Ninja's Fukiya 'Shadow'

Ninja is one of the roots of Japanese culture, having developed various physical techniques and mental disciplines.



This work takes inspiration from the "Fukiya (blowgun)", said to be one of the tools created and used by ninjas.



The design concept draws on the spiritual foundations of Japanese culture—Zen, martial arts, and the aesthetics of traditional armor.



It was created in collaboration with Kyoto artisans—modern-day "ninjas"—who applied fine traditional techniques such as woodworking, urushi lacquer, gold leaf, and metalworking.



Light and shadow, silence and movement, tradition and innovation—

this piece expresses the beauty that exists within contrasts, in a world where opposing elements are deeply connected.



The video features close-up footage of Kyoto’s historic streets and the skilled hands of local artisans. In the opening scene, the actual Fukiya “Sadow (Kage)” appears in live-action.



By the end, the same object is reimagined as a 3D model placed within a tranquil, digitally rendered temple interior——evoking yūgen—the profound, mysterious beauty that emerges subtly in the space where reality and the digital world intertwine.