Miyoshi-Kago (Baskets) "I Want to Make Very Original Products Which Cannot be Found Elsewhere." HYOGO Prefecture TODA Kazutaka( 40 )

In Meiji 18 (1885), TODA Jinnosuke created Miyoshi-Kago (Arima-Kago) in the village of Yokawa, where abundant, good-quality bamboo grew. His products, with beautiful and fine weaving work, are made based on traditional techniques of basket making found among the Imperial properties preserved in the Shosoin (the ancient treasury near by Todaiji temple). Miyoshi-Kago became patronized by the Imperial Household Agency and are used at first-class hotels and in-flight services of various airlines. TODA Kazutaka, a direct descendant of Jinnosuke, entered his family's business 10 years ago after his experience as an office worker. As he was trying out basket-making, "I was drawn into it," he says. TODA is considering the possibility of making products such as pochettes and knapsacks which appeal to young people. "In the future, we want to make a joint project with other traditional crafts in the prefecture..." His dream widens, being eager to make something which cannot be produced anywhere else. TODA Crafts Shop Address: 282, Ariyasu, Yokawa Town, Mino-gun, Hyogo Pref. (TEL) 0794-73-0008

Toyooka Kiryu Wickerwork "I have to hand my skills down to the next generation." HYOGO Prefecture IZEKI Michihito( 71 )

Kiryu are the stocks of osier, a type of willow. Found all along the fertile Maruyama River in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, osier is noted for its suppleness and strength, which make it ideal for wickerwork. The Toyooka area has long been known for its products woven from kiryu, most especially yanagi gori, a traditional wicker trunk originating in the Edo period (1600-1868) for storing or carrying clothing. Today, kiryu is used mainly for modern baskets or interior decorations. Determined to hand down the techniques of kiryu wickerwork to as many people as possible, IZEKI Michihito demonstrates his craft to sightseers, and holds classes for the next generation of weavers four times a month. Some of his students have already become professional craftspeople. Aware that such a skill cannot be taught verbally, IZEKI's hands are always in motion, showing rather than telling his art to a younger generation. Genbudo Museum Address: 1362 Akaishi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Pref. (TEL)0796-23-3821