Appreciating Japanese Craftsmanship
INNOVATION
6 MIN READ
Two simple ideas
Mitate + Shitate
Japanese craftsmanship is renowned for a reason. Its emphasis on quality and purposeful minimalism allows for a blended focus – two unique design philosophies that capture the essence of Japanese handcraft: mitate and shitate. These traditional techniques guide craftspeople to instill an elevated sense of artistry in their work. That includes our designers.
From detailing to button placement, inspired design lives within the INFINITI QX50's interior. Watch as we explore Mitate and Shitate with sixth-generation craftsman, Takahiro Yagi.
What is mitate?
Mitate is the practice of curating the best possible selection of materials. Artisans carefully choose those which contrast or complement one another, elevating the character of the final product. Inside the INFINITI QX50, our designers sourced endless samples of different wood, leather, metal and thread to find the most appealing combination and create the most luxurious effect.
What is shitate?
Shitate is the way in which an item is made. It’s a dedication to tailoring, shaping and composing the materials to bring out their very best qualities — creating something far greater than the sum of its parts. When we built the INFINITI QX50’s cabin, our craftspeople retained the open-pore maple’s natural character, elevating the sense of authenticity in the final design.
A craftsman of Kyoto
Yagi-san is the director of Kaikado, based in Kyoto, Japan. A maker of ‘chazatsu,’ also known as tea caddies, his family-run workshop was established in 1875 — where it produced Japan’s very first tin tea caddy. Today, he continues his family’s 144-year-old traditions, using delicate design practices such as shitate and mitate to bring his exceptional creations to life.
“It’s not just important to make something that is simple and clean, but also creates a lasting sense of comfort… I could see how INFINITI’s designers meticulously implemented mitate and shitate — adding value to the design.”
– Takahiro Yagi, Kaikado
