Experience
Learning from people, experience
A traditional craftsman evolving in Kinokawa City. That person is Taro Higashifuku, the fifth generation owner of "Azuma Furniture". He is not afraid of change, but rather incorporates new ideas and continues to evolve while preserving the essence. While respecting the techniques and aesthetic sense of the past, he responds to modern needs and connects them to the future... This is a journey to experience part of that challenge.
Azuma Furniture
AZUMA Furniture
Evolution and innovation with new value. Kiri products are in the spotlight from around the world
It all began in 1891. Starting with forestry, which is deeply connected to the mountains, the company has accumulated knowledge and experience while living in harmony with nature, and has been passed down from generation to generation. It was the fourth generation that started "Azuma Furniture". In addition to forestry, they also make paulownia chests, which are representative of Wakayama, the land of wood, and have inherited traditional techniques and techniques while being well acquainted with the characteristics of the material. As the fifth generation, Higashi Fukutaro has also inherited that DNA, and is thoroughly pursuing the delicacy and depth of traditional crafts that cannot be reproduced by modern machines. As an up-and-coming traditional craftsman who creates new value and brings innovation to traditional techniques, he is in the spotlight in various industries.
Collaboration with world-class manufacturers known as high-end brands. The work that started it all was the "Paulownia Glass". What made the industry buzz was the thinness and lightness that was thought to be impossible with paulownia. The mouth of about 1 mm is incredibly thin, and the finish is a coating that adds originality to traditional techniques. What also captured the hearts of users was the story behind it. Paulownia is a sacred tree that is said to be the auspicious place where the sacred bird, the phoenix, sleeps. Just like the phoenix, which rises again and again, Paulownia has declared its intention to revive the paulownia chest of drawers industry, and has also paid particular attention to the shape. The Paulownia Rock Glass will bounce back on its own even if it is knocked over. It is truly a vessel of courage. The Paulownia Beer Cup was also selected as a "Noteworthy Craftsman" by supervisor Kundo Koyama at the 2017 "LEXUS NEW TAKUMI PROJECT" for its advanced technology and ideas that will support future manufacturing.
The motto is "Materials first, work second." Using the highest quality paulownia wood called "Masa" with its straight grain and little distortion, and using Japan's proud traditional craftsmanship and Azuma's unique special processing technology, they create paulownia chests that will connect thoughts to future generations. Paulownia chests have long been excellent for storing clothes and possessions, and are said to "risk their lives to protect the contents" from fires and floods. They are one of the traditional wedding items. Although Azuma feels the industry is exhausted due to changes in living environment, he strives every day to "convey the charm of paulownia." Based on the history of traditional crafts and his experience as a craftsman, he continues to evolve without stopping. One of the evolutionary lines is the paulownia chest brand "SAMA," which protects the diverse fashion of modern people. The design allows you to combine them as you like depending on the place and purpose of installation, and the assembled visuals are like modern architecture. The design never goes out of style, and even if it does get damaged, it can be revived by simply washing it again, making it a sustainable product that can be passed down to the next generation. It shows us a fusion that is essential for the coming age.
A challenge to connect the technology and aesthetic sense of the past to the future
"Traditional crafts are not something that cling to the past, but something that evolves." So says Azuma, who combines the ultimate in handicraftsmanship with the ultimate in digital technology to become a guidepost for traditional crafts hundreds of years from now. He incorporates all of traditional craftsmanship into his products, making full use of both AI-enabled techniques such as rough cutting and techniques that only craftsmen can perform, such as adjustments and finishing. Furthermore, to preserve Japan's proud techniques for future generations, craftsmen are active at the forefront of the field, regardless of gender. To pass on the baton he received from his predecessors to the future... he will continue to face paulownia wood and continue to evolve.
Born in 1981. Born into a paulownia lumber merchant, he grew up watching his grandfather and father work hard, and embarked on the path of traditional craftsmanship with the aim of becoming the world's best paulownia chest of drawers craftsman. He learned the traditional techniques of Kyoto joinery and studied under master craftsman Ikuo Naito, the right-hand man of Living National Treasure Tatsuaki Kuroda. He inherited a wealth of knowledge from outstanding craftsmen, including his grandfather and father, and is expanding his scope of activity as a bearer of new traditions, while continuing to make great strides not only in Japan but around the world.
Furniture Azuma
Address: 1169-1, Meiteichiba, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture
Hours: 9:00-18:00 (closed on Sundays and public holidays)
TEL: 0736-75-3600
Website: http://azuma-kiri.jp
Traditional craftsman
Fukutaro Higashi
Fukutaro Azuma
Become an apprentice to a traditional craftsman! Experience making traditional paulownia wood crafts
Sushi live performance using paulownia tableware
Sushi Gishin, a two-star Michelin Edomae sushi restaurant in Wakayama, offers a sushi delivery service. The tableware used is paulownia wood tableware that you can choose during the hands-on experience. From the paulownia wood glasses that are the signature of traditional craftsman Azuma, to rock glasses and beer cups, and sushi geta wooden clogs prepared just for this experience, you can actually use the three types and choose the piece you want to make.
Cultural experience at a traditional Japanese guesthouse
Enjoy a live sushi performance and a Japanese cultural experience at Kokoroan, a rental old house in Kinokawa City, located at the foot of Mount Koya. The old house with a tea room has been renovated, but the traditional beauty and architectural style that Japan is proud of, such as the ceilings, pillars, and shoji screens, have been kept intact. Conveniently located about 40 minutes by car from Kansai International Airport, it is also popular with overseas guests.
Experience making traditional paulownia wood crafts
The next day, you will receive guidance from Azuma and create a one-of-a-kind piece of paulownia tableware using the tableware you selected. You will have the chance to experience the craftsman's techniques up close, handling the high-quality paulownia wood at the craftsman's work site. You will also try your hand at the impressive grilling process for the sushi geta. Finally, the craftsman will give it its finishing touches. The finished product will be shipped to your home at a later date.
Experience
*The period, schedule, and amount have yet to be determined.