General Work of Stone Shops in Japan

The work of stone shops in Japan is deeply connected to the country’s culture and traditions. Below is an overview of their main activities:

1. Production and Sale of Gravestones

Gravestones as a Core Product
Most stone shops in Japan focus on manufacturing and selling gravestones.
The design and size of gravestones vary depending on regional customs and religious backgrounds.
Custom-Made Gravestones
They also offer custom-made gravestones tailored to family requests.
Maintenance Services
Services such as cleaning, repairing, and renovating old gravestones are commonly provided.

2. Processing and Supplying Building Stones

Construction and Restoration of Temples and Shrines
Stone is an essential material in traditional Japanese architecture.
Stone shops supply materials for foundations, stone steps, torii gates, lanterns, and more.
Garden Stones
They produce and sell stepping stones, garden stones, stone lanterns, and paving stones used in Japanese gardens.

3. Production of Stone Statues and Sculptures

Religious Stone Statues
They create statues such as Buddha figures, guardian dogs (komainu), and fox statues for Inari shrines.
These are often installed in temples, shrines, or public spaces.
Decorative Sculptures
Stone sculptures for homes and gardens are also popular products.

4. Import and Sale of Stone Materials

Some shops handle not only domestically quarried stone but also imported stone from countries like China and India.
Imported stone, often less expensive, is commonly used for housing materials or landscaping.

5. Preservation of Local Traditional Crafts

Stone shops maintain local craftsmanship traditions by continuing to produce traditional stone products.
For example, Okazaki City is known as the "Stone Capital" due to its skilled stonemasons, famous for lanterns and garden stones.

6. Installation and Construction Services

Stone Installation
They handle the installation of stone lanterns, monuments, and garden stones.
Heavy equipment like cranes and forklifts is often required to move and set up heavy stone products.
Renovation
Repair and renovation of existing stone structures are also key services.

7. Export to Overseas Markets

In recent years, the export of traditional Japanese stone products has grown.
Stone lanterns and garden stones are particularly popular among Japanese garden enthusiasts and designers worldwide.

Types of Stone Used

Stone shops in Japan commonly work with the following materials:

Granite (Mikage-ishi): Highly durable, ideal for gravestones and construction.
Sandstone and Andesite: Easy to process, often used for decorative items.
Marble: Known for its luxurious appearance, used for decorative items and furniture.

Role and Importance of Stone Shops

Stone shops in Japan are not only preservers of traditional culture but also adapt to modern needs. Gravestones and garden stones are symbols of Japanese culture, making stone shops indispensable in maintaining the cultural heritage of their regions.

Japan Stones.shop has contracts with stone stores all over Japan.
We are expanding our offerings to include stone carvings.
We are exporting Japan's wonderful stone culture to the world.
Please follow up with us.