Behind the gorgeous floral decorations

The Current State of Craftsmanship: An Interview with the Ichirindou Shopkeeper

Tsumami-zaiku hair ornaments, which adorn people for coming-of-age ceremonies and Shichi-Go-San celebrations, are a vibrant part of Japanese culture. However, few people are aware of the reality that the artisans who create these beautiful pieces face.

This time, we will delve into a topic that is not often seen on the surface. We interviewed the shopkeeper of Ichirindou about the current state of craftsmanship and what they hope to preserve for the future.

An Era Where "Continuing Manual Work" Is Difficult

The world of manual craftsmanship, not just Tsumami-zaiku, is at a major crossroads today.

"The industrial system itself is changing," says the shopkeeper.

In the past, wholesalers connected artisans with customers and brought them work. Artisans could focus solely on creation. However, as this system faded, artisans were forced to find their own sales channels and support themselves.

"Creating things and selling them require entirely different skills. Not all artisans are good at sales. As a result, more and more people gave up on continuing their craft."

Even with the skill to create, it's not enough to survive. This structural change is behind the decrease in the number of artisans.

Processing Fees Are "Less Than Half" of Their Peak

Another issue the shopkeeper quietly discussed was the compensation problem.

The processing fees received by Tsumami-zaiku artisans are now said to be less than half of what they were about 50 years ago, when hair ornaments sold the most.

"Even if a market is created, manufacturing tends to flow towards the cheapest option. If it can be made cheaply overseas, it goes there. When it comes to price competition, artisans who meticulously craft their products are less likely to be rewarded."

In the pursuit of low prices, artisans who can truly create high-quality products struggle to receive compensation commensurate with their effort. As a result, the shopkeeper expresses a sense of crisis, stating that "artisans who can guarantee the quality demanded by Ichirindou" – creators of authentic products – are decreasing year by year.

Preserving Through "Value" Not "Price"

So, what will Ichirindou do? The shopkeeper's answer was clear.

"We want to preserve truly good products, not just compete on price."

Instead of determining prices solely by market principles, Ichirindou aims to secure processing fees that allow artisans to live comfortably, and then set fair prices commensurate with the quality of the products.

"Artisans can make a living. That allows them to continue creating good products. Because the products are good, customers choose them. If we don't maintain this cycle, the craft itself will die out."

Choosing good materials, preserving labor-intensive techniques, and accurately reflecting that value in the price. This is not just about selling at a high price, but about ensuring the livelihoods and skills of creators are passed on to the next generation.

"Nurturing" Artisans

To preserve the craft for the future, it's not enough to just protect it; new creators must also be nurtured.

"How to increase the number of artisans who can maintain Ichirindou's quality is a major challenge for the future."

Craftsmanship is not something learned overnight. However, if there is stable work and a clear path to make a living, people will come forward to inherit the skills. The shopkeeper is looking ahead to how to build a supply system that meets demand without compromising quality.

Perhaps the most certain investment for continuing this manual craft is not about making things cheaply and quickly, but about nurturing creators who can uphold "Ichirindou quality."

Conclusion

Behind each floral ornament that graces special occasions are the painstaking manual labor and the living reality of the creators who bring them to life.

To ensure their craft continues, Ichirindou has chosen the path of "preserving through value, not price." Picking up a single hair ornament also means connecting the skill behind it, and the lives of its creators, to the future.

Next time, we will delve into what these artisans actually focus on and what techniques they use to create their floral pieces. We will explore the world of Ichirindou's "materials" and "techniques."