Skilled artisan with 職人
The term 職人 refers to a skilled artisan or craftsman who has mastered a specific trade through years of dedicated practice, often within a traditional apprenticeship system.
Beyond its literal meaning of someone who creates or processes objects by hand (e.g., carpenters, potters, swordsmiths), 職人 embodies a cultural and philosophical ideal in Japan. It signifies a deep commitment to perfection, precision, and the pursuit of excellence in one’s craft, often tied to values like discipline, patience, and harmony with nature.
Further Reading
- Shokunin and Devotion (kyotojournal.org)
- What is shokunin? (zenbird.media)
Examples
Craftman's efforts making glassware with 職人
Akari picks up a box containing glassware items for her to transport. One of the employees from the shop making the glassware takes the box from her to place in her gondola. After he does this a second time, Akari says she can help carry the boxes, but he refuses.
- 職人:
- 「このガラス達は親方が精魂込めて作った」
- “These pieces of glass were made with the maestro's heart and soul poured into them.”
- 「僕達職人の努力の結晶なんス」
- “They're the crystallization of our craftsmen's efforts.”
結晶 can refer to crystallization, but also to the fruits (of one’s labor). He means the latter here, but the former works well in an English translation without losing the meaning.
Skilled clock maker with 職人
Having received a letter requesting help solving a mystery, Kogoro finds himself in a house filled with animal designs everywhere, including the doors, the chairs, and the plates. His attention turns to the clocks covering the walls.
- 小五郎:
- 「しかし動物もさることながら、時計もたくさんありますなー．．．」
- “But aside from the animals, there are also a lot of clocks, huh...”
- 男:
- 「当たり前ですよ．．． 祖父は時計職人だったんですから．．．」
- “Of course there are... Grandfather was a clock maker, after all...”
See Also
Skilled mirror maker with 職人
Following the theft of the Mirror of Queen Rosa, Sawatari writes an article for the school paper accusing Saint Tail. As Asuka Jr. demands proof from Sawatari, a notification appears from Saint Tail, announcing her intent to steal the stolen mirror. Later, Asuka Jr. goes to Sawatari to learn about the mirror’s backstory.
- 佐渡:
- 「そのむかしローザ王女は街の鏡職人の若者と恋におちたんだ」
- “Long ago, Princess Rosa fell in love with a young mirror maker from the town.”