The famous Tsumami-zaiku artist will talk about their thoughts about Tsumami-zaiku.
1964- Born in Hyogo prefecture.
2000- Started learning chirimen-zaiku.
2006- Begun to learn tsumami-zaiku from Bunraku puppet doll hair ornament artist.
2007- Qualified as an instructor of chirimen-zaiku at the Japan Toy Museum.
2014- Opened the first tsumami-zaiku workshop in the exhibition of Mr. Kyoshu Terasawa, Ichimatsu doll artisan.
2015- Awarded the Second Grand Prize at the Japan Vogue Artwork Contest.
2018- Opened Tsumami-zaiku class in Taiwan.
2020- Classes are currently held at home in Takarazuka, Hyogo prefecture, as well as in other cultural centers in the Kinki district.
Q1. How did you start working on Tsumami-zaiku? (Or did you get involved?)
As I had studied Chirimen-zaiku (crepe crafting) I wanted to learn the techniques of Tsumami-zaiku , which is also a traditional handcraft that has a similar function to Chirimen-zaiku. So I learned the techniques of Tsumami-zaiku for 8 years from a teacher who was teaching Tsumami- kanzashi in Osaka at the time. I didn’t intend to teach tsumami-zaiku, but with the assistance of Mr. Kyoshu Terasawa, Ichimatsu doll artisan, I started teaching.
Q2. What are your commitments to your work and what do you care about?
It refers to making products as faithfully as possible to the rules of traditional techniques. I insist on using pure silk. Originally, tsumami-kanzashi was intended for children (up to about 12 years old), so the works are basically for children.
Q3. What is the attractiveness of Tsumami-zaiku for you?
The wisdom of our ancestors can be seen in various parts of tsumami-zaiku, which is why it is so profound.
Q4. What do you think about the future possibilities of Tsumami-zaiku?
I think the attractiveness of tsumami-zaiku is that it is easy to start without using a needle and thread, and yet it is very deep and worthwhile to learn. This is the reason why it is very popular among many people.
Q5. What do you want to make in the future?
There are still a small number of ancient works that are filled with the wisdom and ideas of our predecessors. I would like to study the reproduction and re-creation of such old works with my students.