Living in the Present and the Future Traditional Crafts

Yuji Kuroda, Kumiko Craftsman, Prepares to Take on the Next Generation

As the number of traditional Japanese houses continues to decline, there are fewer and fewer opportunities for our fixture craftsmen to demonstrate their skills. We came up with the idea of collaborating with young designers to develop fittings that would fit in with modern lifestyles. This collaboration led to the creation of a new technique called “Kakumaru-gumiko” (rounded corners), along with innovative products such as design sundries that overturn the traditional concept of Kumiko. Starting with this, we would like to create modern-design home fittings that combine the functionality and cosmetic qualities of the original kumiko and make use of natural materials appropriate to the Japanese climate. This is to keep the traditional craft alive in the modern age and in the future. I believe that this is the mission of our generation, the craftsmen who will live in the coming age. Tradition can only be achieved through repeated innovation. As craftsmen, we are determined to fulfill this destiny with our own hands.