Create and Present Joy through Bamboo

Interview with Hideaki Hosokawa, the owner of Kisetsu Bamboo Craft Studio

It is likely that any kind of “traditional craft” is born in a studio which has been taken over by masters for generations and generations. It is, in fact, true that there are a number of such artisans in this Old Capital. In that sense, Bamboo Craft Studio Kisetsu is an extremely young studio which Hideaki Hosokawa only opened in 2011.  

“I was working for a printing company in Tokyo and there was no connection with Kyoto at all. When I became 30 years old, I thought to myself, ‘I want to do a job that I can hear voices from the people who receive my works,’ so I started to look for another path. Since I liked to create things with my hands, I looked for a job of that sort and wished to become a shokunin, or craftsman.” 

Although Hosokawa had discovered what he really wanted to try, it wasn’t easy for him to find out how to become a shokunin. Finally, he found a college in Kyoto where people can learn basic skills and knowledge of traditional Japanese crafts in Kyoto. No time to waste for the 30-year-old Hosokawa, so he quit his job and moved to Kyoto. 

First, he had to choose which course to begin studying for two years. There were a variety of traditional crafts to choose from, such as ceramics, lacquer, wood carving, stone crafts, washi paper, and more. What pushed him to focus on bamboo works? “Bamboo was the most unfamiliar and unknown to me, that was why I wanted to try bamboo craft. And more simply, I just loved the touch of bamboo on my hand.

“Once I started to learn, the more I learned about bamboo, the more I became fascinated by its beauty and complexity. For example, making a ceramic work offers more extensive freedom while bamboo has some limits. What I mean is that because bamboos have knots at every certain length, the length between two knots decides the size of material, thus, the size of the final craft we can create. It is very important to make a concretely structured plan, how we will knit the parts and put them together to achieve the final look. It is the most difficult but the most interesting part I find in my job.”

A few years after finishing the course, Hosokawa moved to Kyoto City and started his life as an independent bamboo craftsman at his studio, Kisetsu, in 2011.

All making processes are carried out in his little studio, from processing the raw bamboo to finishing the surface of the item with urushi lacquer. No single process can be done by machine, but only by hand – such painstaking, time-consuming labor which requires focus and experience.

Combining a variety of knitting styles and structures, Hosokawa creates a wide range of items such as baskets, coasters, flower vases and more. Hosokawa also challenges himself to create something new. His series of bamboo bags and briefcases are fascinating yet functional.

“The name of my studio, ‘Kisetsu’ literally means the joy of knot. An extraordinary vital force, a fast-growing speed, and flexibility make it possible for bamboo to grow knots (setsu) which sustain the plant. I want to create my works with joy, taking advantage of these perfectly imperfect, knots and want to share the joy of this with my customers.”

Bamboo Craft Studio KISETSU

Advance booking is necessary before visiting the studio. Booking through “Kyoto Artisans Concierge” is recommended as you can make the booking online and can arrange an interpreter free of charge: www.kyotoartisans.jp/en/