Rose: So, how long have you lived in Japan?

Angela: 3 years

Rose: Why did you move to Japan?

Angela: Adventure!  The real answer? My husband’s job needed him in Asia, and we decided Tokyo was the place for us.

Rose: Is there an expat crafting scene in Tokyo?  If so, can you tell me a little bit about it?

Angela: I’d say there is a crafting scene in Tokyo, and the English-speakers tend to find each other. I met a few crafters and sewists via their blogs and Etsy, and we try to get together and help each other out when possible. It also depends on what kind of crafts you enjoy — there are stitch-and-bitch meet-ups, paper-wrapping workshops, sashiko embroidery classes — really a variety!

Rose: Do you know any English teachers who do crafting in Tokyo?

Angela: Occasionally I teach English craft classes, with the idea that studying English is more fun when you are learning words and grammar that align with your interests and hobbies. Recently I have had many native-English speakers contact me, so I think perhaps the classes will transition to a free craft get-together where people can mingle and share skills – language or otherwise!

Rose: Are you familiar with the JET program?

Angela: Why yes, I am! I’ve met quite a few people who came to Japan on the JET program and never left. They’ve become some of my closest friends, and I value the perspective they gained and shared with me after their experiences living in more rural regions of Japan.

Rose: How easy is it to get into crafting in Tokyo with not-great Japanese speaking ability?

Angela: The most difficult part is probably finding a craft class, but once you join it is quite easy to participate. People are always eager to share their skills and the wonderful thing about crafting is the hands-on tactile experience, which thankfully is a universal language. There are also many shops around Tokyo that offer starter-kits, so if you are curious about a certain craft it is easy to buy the basic supplies and get going on your own.

Rose: What are the biggest challenges of crafting in Tokyo?

Angela: Maybe finding a space to gather. When the weather is nice it is fun to have a craft picnic with friends, but otherwise you have to find a restaurant or cafe that will accommodate your group, and cheaply.

Rose: How does crafting in Japan compare to crafting in the US?

Angela: I think the styles are very different. Japan has a kawaii culture, but also a lot of very weird and minimalist styles as well. Also, the materials are very high quality. Japanese fabrics and embroidery materials are beautiful and durable, and paper and washi tapes come in such a huge variety of colors and patterns, the choices can be overwhelming.

Rose: Can you tell me about your book, Tokyo Craft Guide?

Angela:  The book is a collection of illustrated neighborhood guides that present curated craft shopping excursions in Western Tokyo. The Tokyo Craft Guide highlights independently owned, unique craft and zakka shops which not only showcase the best that craft and sewing in Tokyo have to offer, but also provide access to a uniquely Japanese experience — that of the small yet serious, specialized hobby shop.

The book is beautifully illustrated by Hanako Clulow (www.ilikesleeping.com), the neighborhood maps are whimsical, but detailed to help visitors — as well as Tokyo residents — to navigate the city’s back streets. Our book offers on-the-ground perspectives from residents of Tokyo and invites readers to join an afternoon craft adventure, whether they leave their homes or not.

Even though I haven’t been to Tokyo in a few years, I really enjoyed reading Angela’s book.  I’ve followed her blog and I found that her personality and humor carried over to the shop profiles and neighborhood introductions.  The writing is fresh and entertaining.  When I travel, I love to find little shops off the beaten path, and this book is fantastic in that respect.

You can purchase and instantly download the Tokyo Craft Guide at www.tokyocraftguide.com or via Etsy at tokyocraftguide.etsy.com. The cost is USD$18.00.

For more information about Angela, visit her website at http://sakepuppets.com/ where you can also buy her sashiko embroidery kits and handmade gifts inspired by Japan.

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