I'm Kato, a shop staff member.
This time, I would like to introduce a book that is also sold at the East Japan shop, "The Hands of a Craftsman" written by Mayuko Yamazaki (the character for "mountain" with the character for "standing" written as "saki").
This book features 16 craftsmen in their 30s to 90s, including the Komiya Shoten's exclusive umbrella craftsmen, the Kogane couple, and carefully introduces their work based on interviews.
The first thing that surprised me was that there were professions such as fucha chef, yose calligrapher, yuoke maker, and tokoyama.
And not only was my own ignorance a problem, but the fact that within each of these worlds there are such detailed and delicate techniques, hardships, and difficulties involved in continuing.
I was genuinely moved when I found that out.
One thing that all craftsmen have in common is that they create their products while imagining the person who will be using them.
From the words of all the craftsmen featured here, we can see the true essence of people who care not only for the improvement of their own skills, but also for people who think about how their products can be used for a long time, and the look on the faces of customers who receive them, and who care about people they have never met.
One of them is a page about the Koyanagi couple, umbrella craftsmen at Komiya Shoten.
The apprentice Kobayashi, featured here, is now a fully-fledged craftsman, making umbrellas with beautiful silhouettes.
And to this day, Koyanagi-san still delivers umbrellas every week, riding his beloved bicycle with great energy.
"I can only make umbrellas. I have nothing else," said Oguni.
"Any craftsman can tell if he or she is doing a good job. I don't want to neglect that and do dead work that is just a competition for numbers."
These words always make me stop and think, no matter how many times I read them.
This summer, I too have found myself wanting one of Koyanagi's umbrellas, designed for both rain and shine, with the "Isaramonyo" pattern, or the parasol, "Cho."
[Product: isamonyou508naga] [Product: isamonyou508ori]
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Yamazaki, the freelance editor and author of this book, for introducing to the readers in a way that they can see not only the "hands" of the artisans, but also their work, words, way of life, and the very existence of artisans who continue to create things for others every day, silently and with passion.
It was a very touching book, with photographs of well-used voice recorders and overflowing feelings for the craftsmen.
And once again, thank you for featuring our precious Mr. and Mrs. Oguno.
"Shokunin no Te" is also sold at Komiya Shoten.
We also have samples available, so please feel free to pick one up and take a look.
