Category:Kanagawa Prefecture

Kanagawa Prefecture is located in the Kantō region along the Pacific coast, immediately south of Tokyo. The prefecture includes major port cities, seaside towns, and mountainous inland areas. Its blend of coastal openness, historical trade, and modern urban culture gives Kanagawa a distinctive identity shaped by both tradition and international influence.

The city of Yokohama is one of Japan’s principal port cities and a center of modern cultural exchange since the late 19th century. Meanwhile, Kamakura preserves a legacy as a medieval political capital and spiritual center, known for its temples, shrines, and historic craftsmanship. Inland areas maintain strong local craft and folk traditions rooted in community life.

Culturally, Kanagawa’s crafts reflect a dialogue between history and modernity. Traditional pottery, metalwork, lacquer, and wood-based crafts coexist with contemporary studio arts, design workshops, and craft communities influenced by the region’s port-city environment.

Signature Crafts of Kanagawa Prefecture

• Kamakura-bori (鎌倉彫) – carved lacquerware featuring relief patterns inspired by Buddhist art and temple craftsmanship.
• Odawara lacquerware (小田原漆器) – lacquer objects with smooth finishes and natural wood grain expression.
• Yokohama silk trade heritage – historically important for silk export and textile exchange.
• Modern studio pottery and craft design – including ceramics and woodworking produced in suburban and coastal artisan communities.