Takahiro Yagi of ``Kaikado'', Toru Tsuji of ``Kinami Tsuji'', Masataka Hosoo of Nishijin textile ``Hosoo'', which was previously introduced in Premium Japan, Tatsuyuki Kosuge of bamboo craft ``Kochosai Kosuge'', and wood craft ``Nakagawa Ki''. ``GO ON'' has been formed by six young successors of traditional Kyoto crafts such as Shuji Nakagawa, a craftsman, and Hosai Matsubayashi, a tea pottery maker. By bringing together Kyoto's traditional techniques, we are working on a wide range of projects, including collaborations with home appliance and housing manufacturers, and event production, giving traditional crafts a new lease of life.

For Takahiro Yagi of "Kaikado" and Toru Tsuji of Kyokinami "Kanamou Tsuji", Kotaro Taketsuru, the grandson of Nikka Whiskey founder Masataka Taketsuru (Massan), is someone they admire and is a friend who transcends generations. To tell. The two and Taketsuru, who were in Tokyo for an event held in Ginza, talked about Japanese crafts.

Inheriting tradition and instilling new possibilities

Taketsuru: The work of these two people who are spreading the charm of Japan's daily necessities, ``crafts,'' to the world is attracting attention. The activities of GO ON, which are full of possibilities, are also interesting.

Yagi: Until now, each of Kyoto's traditional techniques had an independent existence. GO ON is a project unit that brings together these technologies to propose new ideas and products. That sounds cool, but when we first formed, we often had disagreements. I think that's probably because they became rivals. Now, as colleagues of the same generation and with the same goals, I have absolute trust in them, and they are like family to me.

Taketsuru: I was blessed with good friends. I was also the third generation to inherit the business, but unlike the two of them, I quit Nikka Whiskey. However, recently I've been getting more work related to whisky, and my love for it has been growing year by year. I have a strange feeling of being drawn back to my roots.

Yagi: My father told me that I didn't have to take over the job, so I worked as a company employee after graduating from university. However, I felt the possibility that Kaikado's products could be sold overseas, so I returned to Kaikado. I had the choice not to continue, but now I'm glad to be back.
I think.

Tsuji: I'm the second generation, so I guess I'm a little different from Mr. Yagi. Once, when the company was in decline and I was feeling desperate that there was no future for the company unless we sold at least one product, Mr. Yagi got really angry at me and said, ``Why aren't you learning your father's skills now?'' is. At that time, I believed that protecting the company came first rather than technology, but now I am grateful for his words. Technology is an asset to us.

Yagi: I think so. There is an option to increase production and expand the company, but I have no desire to do so. We are currently repairing a 100-year-old tea caddy, and we would like to continue to be a Kaikado company where the products we make now can be repaired 100 years from now.

Taketsuru: I admire the efforts of these two people to protect and pass on the technology. The two of you often go abroad.

Conveying the traditional beauty of Japan while learning about the world

Yagi: I've always loved traveling overseas, but in 2005 I encountered a tea shop in London called ``POSTCARD TEAS''. They handled Kaikado's tea canisters and gave us the opportunity to expand overseas, and from there we expanded all over the world. The tea caddy has excellent functionality, but more than that, I think that the feelings we get from the product and Kaikado's manufacturing philosophy have been conveyed to people overseas. Of course, I think there is also something like trust and respect for our tradition, which has continued for nearly 150 years.

Tsuji: Mr. Yagi, I will introduce you to all our overseas business partners, so do it seriously! I was given a pat on the back. Since cuisine is a part of each country's culture, it is often made to order according to the country. Accessories and lighting equipment are also popular these days.

Taketsuru: As a Japanese person, I am happy that the functionality and beauty of Japanese crafts are being known to the world.

Tsuji: At the G2019 held in Osaka in 20, a cup and a matching tea strainer were chosen as gifts for the first lady. In Japan, Japanese tea is brewed in a teapot, but we designed a cup and a matching tea strainer to make it easier to enjoy tea. Not only can you casually enjoy Japanese tea, but you can also use it to make coffee and tea.

Yagi: Crafts are not meant to be displayed, they are meant to be used.

Taketsuru: However, some people may think that you have to be rich to buy a tea caddy that costs 2 yen, but I think that people who choose a tea caddy that will last a lifetime are not rich, but rich at heart.

Tsuji: Yes. I also think that being rich means having a rich heart.

Taketsuru: When you're my age, you want to have only the things you like around you rather than having too many things. That's what a rich life is all about.

Yagi: What is a rich life? This is also the origin of our manufacturing.

Taketsuru: Thank you very much for today. Next time, let's talk slowly while traveling. We look forward to supporting your future endeavors.

(Titles omitted)

Takahiro Yagi
Takahiro Yagi

Kaikado Co., Ltd. Representative Director and President

Born in 1974. Kaikado is the sixth generation of Kaikado, which has been making handmade tea caddies for about 150 years. After graduating from university, he worked as a company employee for three years, and then began training under his father, Seiji Yagi, in 3. Formed "GO ON" in 2000. Selected for permanent collection at Victoria & Albert museum in London in 2012. 2014 Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris. Copenhagen He was selected for the permanent collection of the Design Museum, etc.

Toru Tsuji
Toru Tsuji

Kinami Tsuji Representative Director and President

Born in 1981. The second generation of Kinami Tsuji, a company that manufactures Kyoto wire mesh, which is said to have been around since the Heian period. He takes over his family business at the age of 21. Formed "GO ON" in 2012. GO ON x Panasonic Design's Electronics Meets Crafts won the Milano Design Award at the 2017 Milano Salone. In 2018, Louis announced at the Vuitton x GO ON special tea set "TIME CAPSULE" exhibition. It was used as a souvenir for the first lady of the G2019 held in Osaka in 20.

Kotaro Taketsuru
Kotaro Taketsuru

Born in Yoichi, Hokkaido in 1953. Born as the eldest son of Takeshi Taketsuru and Utako, he spent his childhood in Yoichi with his grandparents, Masataka Taketsuru and Rita. After graduating from university, he joined Nikka Whiskey and worked for about 20 years before leaving the company. In 1998, he founded the brand consulting company Brand Identity Network (bin). In 2005, he joined up with Amana, a major visual production company, which he consults with. He is active in projects such as Yamasa Soy Sauce's ``A Drop of Freshness,'' CI of Japan Radio Tower's ``Tokyo Tower,'' and the production use of new technology branding. Currently, he serves as a representative of Taketsuru Product Research Institute, an advisor to Amana, and an advisor to Nikka Whiskey.