Iiyama Buddhist Altars, called Iiyama Butsudan in Japanese, are made around the city of Iiyama, Nagano prefecture. Iiyama is known for its people being devout to Buddhism since ancient times, which sustains the tradition of altar production. This …

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Inshu washi is a handmade traditional Japanese paper made in the former Inaba province, the eastern part of Tottori prefecture. The most famous type of paper is a textured drawing paper that is ideal for calligraphy and ink painting, boasting high…

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Nagaoka Butsudan refers to Buddhist altars and altar fittings which are produced in and around Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. It has also risen to prominence as innovative-designed altars that suit a modern house, even using the traditional tec…

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Niigata Shirone Butsudan refers to Buddhist altars which are mainly made in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture. A base of an altar usually uses Japanese cypress, zelkova, Japanese cherry, Japanese white pine and pine. Niigata Shirone Butsudan is cha…

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Sanjo Butsudan refers to Buddhist altars which are made in the Sanjo area, Niigata Prefecture. With well-established characteristics of elegance and dignity, it is synonymous with a golden Buddhist altar. Sanjo Butsudan is characterized by the ort…

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Uchiyama Gami is a type of traditional Japanese paper made in the Oku-shinano region of northern Nagano prefecture. As a region that gets heavy snowfall during the winter, papermaking production developed to provide supplementary income. This craf…

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