We talked to Kyohei Kurikawa, the fifth generation of Kurikawa Shoten, who are particular about traditional methods and continue to make handmade fits.
[1] About the trigger of pursuing the path of crafts, the background of your own, the history and formation of the workshop
The eastern part of Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture, the visitors to Kamoto -cho have been known for more than 400 years as the production area of "Mitsu Shibu Uchiwa".
The Kurikawa Shoten, which was found in this area, is still particular about traditional manufacturing methods and continues to make a bitter fan painted with persimmon astringent. The fifth generation was Kyohei Kurikawa, who was adopted by the Kurikawa family. At first, it seems that even if you look at Shibu Uchiwa, it seems that "I didn't think anything in particular", but it is said that the decision to succeed the family business of the fans is the commitment to the craftsman's handmade.
"Calls begin to collect bamboo, which is a framework, to collect the bamboo in the mountains. It is a homemade persimmon to make it preservative, insect -proof, and bacterial effect on the fans, but it is also homemade. Since the bean persimmon of about 5 cm large is harvested by ourselves and aged and fermented in 4 to 5 years, the tannin becomes darker and the effect is increased. Meeting the company that makes the fan from the material itself. I felt that I wasn't, and I was moved to keep this fan in the future. "
[2] What you are working on and conscious to stimulate your five senses.
In order to stimulate the five senses, we are conscious of the fact that we actually see the process of creating a fan and stimulate the customer's heart. Is it the expression that appeals to the sixth sense?
Only the workshop is actually seen in the eyes,SNSWe are working to communicate the thoughts and traditional techniques of craftsmen.
[3] What you value and commitment in the work production, what you want to convey through the work and what you want to fulfill
It is said that the etymology of the fan is "to hit", and it was an amulet tool in the old days. In the Meiji era, it was used to remove cool, but in today when air conditioners have become widespread, the use as advertising media at festivals and the like increases, and at the same time, many inexpensive lags such as plastic can be created. became.
While the number of fans distributed for free increases, Kurikawa Shoten's Shibu Chiwa is a different line of fans where you can enjoy the change as you keep it.
"Many fans are the best condition of the new one when completed. However, the fans have the oxidation reaction of persimmon astringent as the age passes, and the color becomes darker. Japanese paper and bamboo. As the condition becomes more and more softer, it will change to a fan that is easier to fan. If you deteriorate over time, it will grow into a fan and add value. "
Everything is handmade, so you can enjoy the fun of growing into a flexible fan with each time you follow.
Because it is made by hand using natural materials, the fan has a personality, the same size is slightly different, and the fan's comfort changes. That's the nice thing about natural materials, and there is a pleasure to find your favorite from among them.
I would like you to enjoy watching and having fun, the lightness of the fan, the softness of the wind, and the warmth of craftsmen.
[4] What we are trying to inherit traditional technology and culture and what we want to challenge in the future
Mr. Kurikawa continues to convey the thoughts and skills of craftsmen through SNS and online shops so that customers actually want to go to a tour and experience of making a bit. "In the future, we will create an environment where we will send it to overseas customers and feel free to get a bitter uchiwa." In the future, not only in Japan, but also for people around the world will be expanding the pleasure of living.
You can see the product here ↓
See the products of "Kurikawa Shoten"
In Serendouce Crafts, JapanWe propose modern beauty and comfort living with traditional crafts.
You can also see the work from Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/serendouce_crafts_/