I'm always amazed to see shokunin and the work they do. I think it takes a lot of patience and an eye for perfection to be able to do the work they do. I found a video recently of a Japanese Knifesmith and watched it.
I think that the biggest problem for shokunin nowadays is the fact that big companies compete against them. Many people choose the big box stores over small shops. Mostly because of convenience and affordability. Because of this, many shokunin cannot compete with them.
The other problem shokunin face is the fact that there aren't many people who are willing to pick up the trade that has been passed down for generations. The younger generation just don't find it interesting or don't want to stick with the family business. Many want to expore the world and do as they like. I just hope that someone is there to replace or continue the business so that Japan can retain that part of it's culture.
Below is a link for the video I found. I hope you enjoy it.