The main objective of this part of my journey was to investigate the crafts of Japan and if it might be possible to integrate with my existing projects and explore the possibilities of collaborating on a series of projects in the future.
Wakayama, the birthplace of both of my Grandparents. Wakayama is located in the Kansai region of Japan along the southwest coast of Wakayama bay and the Pacific Ocean. Some of the crafts produced in Wakayama are Washi (Paper) Urushi (Lacquerware) and Woodworking. How cool would it be to have my first project produced in the Prefecture my grandparents were born in and promote these crafts as well as an interest in the City of Wakayama. I had done some research prior to my visit, and was set to visit these three crafts along with conducting a few meetings with acquaintances I had previously made along with meeting with the City of Wakayama to let them know what I was trying to do.
First stop – Yasuda Paper, located in Shimizu in Aridagawa Town. With my international Drivers License, I rented a car and we were off. About an hour and a half later and after a few tense moments we arrived in the quaint complex of buildings far into the hills of Wakayama. There we were met by one of the owners that helped us look at paper they had made. The small shop was surrounded by many different looking papers, I felt we would find something. Unable to fully communicate, my bad Japanese and her unfamiliarity of English we somehow were able to find something that I thought would work with my current project.
Unfortunately, I was unable to meet up with the Woodworkers that were recommended on this trip. Hopefully I will be able to meet you on my next trip.
While we were in Wakayama, I thought it would be nice if I could visit my Grandparent’s birthplace and pay my respect to my Great-Grandparents. I found the local temple and thought this might be the best place to start in locating their resting place. I found the Temple, which had a large cemetery next to it, so I was excited that I had found it. I was able to speak to a woman, maybe the priest of the Temple, however she did not know my family or other relatives. I’m going to just keep researching to see if I can gather more information and find them.
On Saturday we met with a Urushi Craftsman from Wakayama. Tatsuyama’s direct disciple, Matsue Natsuko was exhibiting at a department store in Kobe so we were able to meet. I was in awe as he was very distinguished and I felt honored that he would meet with me. As with my previous meeting, my not so good Japanese made for a difficult conversation. But I felt it was a good meeting and I hope that at some time in the future we might be able to collaborate on a project together.
I will definitely need to brush up on my Japanese to do business here in Japan.