TOPICS

ACCESSORIES

Mr. Hiroshi Akatsuka___Akatsuka Tortoiseshells Factory Co. Inc.

Tortoiseshell products are known as jewelry of the ocean has warmth and beauty. Tortoiseshell products are repairable, so it is an industrial art with merit that it could be used for long time. It also is known as high class material for glasses frames. Mr. Akatsuka mainly manufactures glasses frames, but he also manufactures accessories of all kinds.
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Mr. Minoru Isogai___Isogai Edo Tortoiseshells

Tortoiseshells works process the sea turtle's shells into beautiful products. This handicraft was started in Japan 1200years ago, and the skills were used in combs and ornamental hairpins. But to match the clothes of today, he also manufactures many accessories.
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Mr. Shinji Haneda___Kiryuudou Inc.

In Nara-Era, kumihimo was used in Buddhist altar fittings, and later was used in armors and headpiece. From Meiji-Era, they were also used in Obi-jime(cords to tie Obi), and Haori(short Japanese overgarments). Kumihimo passes the heart of "Wabi" and "Sabi" to the lives of Japanese. They are used as accessories, cords for roop-ties, and watch bands nowadays.
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Mr. Naoyuki & Jusaku Fujii___Fujii Fukuromono Factory

Making Edo Fukuromono became popular since middle Edo period, on the other hand, its origin is said to go back to much older time. Of course the importance of Fukuromono, or a bag is considered if it's easy to use or if it's functional enough, so its form has been changed with the times. He uses the most of traditional skills to make Fukuromono, yet nowdays, he works with modern goods, such as a case for cellular phone. Naoyuki=Son Jusaku=Father
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Mr. Hiroshi Matsui___Matsui Fan Factory

The first time fans appear in history is in "ZOKU NIHON-SHOKI." In 762A.D., The Emperor allowed a well distinguished old man to hold the fan with a cane at the Imperial Court. Inheriting the fascination of many fans that appear in history, depending on its use and manners, he produces various sizes and colorings.
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Mr. Sumio Ishida___Ishida Ivory Sculptures Co. Inc.

Ivory works known as ornaments and Netsuke are said to be started from 500years ago. Detailed works and gloss from polishing, the beauty of ivory works are still living in Mr. Ishida's works, and they are praised as the highest peak of room decorating ornaments.
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Mr. Gisuke Mitsuhashi___Mitsuhashi Kusari Factory

The Shippou-Yaki started during the Nara and Heian period in Japan, as it did during the Shin and Kan period in China. Mr. Mitsuhashi's characteristic lies in the superimposed firing of transparent coloured glaze; the different combinations create beautiful arrangements between different colours, that you would feel happy just by staring at it. It is not only beautiful, but the modernly arranged designs are also largely created.
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Mr. Iwao Kawauchi___Koumei Factory

It is said that the origin of gold forging skill is ancient Egypt. Koumei Factory inherits the skill to present age. Mr. Kawauchi is the 2nd generation of this old factory which counts over 80 years since its foundation. Well used gold and silver products will let you have wealth in your heart, and the product will have presence. Focuses on the creation of functional beauty("beauty of usage" "beauty of necessity")
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Mr. Tadayoshi Nozawa___Nozawa Sculpture

He has been using tradition and technique from his predecessor. He is skillful at kick engraving which is rare in the area of metal carving. His works stretch beyond accessories, plates, and vessels. The beautiful works can be said as an art and entertain viewers.
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Mr. Yaichi Hiramoto

Having an admiration in craftsmen, he became a pupil in gold-silver workmanship which passed on the stream of craftsman of Edo decorations and trained hard. At present, he manufactures mainly rings. He opens engraving classes in the workshops, and his gentle personality attracts many students. He also repairs and processes accessories.
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Mr. Kazuo Hirose___Hirose Ginki Factory

In modern times, it's nothing but precious moment when we touch the graceful beauty and think of ancient Japanese beauty. The spirit of graceful Heian period treasure, which works are housed in Shosoin(Treasure Repository in Nara), has been handed down to today's superbly made gold and silver fine works. Not to mention Kodogu(tools used in traditional incense burning) and Netsuke(a kind of pendent fastened to a purse as a good luck charm), he makes the most of the eminent skill in accessories today.
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Mr. Takahisa Tashiro___Murayama-Ooshima Pongee

Musashi-Murayama City, the production site of Murayama-Ooshima pongee is conjectured from the foundings of the inner-city remains, that textile fabrics has been made there for 1500 years. In the region which had SAYAMA Hills as its backgroud, fabric production which was done as a subsidiary work in the agriculturally closed season changed to silk textiles in Meiji-Taisho period and recently, was appointed Tokyo MUKEI Cultural Treasure and is valued highly. Mr.Tashiro has pride in Murayama-Ooshima pongee as a soot industry, and he talks to the young generation of the city about its tradition.
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Mr.Yoshikazu Ishii___Myouga-ya

Tabi is a key element to make kimono look finer. And strength is required along with beauty when it is put on. It is because tabi serves as an outer wear, since "zouri" and "geta", which were nurtured by Japanese culture and its wet climate, don't cover an entire foot. It is said that advanced skill is required especially to sew a toe part.
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Mr. Mitsuaki Yokoya___Soshu Ltd.

Soshu's wood carving mainly uses Japanese wood material, and of cource gets finished only with a chisel without the use of pouring paper. This makes use of the straight grain and introducing the skill of TAKUMI from Azuchi-Momoyama period. The representative of SHUTAN, Mr. Yokoya is a craftsman so great that he dealt with SHIBAMATA-TAISHAKUTEN-DOUHAME sculpture.
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Mr. Yasuhide Nakajima___Nakajima Edo Lacquer Art

Mr. Nakajima succeeds the special techniques of Japanese Lacquer which was invented by his grandfather(9th generation) and his father(10th generation). Beautiful dishes are finished by original technique which is rooted in Japanese tradition. It piles up, sticks, and harden the hemp cloth and Japanese paper. Around that, platinum and gold are rolled for modern coloring.
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Mr. Mitsuji & Keiichi___Nakamura Suzukou

It dates back to 1300years ago when the tin product was introduced to Japan from China. Tin has a effect of water purification. Also, the molecules of the tin are coarse, so the tin is excellent in heat-retention. Tin pot is suitable for tea and Sake. He uses potter's wheel which is same as old days to polish the tin's surface. The manufacturing process has no compromise but is full of old techniques. Mitsuji＝Father Keiichi ＝Son
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Mr. Moriaki Terasawa___Yayoi Somegei Ltd.

With "Tegakimoyozome", a pattern or design on Kimono can be made just fit to your height or your figure. That's why a design artist, Mr. Terasawa's work is something like "haute couture". He has a wide range of customers, including Imperial Family members, Kabuki actors, TV personalities, Enka singers and highly-educated persons.
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