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By Emotion
Many domestic traditional craftsmen are now facing "many aging male craftsmen" and "lack of successors". "Rinku" is a group formed by nine young female craftsmen engaged in traditional crafts in the three prefectures of Tokai (Aichi, Mie, Gifu). Each member sends out not only as an "individual" craftsman but also as a group. In recognition of the fact that these activities are changing the mechanism that creates issues, we received the Japan Japanese Culture Grand Prix Special Award.
Rinku, formed
2017 Year 10 Month. While discussing the challenges and dreams for the future that he feels on a daily basis, he said, "I haven't done anything until now, but if young craftsmen gather, I think we can open up a new future for traditional crafts." Asuka Kajiura called out to local female craftsmen and formed a female craftsman group "Rinku".
The name Rinku is a craftsman of traditional crafts who inherits a long tradition, "I want to be a group that moves forward with'Rin'", "Link with many people and expand the circle of traditional crafts. It was named with the wish of "I want to go". Since it started with 9 members, it is called "9", but it is their wish that many traditional crafts will be inherited eventually.
Craftsmen basically work with their masters themselves or individually. As a result, I rarely have conversations with other people, and I don't have many opportunities to share my thoughts. It is very significant for us to continue crafting for a long time to be able to work hard not only individually but also through group activities and make friends who share our daily thoughts.
Another great attraction of group activities is that you can get the opportunity to challenge a slightly higher stage that you cannot reach by yourself. That also leads to the growth and technical improvement of each person.
For example, at an exhibition of works at the Tokugawa Art Museum that he planned and brought in, the curator internally talked about "crafts such as national treasures stored in the museum must be nurtured by young craftsmen in these areas." This led to an unprecedented group exhibition of living artists. It is an experience that was made possible because young craftsmen in this area are gathering together.
However, it is not permissible for young people to exhibit their works as a joint exhibition alongside the national treasure of the Tokugawa Art Museum. It is necessary to create works that can withstand the aesthetic sense of the discerning viewer who visits to see the treasure. It is said that the exhibition, which was packed with the maximum skills and ideas that each individual could have, and took a step or two from his daily work, led to the improvement of his skills as a craftsman.
Exhibition of works held at the Tokugawa Art Museum in 2019
The museum will be exhibiting in 2019 and 2020
In addition, the range of works has expanded, such as collaborative works by craftsmen, and fans of one craft are interested in the crafts of another member and lead to purchase, so the circle of traditional crafts is linked. Each craftsman's activity is activated by the synergistic effect.
Mr. Kajiura, the representative who says "Rinku is a place to send", is a former NHK announcer.When I was in charge of a program introducing traditional crafts in the Tokai region, I was surprised that "great technique, work but no successor" and to leave this wonderful various traditional crafts to posterity, traditional crafts I feel that it is indispensable to improve the status of craftsmen, and I propose to send it to craftsmen like Living National Treasure by myself, but he refuses, "It's wonderful, but I'm not good at appearing in public."
Then, she decided to go on the path of a craftsman, saying, "I have no choice but to quit the announcer and become a craftsman and convey the charm of traditional crafts." She studies under the craftsman of Ise Netsuke that she knew through interviews.
One of the characteristics of traditional crafts is that there is "aesthetics that cannot be spoken in words" that is shown on the back and in the works. Its values are wonderful, but now that manufacturing is no longer familiar, the reality is that its aesthetics make it unattractive and declining.
To change this situation, younger generations who became fascinated by crafts and became craftsmen gathered
"This craft is amazing"
"This craft has these values, and I cherish these points."
, not as a craftsman involved in one craft, but
By transmitting the charm of traditional crafts and craftsmen as "team traditional crafts",
as a whole
"Traditional crafts are cool craftsmen"
I thought it was necessary for the younger generation to be aware of
.
, says Kajiura.
As one of the ingenuity, Rinku has 9 graphic designers in addition to 9 people, which enhances the appeal to the next generation and sends out traditional crafts with a sophisticated image. It is also their commitment to have a fascinating exhibition designed in detail, valuing the thoughts and stories contained in the work.
On the other hand, the most important thing for Rinku is their main business. She is rationally clarifying her purpose each time so that she can concentrate on her crafts without spending her time on Rinku. Even before the effects of the new coronavirus came out, remote meetings were commonplace. She also focuses on new forms of expression such as SNS and Youtube, and conveys the appeal of traditional crafts not only to people of the same generation as herself but also to the next generation, which has never been reached before. The activity has spread all over the country, and activities using Rinkyu as a model case have also been born.
