Those of us who appreciate art know very well that there is a process involved in its creation. The painting you put on your wall, the album you buy on itunes, and the meal you present to your guests; these are all the final products, and it is easy to overlook the process that led to the final products we enjoy.
In Japanese culture there is a special appreciation (one might even call it reverence) for the process, or the craft of making a piece of art. The skill and knowledge needed to master one's craft requires a lifetime commitment to the process that has been passed down for generations. Every step is important. The materials used must be of the highest quality. Even the tools used to make art come from the hands of master craftsmen. One must use art to make art.
Throughout Japanese history value has often been placed on the artist, rather than the art. In the West we may find it fitting to set aside a well-known masterpiece as a national treasure. However in Japan the particularly adept artist is honoured as a national treasure. Only the artist can pass on the secrets of the craft to the next generation, thus the artist is protected and honoured. Praise the creator, not the created. Hm.
I feel that this attitude is lacking in today's music scene, if I can call it that. Today we tend to prioritize the prodigies. That is all well and good but, where is the appreciation for those who have dedicated their lives to their craft? Maybe it is because we value youth so much. Think about it. Those next-big-things just keep getting younger and younger.
I guess we can't all be respected master craftsmen. I'm certainly not one. But I have respect for those who dedicate their lives to mastering an art and passing it on to the next generation, especially when they do it for the Creator of all.