted kitchen knife ten years ago. It is now a fruit knife as it gradually wears away with each sharpening. Soon it’ll become my razor. 😉

[@goutfromporkrinds9516]

@@joeallam can you link the e commerce stores of the craftsmen

[@judihopewell7148]

You are a wonderful film maker sir and an artists eyes add immeasurably. More please...

[@sjy.s]

Why was this video so peaceful and wholesome at the same time! Goodness!

[@NAVI05]

Japanese are the only people I believe who are living 200 years back and 200 years future at the same time.

[@VegardThefilmmaker]

This was beautifully produced Joe! So interesting to see the artisans craftmanship in Japan. Seems like you had a great experience both trying out these different crafts and producing this film.

[@kenhutley971]

Love permeates everything associated with this beautiful video. As a retired craftsman myself and a longstanding Nipponophile I was entranced and transported. Thank you very much indeed... from England!

[@FirePantherPena]

Should be included in school class curriculum in foreign cultural arts. Absolutely fantastic and educational.

[@IqbalKurniawan]

I remembered wishing you a collab with Japanese tourism board when you made the train series in Japan, and it came true!
Hope we can get more amazing travel documentaries from you. I enjoyed every seconds watching this video 😁

[@joeallam]

Thanks man! This project absolutely came about off the back of the rail series - an investment that's paid off it seems!

[@W4ABN]

This is a beautiful video. I so much hope to visit Japan. I will note these regions/towns as places to visit if I ever get a chance to. Thank you for this tour. It's stuff like this that motivates me to learn more about Japan, its history, its traditions, and its language.
ありがとうございます

[@user-nw8xn3cl1u]

Please try to come to Japan after COVID

[@collinbeggs7383]

Truly wonderful video. Amongst craftspeople in Japan, 60,000 hours is considered necessary for mastery, rather than 10,000.

[@joshbos3670]

This is actually the first comment ever that I publish on a video but I needed to. You did such a beautiful work , you amazingly well presented the delicacy of the Japanese craftsmanship with humility. It brought me so many memories of Japan. Wow , I hope you will produce some more videos with this quality... 😍