practically anything from the internet.

(xylophone chimes)

So the concept of being an apprentice

craftsman may seem a little old school.

But here in the countryside of Kōchi, Japan,

there is a small blacksmith workshop,

where the apprenticeship style of learning

has not completely disappeared.

(upbeat music)

These blades are called Nata, and they are used

by professional woodcutters here in Kōchi,

which is a heavily forested region of the country.

They are the tool chiefly made by this master craftsman.

But three years ago, after nearly a lifetime

of working alone, Matsumura was joined by a young man.

(laughing)

When he learned about Matsumura, Kikuchi left

his manufacturing job in the city

and approached the aging master

who was hesitant to take on the young man as an apprentice.

And for Kikuchi, it's not only about learning

from his master, but learning how to think like his master.

(upbeat music)