Kei Nezu,
[Japanese Swordsmith]
During his high school years, he visited a museum where he encountered the national treasure sword “Meibutsu Kanze Masamune,”
which inspired him to pursue swordsmithing.
He has received numerous awards in the world of sword-making, including prizes from the Minister of Economy,Trade and Industry and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
He crafts swords that protect their owners and carve a path forward.
Akio Takai
[Edo-Style Carving Craftsman]
from Shirako, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture.
Although he once left the family business of engraving, he returned to the craft after realizing the critical situation facing
engravers. He took up the chisel again to pass on his skills to the next generation. Based in the Toao workshop,
he passionately promotes artisan activities through workshops across Japan and classes in elementary schools.
This year (2025), he turns 75.
Chikako Yamagishi
[Nishijin Textile Artisan]
originally from Hiroshima Prefecture, studied Japanese painting at a junior college. After graduation, she worked at a weaving company where she learned the technique of “nail-pulling hon tsuzure” weaving for three years.
Inspired by a tsuzure weaving exhibit she saw at a show, she decided to pursue a career as a dyeing and weaving artist and returned to school for further education. After graduating, she apprenticed for three years under Shisen Kodama, a master of Nishijin weaving. Overcoming trigeminal neuralgia in her thirties, she earned the qualification of Nishijin Weaving
Traditional Craftsman.
Taihei Tsunekawa
[Tatami Craftsman]
from Tokyo. He represents the sixth generation of the Takaokaya Tsunekawa Tatami Shop, which has been in operation for over 160 years. After graduating from university, he enrolled in a tatami craftsmanship training school where he obtained a national certification as a first-class tatami craftsman and a license as a tatami instructor. He succeeded his father
to continue the tradition of tatami craftsmanship. While preserving age-old techniques, he is also committed to developing new products to make tatami more accessible and familiar to the public.
Harumitsu Takaoka
[Hemp Knot Artisan]
from Nara Prefecture.
He encountered fine hemp and creates works themed around “prayer.” He has donated shimenawa (sacred ropes) and
other works to many shrines and temples across Japan, including Miwa Za-Ebisu Shrine and Kashihara Shrine.
He holds about 60 workshops and classes annually in various locations. In 2021, he formed the art unit MuSuHi
with art director Shigeyoshi Mishima.