Isetan Mitsukoshi and BEAMS have teamed up to host "STAND Kyushu," a project event to rediscover the charms of various parts of Japan, which will begin on March 29th at The Stage on the first floor of the main building of Isetan Shinjuku and on the first floor of BEAMS Japan.

FASHION HEADLINE interviewed Kyushu creators participating in the event, focusing on their work.

■Hikoichi Koma "Evolution through bold arrangements"

Yatsushiro District, Kumamoto Prefecture. In a workshop filled with the smell of woodchips, we came across an adorable wooden raccoon doll that brought a smile to our faces. Not only is it cute to display, but it is actually a unique local toy whose head, body, tail, cap, and base can be disassembled and each can be used as a top to play with.



"It's based on the raccoon dog that appears in the Kyushu folktale 'Hikoichi Tonchibanashi.' It all started when my father made vegetable spinning tops as a hobby," says second-generation maker Isekiri Masahiko. He became the successor to the Hikoichi Top tradition 40 years ago when he was in his 30s and working as a salaryman. He is currently hard at work making Hikoichi Tops with such energy that it's hard to believe he's 74 years old.




"We use cherry wood, which has a fine grain that makes it easy to carve, and we cut each part by machine. Our hands remember the process, so it moves automatically." During the process of making, he gradually began to think, "If I had this kind of tool, it might be easier to make," and he was so dexterous that he even adapted and made the machines needed for the carving and painting stages himself. His representative work, "Hikoichi Koma," was designated a traditional craft of Kumamoto Prefecture in 1979. His other series include "Otemoyan," "Haddan Kame," and "Kumamon," which are based on the legends of Hikawa Town.



"I sometimes teach elementary school students how to paint. Manufacturing is a painstaking job, but I teach them with the hope that they will be able to come up with ideas and create things on their own. I've been enjoying my second life since quitting my job as a salaryman," he said with a lively look in his eyes.

This time, Shinomoto's innovative idea for the Hikoichi Koma has been transformed into a modern piece featuring a deformed raccoon dog. The piece is designed so that users can freely fit the holes in the tops together to create shapes and play with them. Of course, it also functions as a top.




"I was surprised. They can be combined in all sorts of different ways, and I was impressed by how flexible the ideas are. The making itself wasn't difficult, but it inspired me to create new works," says Isekiri with a smile. The evolved Hikoichi top, with a new feel added to the existing piece, is a piece that would look great as an object in your interior. It has become an arrangement item that will impress the maker and inspire them to create their own. We hope you will come and experience it in store.

[Event Information]
"STAND Kyushu"
■Isetan Shinjuku Store
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