Many young artisans working in Japan’s traditional industries quietly struggle with the same questions: Can I make a living? Is this path sustainable? Is it okay to change tradition? This article explores the unspoken uncertainty shared by apprentices, independent artisans, and those who inherit family businesses. Written from the perspective of someone who does not follow the “orthodox” path, it reflects on guilt, doubt, and the pressure to preserve tradition while surviving

This article examines the current realities faced by young Japanese traditional artisans. Through firsthand experience, it explores uncertainty, sustainability, identity, and the quiet struggles of preserving tradition while navigating a changing society.