There are more and more warm, sunny days now, and spring is definitely upon us.
When I take a deep breath, I feel as if the air is filled with a cheerfulness, as if it has been dried in the sun.
By the way, do you know the term "24 solar terms"?
This system, which originated in China around the 4th century BC, divides the year into 24 parts based on the seasons and climate.
It is not difficult to imagine that, unlike today, the lives of our ancestors were heavily influenced by the weather and nature.
It is thought that the 24 solar terms served as a compass for nature.
April 20th is considered to be "Grain Rain" according to the 24 solar terms.
It is the definition of the season when spring rains fall to irrigate the grains, but it is a word with a lovely look and sound.
As the number of rainy days increases these days, instead of simply dismissing it as "bad weather," I think of it as "grain rain."
I feel like a mysterious and positive feeling is starting to bear fruit.
Well, what I would like to introduce to you today is cutting, which is one of the important steps in processing umbrellas, but more specifically, I would like to talk about the cutting mat that is placed on the cutting table.
The countless white lines on this cutting mat are marks made by a knife.
Up until now, many apprentices and veteran craftsmen have performed countless cutting tasks in the workshop.
The blade is inserted, pulled with a steady force, and the fabric is cut.
By repeating this process over and over, even the simple task of cutting takes on depth and skill.
It is a difficult task as there are many points that cannot be explained in words, but everyone, veteran and apprentice alike, approaches it with complete seriousness.
The countless blade marks on the cutting table could be seen as the wake of passion for the pursuit of ideal manufacturing.
As I was writing this, I thought that what I should aim for is to create an umbrella that evokes the feeling of "grain rain."
The workshop is currently at its peak just before the rainy season.
We will continue to work every day with the aim of creating products that give those who hold them a sense of anticipation of fruition.
