Another essential person in this project is Takuhiro Shinomoto, owner of "Tortoise General Store," a shop in LA that focuses on Japanese everyday items. Shinomoto actually visited the makers and transformed Kumamoto's traditional folk art into California-style items. How were "Hikoichi Koma," "Konohazaru," "Kijiuma," and "Hanatebako" created, reborn through Shinomoto's new imagination while retaining the same techniques and methods as in the past? We conducted an email interview with Shinomoto, who lives in Los Angeles.


--Please tell us your thoughts on "STAND Kyushu."

Takuhiro Shinomoto (hereinafter referred to as Shinomoto):
When Minamimagoshi of Beams told me about this Kumamoto project, I was very intrigued by the theme of "California-style rough goods."
And since it's in Kumamoto, Tortoise has staff from Kumamoto, and in May of last year they organized a donation event. We were happy to be able to help Kumamoto in another way.

--What were your impressions or discoveries when you actually visited the creators and artisans?

Shinomoto-san: The folk craftsmen I worked with this time have previously sold their products in my shop. At the time, I didn't purchase directly, but through a folk craft store in Tokyo. This time, it was very meaningful to be able to visit the craftsmen in person. It's not easy to visit them without an opportunity like this.

I was moved by how everyone has been steadily carrying on the tradition as a family, creating their products. I felt the strength of those who continue to make folk toys, even though many folk craft toys are disappearing due to demand and issues of succession.

--What was each of your inspirations for this project?

Shinomoto-san: This time, it wasn't really a design project, but more like an editing process. I tried to create something that looked completely fresh while utilizing the materials, methods, and skills that everyone had.

You mentioned California, but I had an image of Mexican folk crafts. California feels half Mexican, too. Japanese folk crafts tend to have a slightly heavy color and texture, so I went for a lighter, brighter finish.

Items that had a plastic-like finish have been changed to a more natural-looking paint, and the texture of the wood has been brought out. This means that they are more susceptible to staining, but we hope that people will enjoy this change over time.

--Please give a message to the customers attending this event.

Shinomoto-san: I hope that this project will also inspire new ideas and possibilities for future craftsmen.


Profile: Shinomoto Takuhiro
After gaining experience at IDEE Co., Ltd., he moved to Los Angeles, USA in 2003. He founded "TORTOISE," a store dedicated to promoting Japanese design, wisdom, technology, and culture in the US through Japanese products. In 2008, he opened "tortoise general store," focusing on a variety of Japanese everyday items. In 2011, he designed Hasami porcelain with Saikai Touki in Nagasaki Prefecture, and launched a project to spread Hasami ware worldwide.


【Event Information】
"STAND Kyushu"
■Isetan Shinjuku
Dates: March 29th - April 4th
Location: Isetan Shinjuku Main Building, 1st Floor = The Stage
Time: 10:30am - 8pm

■Beams Japan
Dates: March 29th - April 11th
Location: Beams Japan, 1st Floor
Time: 11am - 8pm