In Kawakami Village, Yoshino, a small workshop stands quietly at the end of a steep mountain road, surrounded by cedar trees. After studying in Hida-Takayama city and training in Ireland, he returned to Japan. His time away from Japan gave him a new perspective on the true value of the resources and culture.

Among those materials, he encountered Yoshino cedar. With a history of over 500 years, this cedar is grown through dense planting, which causes the lower branches to fall naturally, creating flawless, knot-free grain. With its long, fine grain, and elegant coloring, Yoshino cedar has long been treasured with pride and affection among the artisans who work with it.

Living in Yoshino and meeting those who dedicate their lives to the forest, revealed to him, the profound care with which they approach the wood. Moved by their voices and his experience touching the cedar, he deeply felt : “Rather than simply consuming knot-free Yoshino cedar, I want to embrace and express its unique qualities.”

He is devoted to drawing out the essence of those qualities to the fullest. Long timbers remain long, highlighting their natural beauty. For bentwood, he selects veneer 1.5 mm thick― five times the standard 0.3 mm―something made possible by the dependable supply of Yoshino. Eighteen sheets of veneer are laid one upon another, bent into form, and once bonded, they are patiently shaved down, little by little, until the final shape begins to emerge.

“I want to share the beauty of Yoshino wood. That’s why I’m eager to take on any challenge, to see how I can respond to what is asked of me. But above all, I want to keep pursuing the pieces that I truly long to create.” Respect for the material and an unwavering passion for craftsmanship―these are the qualities he infuses into each