Kotaro
The Story
Since their founding in the mid-1800s, the Hiyoshiya company has been guided by the mission of breathing new life into traditional crafts. They have implemented this philosophy by carrying forward the older traditions in the production of wagasa (Japanese-style) umbrellas and paper lanterns, all the while developing new products based on these technologies. The only manufacturer of wagasa in Kyoto, Hiyoshiya aspires to ensure that traditional Japanese products evolve according to the needs of the modern-day consumer. Their work has won various design awards both in Japan and abroad, and they are involved in collaborative product development with designers, artists, and architects in Japan and in fifteen different countries.
Wagasa is usually a collaboration of many artisans, each one skilled in a specific step of the umbrella’s construction. But Kotaro strayed from the norm by learning to do each part of the process himself, and as such is one of the few craftspeople who can make wagasa from start to finish. It is through this art form that he has reconnected to his Japanese heritage.
Kotaro finds inspiration in art, geometry and the natural landscape. In his original philosophy of “Tradition is continuing innovation,” Kotaro has gone on to create innovative designs for Japanese lamps by utilizing traditional umbrella materials and techniques, which have won many domestic and international design awards. Kotaro also supports other traditional crafts by sharing his knowledge and experience in developing traditional and cultural materials for the modern lifestyle.
The Craft
It was not until the middle of the Edo period (1600-1868), that wagasa were widely used by the general public. Ukiyoe prints of the time show townspeople holding umbrellas, indicating that they were widely used as a daily necessity, and were also incorporated into Kabuki, Japanese dance and the tea ceremony, evolving in its own way, adding to the traditional beauty of each. This created a very rich and unique wagasa culture in Japan.
At its peak, more than 10 million Japanese umbrellas were produced annually throughout Japan. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), Western-style umbrellas began to be imported, and with the spread of Westernization, wagasa rapidly declined. . In Kyoto, there is only one wagasa shop left, and wagasa is no longer used as the daily necessity as it was in the past.
Hiyoshiya’s Contemporary collection also brings together products with the heritage, character and design flair long associated with Kyo-Wagasa. While drying traditional umbrellas in a temple garden, Kotaro noted the beauty of the sunlight coming through the umbrella’s traditional washi paper. This inspired him to use umbrella-making technologies in designing lamp shades. Changing the shape and position of the frame alters the expression of light and shadow. Through his detailed knowledge of umbrellas Hiyoshiya has been able to create a simple, highly mobile light, that utilizes the folding framework of wagasa in its design to enable easy and compact storage.
Selected works