Lecture on traditional crafts
Generally, many craftsmen don't like to appear in public, but
all members can now talk about their crafts in public
I want to create a "rewarding" for young craftsmen
It's great, but it's hard to take on new challenges. In addition, there are few opportunities to "challenge" in the current traditional craft world.
I think there is a future if the craftsmen are told that there is a possibility.
, says Kajiura.
If it says, "I'm just sending out, and my main business is neglected.Rinku's activities, which can be perceived as "young children are just playing around with each other," rather than pursuing only their main business, does not make waves. However, the current situation is that the conventional method will decline. In the midst of that conflict, I still don't want to turn off the lights of traditional crafts.
Because they believe that traditional crafts are a treasure that Japan is proud of in the world, they continue to take on the challenge of Rinku, even though their main business alone is difficult. From Rinku, who continues to grow while having such conflicts, I feel the future of the Japanese traditional crafts world.
"Rinkyu" member introduction
○ Ise netsuke craftsman Asuka Kajiura
Rinku representative, former NHK announcer
She was in charge of the section called "Tokai no Skill" during the NHK era, and interviewed various craftsmen. She was impressed by the splendor of traditional crafts and the thoughts put into them, and felt a sense of crisis that many traditional crafts would be lost due to lack of successors. Became a disciple of Mr. Tadamine Nakagawa, a craftsman with Ise netsuke.
2016 Exhibition of works at the Ise-Shima Summit venue hotel
2018 Year " DISCOVER THE ONE JAPANESE ART in LONDON " Grand Prize Winner
2019 Year " JARDIN Exhibition in Abu Dhabi " Popular Artist Award
Lecture and workshop in Manila as an invited artist of "Japan Foundation Present, Wood Carving, Netsuke Overseas Traveling Exhibition"
2020 Year " 25 Japanese Art National Selected Artists Exhibition" Tetsuji Shibayama Award
ZOOM Lecture
in Seoul as an invited artist of "The Japan Foundation Present, Wood Carving, Netsuke Overseas Traveling Exhibition"
HP: http://asukanetsuke.wix.com/netsuke
○ Ise Ichitobori Ota Yui
"One sword carving"
Born in 1988 Born in Mie Prefecture
2008 Graduated from Joshibi University Junior College
2010 Graduated from Tama Art University, Department of Sculpture
2010 Apprentice to Mr. Yuki Kishikawa, a craftsman of Ise Ichitobori
One-sword carving is based on the concept of one-sword carving that makes you feel "warm" just by being there, while retaining the goodness and coolness of Ise one-sword carving, while incorporating the sensibility unique to women to create one-sword carving that suits the present age. Currently, she mainly produces amulets (one-sword carved amulets) for shrines and shrines all over the country. She is also focusing on collaborative products with BEAMS JAPAN and making unprecedented one-sword carvings.
○ Ise Katagami Engraver Keiko Nasu
"Kataya 2110"
In
2010 , she aspired to be a sculptor and moved from Gifu City to Suzuka. She studied under Yoshinori Ikuta, a craftsman of carving. She accepts a wide variety of dyed patterns such as Komon, Yukata, Tenugui, and Inden.
LEXUS NEW TAKUMI PROJECT 2018 Mie Takumi. She announced Isekata Star Project to solve the problem of Ise katagami jewelry Starry Night + production area.
2018 year edition, 2021 year edition Mie Prefectural Citizen's Handbook cover cover produced.
While respecting traditional techniques and refining their own techniques, we strive to popularize crafts such as exhibitions and workshops, and are searching for modern sculptors with new products and flexible ideas
HP: https://kataya2110.jimdofree.com/
○ Lacquering Asako Ouchi
"Urushi drop"
After studying Sanuki lacquer art in Kagawa prefecture, learn the manufacturing technique of asagutsu worn by priests in Ise. She collaborates with Mino Washi, which makes use of the Ikkan-bari technique used in Asagutsu, and creates works that make use of the technique of carving lacquer, which is a characteristic of Sanuki lacquer art.
She proposes lacquer ware that is a bit different from the general image of lacquer ware so that people can see the richness of lacquer ware at exhibitions.
mail: mm.urushi@gmail.com
○ Owari Cloisonne Yuki Tamura
"Tamura Cloisonne Crafts" Godaime
1883 (Meiji 16 ) Founded in the birthplace of Cloisonne ware, a traditional Japanese craft that has continued for generations. It is also the only successor to the birthplace of Cloisonne.
