Yoshiko Munehiro, Weaver Yoshiko Munehiro grew up in a home where she was constantly surrounded by her father’s apprentices at work. Her father, Rikizo Munehiro, was a designated holder of an Intangible Cultural Property (also known as a Living National Treasure) for...
“I don’t need to worry about the ‘chosen ones,’ they naturally shine. I’m more interested in shedding light on those who otherwise will be forgotten.”
I grew up being told that handicrafts wouldn’t make money; that It’s the industry of Migi Kata Sagari – right shoulder down.
Here, I am reminded of the words of a Buddhist sculptor, who says it’s not him to give shape to a piece of wood: rather, his work is to help it manifest the shape hidden beneath, which has always existed within.
From that practice, though, something was starting to manifest. He realised what he had learnt in his high school time was the pattern to win a high school tournament. He perfectly fitted himself into the mould. But at the university and for the world-level competition, he had to break out of it. And he had to do it by himself.
they are the traces of one’s life, like broken joints and swollen knuckles…
Spatula 7 years, Brush 3 years Senro Sato went to learn urushi lacquerware, also known as the japanning technique, at the age of 22. He had one year left to finish college, but his mentor Gonroku Matsuda (Living National Treasure) strongly advised him to go learn...
What’s bigger than Ego How would you like to be remembered after you leave this planet? We all wonder at some point in our life. Leaving one’s legacy in a tangible form, statue, trophy, building or name on a street is a tempting idea. But what does that serve? ...
Where the biggest change takes place A phrase used in an astrology reading like “a big change is coming for you” stirs the image of an external force coming to uproot me from my everyday life to unknown territory. It does sound exciting. I would want to know how and...