PROFILE
For eight years, he worked in his family's business as a subcontractor manufacturing Washi products for shrines and temples (mainly bookbinding, coverings, and reproductions of old documents and paintings).In 2013, I became independent to embody life with washi in my own way. I have been involved in washi work for more than 15 years now.
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MISSION
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Pursuit and development of things that can be done with washi, and things that can be done only with washi.
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The challenge is to create, produce, and sell original washi paper accessories and artworks in the broadest sense of the word.
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To convey the tradition, culture and value of Japan and handmade washi.
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Everyone involved, from the papermaking craftsmen to the customers, should be excited.
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Sustain and improve all of them.
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CONCEPT
〝An exciting form of Japanese paper that is close to people 〟
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MESSAGE
It was around 2008, I believe, when I was working in the family business. While I was doing my daily work, I really wanted to do something more proactive rather than being a subcontractor. Then one day, I was on the phone with a business partner whom I adored, and he said to me, "You have Washi, don't you? I hung up the phone with him, but for some reason the keyword "Washi" stuck in my mind.
After that, I kept thinking about Washi.
However, the more I think about it, the more I realize that I actually don't know anything about Washi at all.
One day, as I continued to think about it, it suddenly occurred to me.
"I want to create a new form of washi that people are excited about and that no one has ever seen before .
From there, the development of a new form of washi began. After much deliberation, we decided to create an accessory that is neither a handicraft nor a souvenir, taking advantage of the characteristics of washi, such as lightness, good texture, and good processability.
But it's not that easy...
After repeated trial and error, I finally completed my original three-dimensional molding technique "Patent Pending (Patent Application 2022-092726)" in around 2010.(The picture below is the first washi necklace I made, which I still keep in a safe place.)
From then on, I repeatedly went to art events and handmade markets all over the country to explore the possibilities, and in 2013, I rented a small 11㎡ atelier and established ARATA, the predecessor of HIROYA.Thanks to your support, we moved to a 47.5㎡ atelier in 2015, and in 2019, we changed our name to HIROYA to clarify and communicate clearly who we are and what we do.