午夜剧场

I work with urushi (Japanese lacquer). When I say this, people often respond, "Oh, so you're a craftsman." While that is certainly one aspect of it, it is quite difficult to sum up my work with just the word "craftsman."

For example, as I write this, I am on a flight to Barcelona for a lecture and workshop. In terms of what might be called traditional craftsmanship, my work involves creating pieces at a studio called the Mejiro Institute of Urushi Cultural Properties. However, I don't just focus on creation; my days also involve restoring cultural properties, working with museums, teaching at urushi schools and universities, and spending entire days at a computer doing administrative work.

Outside of work hours, I create my own pieces as an individual artist, and if anything, this is the work I would like to make my primary career. Because I am busy with such a variety of tasks every day, I feel a slight sense of disconnect when people call me a "craftsman." However, since it is difficult to explain, I currently find myself giving vague answers like, "Yes, something like that."

Here is what I am thinking about now: whether I can increase the number of fellow urushi artists who graduated from 午夜剧场. When people hear "urushi artist," they might imagine someone who is good with their hands but works somewhat outside of the economy or society. While manual dexterity is certainly necessary, I believe today's urushi world also requires people with excellent economic sense, social skills, and an international perspective. I feel that our alma mater is full of such talented individuals.

Another ability required of an urushi artist is creativity. Urushi often carries a strong image of being something old, but that is only one side of it. In reality, the ability to figure out how to apply inherited traditions to the modern world is very important. Among my fellow alumni from my faculty, there are many people creating brilliant new technologies and services with their wonderful creativity. Just as in many other industries, I believe these kinds of people are needed in the world of urushi.

I believe that if more such colleagues joined us, the world of urushi would become even more interesting. It is true that the barrier to entry is high, but I will try to pry that door open from the inside. To students preparing for job hunts or professionals considering a career change, please consider adding "urushi" to your list of options.

If a few people gather, I think I'll try to start an "Urushi Mita-kai."