Calligraphy done by Yuka. It says "Ichi go ichi e" which means once in a lifetime opportunity.
Tea Ceremony (茶道) with Yuka (由佳さん)
The ceremony started downstairs of the studio where we introduced ourselves and Yuka-san served us various tea samples from around Asia and small treats. Once we were relaxed and comfortable, we moved upstairs to the tatami room where Yuka performed a shortened version of tea ceremony that took around half an hour, compared to regular tea ceremonies that last several hours. Myself and other guests sat on red cloth that surrounded the tea making area. There was a space similar to an altar where no one was allowed to sit. Everything was very carefully placed around the room and the utensils used to make the tea had to be set in a very particular way to perform the ceremony. The pot of cold water, mattcha powder container, and whisk had to form a triangle with each other. Yuka-san's posture was extremely straight, which she made a point to tell us how hard she worked on to stay that way through the whole ceremony. Her hands were also extremely steady as she made the tea. After the tea, we had the opportunity to talk freely with each other. Yuka-san has been practicing tea ceremony for around ten years now. I asked her what it was she liked most about tea ceremony and she said her mother had done it and it was a massive inspiration for her. She loves tea from around the world as well, including China where she went to college.
Coaster I made in the workshop. The pattern is referred to the turtle flower pattern due to the hexagon shapes enclosing the flower designs.
Sashiko (刺し子) with Kazue
Sashiko is a form of Japanese embroidery. The practice originated in northern Japan, at first to strengthen and thicken fabrics for use in the winter months. They eventually started to become more decorative in the stitching patterns as time went on. The reason Kazue-san loves Sashiko so much is because of their dual purpose of being both beautiful but useful household and daily items as well. As she put it; to be beautiful and practical.
Book I got to make from a lesson taught by Tsutomu and his daughter Yoko. After I had already chosen the pattern for the cover and finished making the book, Yoko told me this piece was from a 200 year old kimono. The custom lettering on the side is in Kanji (Chinese characters) and says "Kyoto" followed by "2023".
Bookbinding with Tsutomu and Yoko
Tsutomu and his daughter Yoko run a traditional bookbinding studio out of the first floor of their home. They also host classes, like the one I went to, from the same home studio. Tsutomu, 79, has been binding books since he was 20 years old. He worked under his master for 15 years until he was 35. He was supposed to only be an apprentice for 10 years, but that meant retirement for his master so he got an extra 5 years of training. He then inherited most of his tools and machines from the former bookbinding master as Tsutomu had become the new master binder. Over the years, he has used his skills for several applications. Most being to rebind older books for libraries and schools. He also makes Goshuincho (temple/shrine stamp books). One of the things he does in his current practice is use pieces from kimono to act as covers to the books he makes. This serves as a way to find use for vintage kimono that are no longer fit to be worn and give them new life.
Yukata from Yaya Kimono
Yaya Antique Kimono (やゝ着物)
Megumi is an employee of the kimono store and is not a member of the family who owns the store. She is however extremely passionate about the work that she does. she has been working at Yaya for over 15 years while the store has been in operation for more than 30. She started to really appreciate kimono as a child spending time with her grandmother who would always wear one. It wasn't long before Megumi would also be wearing kimono everyday. When I asked if her family was happy about her career, she paused, smiled, and said no. This was surprising to me as many of the other artisans I have spoken with have supportive families or are in business due to their family. Megumi did tell me she loves what she does regardless of how her family feels.
One of four pieces of washi paper I made during my visit with Kamitowa, each one is different as they have real flowers embedded in them. The first two Kanji (Chinese characters) says "Kyoto" while the last one says "Natsu" (Summer)
Making Washi (和紙) with Miwako
Miwako is the third generation owner of her family's store, Kamitowa, which translates to "paper and peace" and has been in operation since 1932. She works with her husband, Hiroyuki. Washi is very important to Miwako because of its history in Japan, its durability, and its uses today. Japanese bills are even made from washi. 150 years ago, around 60,000 farmers were making washi. Today, only about 400 keep up the practice. That is why it is important to Miwako to continue her family business and use that as an opportunity to teach others about washi.
As part of the experience Shogo runs, the Dojo he studies at gives these "membership" cards out to everyone as a souvenir.
Interview with Shogo Yamaguchi (YouTube: Let's Ask Shogo - 1.6m subscribers)
Shogo Yamaguchi first found interest in Iaido, martial art focusing on movement with sword, when he was working in a samurai themed restaurant in Kyoto. Before this, he didn't really have much interest in Japanese art and culture. Himself being a retuner who spend part of his childhood in the U.S. and attended college in China, he didn't feel that strong of a connection to these practices. His job at this restaurant made him want to know more about the samurai and traditional arts so he could be a more knowledgeable host for the guests. He started studying the Katana and became excited at the idea that he could train with a sword even in today's day and age. Today, he has been training for almost 9 years and is a member at three different Dojos. As a youtuber and host of a samurai experience in Kyoto, Shogo is happy to call this his job though stated that he would still train even if if wasn't part of his family's income. His mom is very supportive of him and encourages him every step of the way. Shogo feels like he offers more to foreign travelers as he speaks english naturally due to his time growing up in the United States. Shogo also trains in Sado (tea ceremony) and Noh theatre. His wife, Harumi, also trains in Sado as well as Kimono dressing and Koto (Japanese Harp).
Piece of silk made during my meeting with the Tatsumura family. This small patch (roughly 3"x3") took me around 30 minutes to produce, which speaks to how long it takes them to complete one large commission order.
Nishiki (錦) with Tatsumura (龍村)
Tatsumura is a Nishiki weaving studio based in Kyoto and has been family operated by the Tatsumura family for over 100 years. They are currently run by the fourth generation of weavers, Amane Tatsumura. Amane is actually who I got to speak with a little and who showed me how the whole process works. With the ability to travel and through the internet, the last two generations have started taking influence from several other cultures, such as African, European, and South American textiles and blend that with the traditional styles of Japanese Nishiki to create beautiful pieces that stand out and make a statement. The company sells products at their workshop that anyone can purchase, but their most famous works are commissioned by clients such as the Imperial Family and Japanese government. These works are often seen in official buildings or given as gifts by the government and Imperial Family to other high ranking officials from around the world.
Tomoyuki Miyagi (宮城朋幸) of Nippon Genshosha (日本玄承社)
Nippon Genshosha is a swordsmith in Northern Kyoto Prefecture that crafts katana using traditional techniques with a modern twist. I didn't get to meet with them in person so I do not have a photo to accompany this biography. I did have the chance to interview them through email. I spoke with one of the directors and swordsmiths, Tomoyuki Miyagi, who told me a little bit about his story. His first interests and motivation to learn this craft were brought on by period dramas and a feeling that the Katana was just really cool. He studied under Yoshindo Yoshihara and Yoshikazu Yoshihara and has been making Katana for 11 years. Tomoyuki says what makes their swords unique is their ornate blade crests known as Hamon. He says his family is supportive and likes his career and he himself finds it extremely fun.
