By turns an actress, filmmaker, humanitarian, and , Angelina Jolie is as multifaceted as she is magnetic, captivating her audiences for four decades. As founder of the new Atelier Jolie concept store in New York, the 48-year-old is also increasingly active in the sustainable fashion space, and in recent years has increasingly turned her attention to the importance of craft in fashion—something that has made Japan, with its rich history of makers, a key destination. To celebrate her appreciation for Japanese craft, and to allow the actress a deeper insight into the country, Vogue Japan invited Jolie on a curated trip to Tokyo, Osaka and beyond to immerse herself in the unique blend of tradition and that defines Japanese culture.
In a conversation with Tiffany Godoy, Vogue Japan’s Head of Editorial Content, the two spoke candidly about Jolie’s experiences in Japan, her extensive work, an ongoing uneasiness with celebrity, and the importance of finding solace in community. “Being given the time to learn about the culture and the craft and history within Japan was very special,” she says. As part of the trip, Jolie visited a wide variety of Japanese artisans and makers, some of whom are carrying a centuries-old legacy.
“I don't want to pretend to know or understand Japanese culture, but I will say I’ve always felt that there’s a grace and an intention that seems to come from things that are made in Japan,” she says. The Japanese term , which roughly translates t.
