There is a company in Gifu Prefecture that specializes in making traditional kawara, or roof tiles. Established in 1883, their kawara have been used in many temples and houses, including the famous Tōfuku-ji temple in Kyoto, which is listed as one of Japan’s national treasures. Unfortunately, the number of traditional Japanese houses has been decreasing, leading to a decline in the demand for kawara. To adapt, this company and many others like it have started creating charms, pots, plates, lanterns, and other items using the same traditional techniques of making kawara, ensuring that the tradition will carry on.
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