Although the quantity we can produce is limited, we want to deliver truly satisfying products to the world.
For our customers, armor is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.Thinking this way, we cannot help but carefully inspect every detail of each piece of armor with our own eyes.Even if the production volume is small, we aim to deliver products that meet our standards of satisfaction.Currently, the most enjoyable time is when we are contemplating what kind of products to create next.
— Hiroshi Hirotaka —Born in Kyoto in the 23rd year of the Showa era (1948), as the third son of the previous generation, Heian Hirotaka (Kusaburo Saji) and his wife, the first Chino (a recipient of Kyoto City’s Traditional Craftsmanship Technical Merit Award, known as Chi).He spent his childhood in an environment that is considered the headquarters of Kyoto armor making.
From a young age, he developed an interest in various traditional techniques and apprenticed under many craftsmen.For example, his pursuits include fabric, engraving, decorative fittings, and metal painting. His relentless curiosity that does not confine itself to any particular field can truly be called that of a born craftsman.
He studied under the first Hirotaka and the first Chino (both recognized as Kyoto City’s Traditional Craftsmanship Technical Merits Award recipients and wife of the first Heian Hirotaka, Chi).After mastering traditional techniques and the spirit behind them, he was certified as a Traditional Craftsman by the Minister of International Trade and Industry, and adopted the name Hirotaka Hirotaka.
Because he personally reviews all his works, the number of pieces produced annually is naturally limited, and only a very small number are available on the market.
＜Recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays＞In the autumn of Reiwa 2 (2020), during the autumn honors, Kyoto’s Hirotaka Hirotaka “Saji Kanzo” was recognized for his significant contributions to the Kyoto doll industry and was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.
**The highest level of work in “Torage” [a traditional craft technique]:**【Kichōmento】While “meticulous” is used to describe doing things precisely and not carelessly, this term originates from this craft.Decorations as detailed as those in Kichōmento require craftsmen to work accurately and carefully; otherwise, the beauty cannot be achieved.It is said that people who do things properly and seriously are called “meticulous” or “kichōmento” people because of this.
**Kyoto Kumihimo Traditional Craftsman**Tetsuo Hasegawa
**Years of Service:**Since 1966 (Showa 41) to present
**Certification Year:**1988 (Showa 63)
**Specialty Technique:**Knot-making using square and round looms
**Notable Appearances and Publications:**- 1999: Appeared on NHK Educational TV “Oshare Kōbō”- Featured in “Bessatsu Taiyō: Otona no Kyōshitsu” (Learning Kyoto’s Traditional Crafts)- Featured in Kodansha’s “Kyoto o Aruku” (Walking Kyoto)
- 2009: Appeared on KBS Kyoto TV “Kyō no Ippin Monogatari” (Kyoto’s Specialty Stories), currently also broadcast on BS Fuji- 2012: Appeared on Sky PerfecTV’s “Takumi” channel- 2014: Appeared on NHK Kyoto “Takumi no Tenohira” (The Craftsman’s Palm)- 2015: Featured in Fujin Gahō “Sumōdō wa, Kimono Michi!” (Sumo and Kimono!)- 2015: Appeared on NHK BS Prime’s “Ippin” “Ito ga Ayanasu Sennen no Bi: Kyoto Kumihimo” (Threads Weaving a Millennium Beauty: Kyoto Kumihimo)- 2016: Appeared on NHK World “#31 KUMU: Interlacing”- 2018: Appeared on TBS Wazabit “Kumihimo Sensor” (Kumihimo Sensor)
We create each child’s festival doll, which is a protective charm, with a strong commitment to Japanese manufacturing, working closely with craftsmen on detailed consultations.We strive to improve quality so that these dolls can be cherished for a long time, wishing for the healthy growth of children.
— Notice Regarding Size and Weight —- Shipping estimate: Ships approximately 10 to 20 days after order receipt.- Orders for items on backorder, made-to-order products, or orders placed during transportation company or store closures may not be delivered by the scheduled shipping date.- Delivery may also be delayed due to weather conditions, land, air, or sea transportation issues.- The dimensions and weight of the boxes vary depending on the product.- Our small items typically weigh around 1,000 grams.- Large helmets and armor weigh approximately 20,000 grams as a guideline.- The sizes listed on our website refer to the actual dimensions of the products.