Mizuhiki Artist Rokusuke TSUDA, KANAZAWA EXPERT #3
KANAZAWA EXPERT” is a program that introduces artists, craftsmen, and other professionals in Kanazawa, a city with a long history of culture, who share their traditional skills and Kanazawa's history and culture with visitors. We will ask these people, who are also guides with a thorough knowledge of Kanazawa, about experiences that can only be had here and ways to enjoy Kanazawa.
This time, we interviewed Mr. Rokusuke TSUDA, the fifth generation owner of “Tsuda Mizuhiki,” the birthplace of mizuhiki work with a history of over 100 years.
Putting one's heart into beautiful mizuhiki work
Kaga mizuhiki is characterized by its three-dimensional mizuhiki work and folded forms. Please tell us about its history and characteristics.
The founder, TSUDA Sokichi, developed mizuhiki string work into a three-dimensional form by creating a three-dimensional folded paper pattern for yuinou and gift bags, which had previously been two-dimensional, and evolved it into a formative knot. Mizuhiki, which had been elevated to the realm of art, received high acclaim in the field of art and was presented to the Imperial Household and received numerous other honors. It was under the second generation, Ume TSUDA's generation, that this style was established as “Rare Traditional Craft Kaga Mizuhiki Craft. Even now, about 100 years later, the company continues to use the folding and mizuhiki crafts invented by the first generation as the basis for the production of betrothal gifts and congratulatory gift bags.
How did you get started in this field?
After graduating from an engineering college, I experienced web production, design and coding, and online store work, and started helping out in the family business in 2014, just before the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line in Kanazawa. I had seen mizuhiki every time I visited my grandparents' house or a store since I was a child, but I had no experience actually making them, and it was not until I started working that I learned the basics. I had always enjoyed working with my hands and making things, so I was suited for the job, but the fact that I quickly realized the essence of mizuhiki was a major event for me in my pursuit of this career. Currently, I am working on one-of-a-kind pieces commissioned by lodging facilities, creating installations, and launching a new brand.
What is the charm and essence of mizuhiki?
Simply put, mizuhiki is wrapping. An item is wrapped in Japanese paper, which is then further wrapped in mizuhiki, and the recipient's feelings are written on it with a brush. It is beautiful enough as a decoration, but what I think is wonderful about mizuhiki is that it indirectly conveys a person's feelings by beautifully wrapping and presenting an item. It is a very cool and profound culture that is unique to Japan.
Some of our customers say, “I really want to give this to someone special, so I will definitely use TSUDA's mizuhiki. Even if you are wrapping money for a wedding gift, wrapping it in a nice gift bag makes a difference in conveying your feelings. We believe that decorating each mizuhiki with handmade mizuhiki and writing by hand with a brush is a tool that can convey many thoughts.
Combine strings of your favorite color,
Making cute mizuhiki goods
The mizuhiki crafting experience is very popular. What is the attraction of the experience and what are the key points?
You can choose 4 to 6 strings of your favorite color from about 50 color variations to make a mizuhiki craftwork in the shape of a flower (ume). The most popular items are mizuhiki charms (key holders), but accessories are also popular. The basic “Awaji-knot” is applied to make a flower, but by increasing or decreasing the number of strings and adjusting the size, you can create an infinite number of arrangements.
Many people say that it is more difficult than they expected, but the joy they feel when they finish the work is even greater, and they cheer when they receive the finished product in the package. In addition, we also offer a hands-on experience of making noshibukuro (gift envelopes) and pochibukuro (decorative paper bags), as well as making shimekidari (decorations for the New Year) during the winter season.
After experiencing and becoming familiar with mizuhiki, you may look at the past generations of works displayed throughout the store a little differently. I also hope you will take a look at the “knot” accessory brand, the “wrap” gift bag brand, and the “#000 Black Craft” brand, which was launched in my generation, and which will be launched in 2024.
The Saigawa River runs through the center of Kanazawa City.
recommended for both strolling and cycling
What are the attractions of Kanazawa and what spots do you recommend?
The Saigawa River is just a short walk from the shop. I have been familiar with the river since I was a child, and when I was a child, I used to ride my bicycle along the river to the sea. There are promenades along both banks of the river, and the grass is laid out so it is pleasant to walk along.
What does Kanazawa mean to you?
It is a place where I feel relieved when I come home. When I go out of the prefecture on vacation or come back from a business trip, I feel like I have returned to my daily life and feel at home. Especially when I see the peculiar traffic lights and narrow streets in the center of Kanazawa, I feel like I am back in Kanazawa.
Mr. Rokusuke TSUDA, 5th generation of Tsuda Mizuhiki
Rokusuke TSUDA is the grandson of TSUDA Sokichi (Kaga Mizuhiki's first generation), the founder of the three-dimensional Mizuhiki craft. After graduating from an engineering college, he worked for an internet-related company for 10 years before taking over the family business as the 5th generation in 2014; in 2015, he appeared on CS Discovery Channel's “The Door to Tomorrow”; in 2016, he created and supervised the artwork for the JT (Japan Tobacco) TV commercial Mizuhiki Arc; in 2016, he held the Kaga Mizuhiki Exhibition at the Ishikawa Traditional Industry Crafts Museum In 2018, he was selected for the Kanazawa City Craft Exhibition, and in 2019, he will exhibit an installation at “TAKUMI CRAFT CONNECTION -KYOTO by LEXUS NEW TAKUMI PROJECT KYOTO connection”. Installation exhibition. Mizuhiki accessory brand “knot”, gift bag brand “wrap”, and “#000 Black Craft”.
