Study on the Survival of Small-Scale Traditional Craft Businesses in Japan

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K01837
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 07080:Business administration-related
• Research Institution: Shizuoka University of Art and Culture
• Principal Investigator: Takashima Chisako 静岡文化芸術大学, 文化政策学部, 教授 (70590404)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 伝統工芸 / 職人 / 地域文化 / 海外展開 / 産地

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study clarified how small-scale traditional crafts production areas in Japan have sustained its businesses from the three aspects of commercial value, historical and artistic value, and value as part of the local culture. Specifically, the study looked at handmade Japanese paper, which is difficult to maintain as an industry, and ceramics and cutlery, which have relatively large production value. As a result, it was found that small-scale production areas have continued its business by keeping and developing their own custom-made and art-related markets, while focusing on hand-made and emphasizing historical and artistic values. It also has close relation with local culture. Craftsmen in small-scale production area are responsible for all process of raw material procurement, production, and sales. Their successors have chosen the path of craftsmanship as a way of life.

Free Research Field

経営学、アートマネジメント

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

伝統工芸産地や事業者に関する研究は、経営学を中心に、陶磁器の有田焼に代表されるような大規模産地を事例に豊富な蓄積がなされてきた。一方、小規模産地の研究はほとんどなく、経済産業省が指定する伝統的工芸品240以上のほとんどに関して、その実態は不明点が多かった。本研究は、日本の伝統産業における小規模産地の実態の一端を明らかにすることができ、今後の伝統工芸の継承や支援のあり方に寄与すると考える。また、規模の拡大を善としてきた産業や企業経営において、あえて規模を拡大せず、地域に根ざした活動を行うことの意義を示すこともでき、今後の社会と経済、文化のあり方を問い直すことにつながる研究と言える。