The traditional craft of "kaba zaiku" originated in Kamazawa ( formerly Aikawa Town ) in Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture. Currently, the only kaba zaiku workshop in the north of the prefecture is the Ogasawara Kaba Kobo in Odate City.
The fifth-generation owner, Yutaka Ogasawara, inherited the traditional birch craft techniques from his father, the fourth-generation owner, and has improved and developed the unique seamless "nuki-kaba" manufacturing method that has been handed down through the generations in the workshop.
In addition to traditional tea utensils and trays, Ogasawara also creates elaborately designed items such as business card holders and accessories. We spoke to him about his journey as a craftsman, his passion for creating works, and the challenges he faces in the future.
-- Artist Interview --
Please tell us about your path to becoming a birch craftsman.
"I was surrounded by people making birch crafts since I was a child, but until about 40 years ago there were many craftsmen making birch crafts, so I never thought about taking over the family business.
After graduating from a university in Saitama, I worked for a software company in Tokyo, but due to poor health, I returned to my hometown in my late 30s .
In the world of birch craftsmanship, it is difficult to become an expert unless you start training from a young age, such as by becoming a master immediately after graduating from high school. For this reason, I did not think I would be able to become a full-fledged craftsman after returning to my hometown in my late 30s .
I first became interested in being a craftsman after winning an award at an exhibition held by the Akita Prefectural Craftsmen Association. I was 40 years old. After winning the award, I started interacting with the craftsmen from the association, and gradually I started to think, "Maybe I can make it."
When did you decide to make a living as a birch craftsman?
"The number of birch craftsmen gradually decreased, and at one point I was the only one left. In other words, it was when I became the last one left."
My motto when creating works is "spirit"
Please tell us about any experiences you had before becoming a craftsman that have been beneficial to your Kabazaiku crafts.
"After moving to Tokyo to go to university, I worked in a variety of jobs. I delivered newspapers, was a private tutor, taught at a cram school, made copywriting at a printing company, and created software at a software company...Looking back, I think these were all beneficial to my life as a craftsman.
When I was in college, I had a part-time job delivering newspapers to over 1,000 homes over four years, which gave me firsthand experience of the wide variety of people in the world.
Also, at the software company, it was interesting to see how new employees and more experienced employees had completely different perspectives on the Y2K problem. This made me want to listen to what amateurs have to say, which was extremely helpful in my work on manufacturing."
So you have experienced the foundation of making things. What is your motto when creating your works?
"The desire to create good products has always been at the root of everything I do. When I receive an order, I value the quality of my work and want to create something that will please the customer, while also working with the spirit of wanting to create something that goes beyond what the customer had hoped for."
What are the most popular works?
"First, there are business card holders. These are made to order by customers, and one time I developed one that wouldn't fall out even when turned upside down, which made the customers very happy.
Another item that has been passed down for generations is the tea caddy made from nukikaba. Also popular are the objet d'art flower vases. They are made by randomly pasting together pieces of cherry bark of different sizes and shapes, and carefully placing kneaded birch on the inside."
It's a lot of work.
"I think they are much more elaborate than the Odate magewappa. In reality, they should be priced higher as a reward for the skill of the craftsman, but they don't sell if they are too expensive, so they can only be sold at a reasonable price. I think the number of birch craftsmen has been steadily decreasing because they can't make a profit. I've given up on increasing my profits, and my attitude is, 'I'm happy as long as I can survive.'"
Attractive crafts come from attractive artists
By the way, what is important in creating an appealing craft?
“I think one aspect of a work is that it gives form to the artist’s inner thoughts. It’s as if the artist’s invisible feelings are revealed through facial expressions…
Moreover, artists put their heart and soul into their work. A work is like an alter ego of the artist. I think of a work as being like a child.
Therefore, I hope that the artist will feel various things through their experiences and that the growth they have experienced will be reflected in their work. If the artist themselves can become an attractive person, then the work will also have that same appeal. And that is my wish."
How do you approach nurturing the next generation and the issue of successors?
"We have started a five-year course at the Aikawa Town Community Center. There are 16 students, ranging in age from 60 to 80. The majority are in their 60s , and there is one student in their 50s .
"The staff member in his 40s has a great sense for this, so I would be happy if he continues to be involved even after he retires. There are also birch craft circles, and it would be great if they could produce more young people... but it's difficult to get results right away."
"I hope that even if people can no longer make a living as craftsmen, they will continue to do so as an extension of their hobbies. It would also be good to have a side job. Whatever the form, it is important that birch crafts be passed down and preserved."
In response to requests from social welfare organizations, I also hold classes on birch crafts three times a week. The students are descendants of the people who started birch crafts, and are 64 years old, older than me. I hope to be able to pass this tradition on to the younger staff members."
Finally, what do you think is necessary to get more people to buy birch crafts?
"I want people to understand the value of birch crafts more accurately.
As foreigners discover the value of Japanese crafts and their popularity grows, they will be re-imported back to Japan, which will lead to a re-evaluation of Japanese crafts and bring them back to life.
Whatever the case, I hope that more attention will be given to the works and products that artisans put their heart and soul into."
(TEXT: Natsume Kaoru)