``Meisterstrasse Japanese Edition'' is a website that introduces traditional crafts from around the world. We will introduce the wonderful Japanese craftsmen who gather there. This time, we will be talking about Hiyoshiya, a Japanese umbrella store in Kyoto.

There is a Japanese umbrella shop in Kyoto that has been manufacturing Japanese umbrellas, which are said to have been introduced along with Buddhism 1000 years ago, for about 160 years and over five generations. That is Hiyoshiya. Japanese umbrellas, which are generally seen as rain gear, were originally used to protect noble people from sunlight and demons, and were a symbol of authority, indicating high social status. They began to be used for rain gear, but lifestyles changed with the times, and today Hiyoshiya is the only company in Kyoto that manufactures Kyoto Japanese umbrellas.

The credo of the 5th generation is "Tradition is a continuation of innovation"

``It has the meaning of carrying Japanese tradition in various cultures,'' says Kotaro Nishibori, the fifth generation owner of Hiyoshiya. It's not just modern times that lifestyles are undergoing major changes. He believes that our predecessors must have done the same, and that we too must respond to change. However, Japanese umbrellas now have a strong meaning as accessories for Japanese clothing.

``It is impossible to use Japanese umbrellas as they are in modern life, but we need to make efforts to create products that will be appreciated as craftsmanship and fashion that are in demand at that time,'' says Nishibori. In addition to being a store owner, he is also a Japanese umbrella craftsman. Its credo is ``Tradition is a continuation of innovation.''

Japanese umbrellas have evolved while inheriting tradition and metamorphosed into lighting equipment.

According to his explanation, the retractable Japanese umbrella was created during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Then, during the Edo period, waterproofing technology was developed, and the current shape of Japanese umbrellas was adopted. The reason why Japanese umbrellas became so popular was because of the technology that allowed them to be opened and closed. In other words, this is nothing but proof that innovations have occurred in the past. Based on this history, Mr. Nishibori came up with a lighting fixture that repurposes the opening and closing structure of a Japanese umbrella.

In the manufacturing of umbrellas, there is a process in which the Japanese paper is dried in the sun. While working, Mr. Nishibori saw the beauty of sunlight shining through washi paper. The gentle light that comes from inside the lampshade captivates the viewer. In this way, the techniques of making Japanese umbrellas can be passed down in line with the times and will not be lost. Of course, traditional Japanese umbrellas continue to be manufactured. Hats off to this quick-witted idea that simultaneously inherits tradition and evolves.

Protecting and nurturing Japan's excellent crafts to the world. Thoughts on “Meisterstrasse Japanese version”

Mr. Nishibori also runs the Japanese version of the website ``Meisterstrasse'' in order to inherit and develop Japan's excellent crafts. This site was created in Austria with the purpose of introducing crafts from around the world. The idea is to launch a Japanese version of this and share Japan's excellent crafts with the world. Activities with craftsmen involved in various crafts in Japan have already begun, and the project is progressing smoothly.

Although the use of Japanese umbrellas has decreased over time, the wonderful technology of Japanese umbrellas still has room for improvement depending on how they are used. I would like to keep an eye on the future of this only remaining Japanese umbrella store in Kyoto.