Launched Cloisonne jewelry brand to re-recognize Cloisonne and rebuild traditional industries. He regularly publishes his works as a writer as well as a cloisonne jewelery craftsman. His activity style of continuing to take on challenges, such as producing artist costumes (headdress), making lecture lecturers, and releasing CD as the theme song for Cloisonne, is highly evaluated. We believe that the concept of "craftsmen are always pioneers", which continues to take on challenges while preserving tradition, will lead to the future of ourselves, the region, and other traditional crafts. 5 Media publications exceed various 150 books in a year.
2008 Selected for " COTTON Cloisonne Vase" at the Japan Cloisonne Writers Association Exhibition
2008 Started music activities while still in school CD Various releases. With Oricon
2015 Year JAPAN POP CULTURE AWARD "Fried shrimp cloisonne hair clip" prize
2016 Launched Cloisonne jewelry brand " SHIPPO JEWELRY -TAMURAWHITE- "
2017 Selected for "Phoenix Cloisonne Vase" at the Japan Cloisonne Writers Association Exhibition
2018 Received "Leaf vein pattern cloisonne transformation amount" Ama City Board of Education Superintendent of Education Award
2020 Solo exhibition " Cutting – Edge " held at Nagoya Matsuzakaya Main Store
2021 Selected for "Cloisonne Horn Speaker - Streamline -" at the National Traditional Crafts Open Call Exhibition
○ Arimatsu Shibori squeezing craftsman Aya Osuka
"Aya Aya Irodori" Designer
Arimatsu Shibori has a history of 400 years since the beginning of the Edo period. An ancient Japanese dyeing technique in which a part of a piece of cloth is dyed by performing 3 actions of "sew", "tie up", and "sandwich" with thread. A designer and craftsman who combines 100 types of squeezing techniques that are handed down in Arimatsu and processes and designs by taking advantage of the characteristics of the fabric.
After undergoing training for 10 years, he became a disciple in two places such as suzusan , which was developing works using Arimatsu Shibori in Europe, 2017 . Independent in the year
While inheriting traditional techniques, we are proposing products that incorporate modern sensibilities. 2020 Opened an atelier along the old Tokaido. It is possible to coordinate various squeezing workshops according to the lectures and the environment of the facility by focusing on the educational field.
○ Iga Kumihimo Kaori Fujioka
"Fujioka braid shop"
After she graduated from college, she worked for a company and she married the fourth generation of Fujioka Kumihimo, and started making braids, which is her family business. She is the youngest of the women who assemble on a hill that can produce complicated patterns.
Since it is a family business, we can flexibly respond to detailed requests from customers. In addition to obi-tightening kimonos, we also make straps and key chains that can be used as small gifts, and hold workshops in various places.
HP: https://www.fujiokakumihimo.com
○ Toyohashi brush Yuki Nakanishi
"Brush studio Yuki"
Toyohashi brushes are "kneaded with water", so they are easy to get used to ink, so it is recognized that the writing taste seems to be slippery. She graduated from Kyoto Traditional Crafts University.
2010 She became a disciple of Mr. Fukumizu Kawai, a traditional craftsman of Toyohashi brush in Toyohashi.
Independent in
2016 . 2020 Established "Brush Studio Yuki".
I mainly make thick brushes. She is close to the user and tries to do a polite work. Valuing her voice, she writes herself, sells herself, and works on workshops nationwide.
○ Mino Japanese paper Yuki Matsuo
"Paper good day"
A former hotel man from Tokyo. He was attracted to this world by the light through the shoji that he saw in the gallery, and the Japanese paper that creates tension and softness inside and outside across the shoji.
After attending a Japanese paper school in Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture, in 2002 , he engaged in the papermaking industry of Echizen Japanese paper in Fukui prefecture and learned how to make paper. After that, he moved to Mino City in 2006 . He studied under Hagi Suzuki and Toyomi, members of the Mino Paper Preservation Society, and became independent in 2009 . As a trainee of the Mino Paper Preservation Society, he works hard every day to make paper.
Through the
workshop, we will convey the appeal of Japanese paper, which is rich in flexibility, toughness, potential and creativity, and propose a rich life with Japanese paper. Taking care of the basics and taking on the challenge of manufacturing that matches the present age with the motto of the old and new. He enjoys the world that spreads through Japanese paper.
mail: minokaminntyu@gmail.com
.