Ornamental metalwork evolved mainly in the ancient capital through the patronage of the imperial court and places of worship. Metalworkers beat, stretch, carve, shave, and cast metal to create nail-head covers and door handles, ritual implements for Shinto palanquins and festival floats, kimono accessories, incense burners, kettles, and other items. Discover how a 230-year-old workshop, run by the 7th-generation proprietor, continues to polish its expertise and nurture successors to the trade.

Kimono are worn as formalwear and in cultural pursuits, but few men don them and the market has shrunk. Various initiatives aim to reverse this trend. One man sells outfits to dispel the image of kimono being expensive and bothersome. Another aims to revive the bold, showy style favored over 400 years ago. A connoisseur repurposes old kimono, adding the subtle flair of later fashion. An artist dyes kimono to suit the wearer's tastes. Discover how they strive to revive the appeal of men's kimono.

A washi designer combines huge sheets of washi with lighting to enliven open architectural spaces. Stoles made from dyed, washi-woven textile are the amalgamation of traditional Kyoto chic. An apparel company sells washi clothing and later collects them to make vegetable fertilizer. Daily items made from papier mache-style lacquer using washi enjoy renewed interest for their ability to be repaired for reuse. Discover how Kyoto's traditional skills and culture stretch the potential of washi.