Becoming a Contemporary Master Craftsman

After receiving the "Tokyo Meister" award from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Hatakeyama was also honored as a Contemporary Master Craftsman. He admits, however, that he was initially taken aback. "Am I really the right person for this?" he wondered.

"My work focuses more on practical items like car emblems, company insignias, and school crests than on one-of-a-kind art pieces. So, I wasn't sure if it was okay for someone like me to receive this honor for that kind of work."

Nevertheless, he felt a profound sense of validation that his lifelong dedication was being recognized. Winning the Governor of Tokyo's Award at the "Tokyo Teshigoto" project was a particularly significant confidence boost.

The Pursuit of a Perfect White

In shippoyaki, the final color is determined by the properties of the glaze and the nuances of the firing process. Of all the colors, "white" is the most challenging.

"The quality of the white can make or break a piece. The slightest impurity can cause black specks to appear or the color to turn yellowish. That's why we inspect everything so carefully."

Achieving a pure, brilliant white while maintaining its translucency is an incredible feat—a testament to the skill he has honed through countless trials and errors.

A Self-Taught Plique-à-jour Technique

Shippoyaki includes a technique known as "plique-à-jour," which uses transparent enamel to create a stunning, stained-glass-like effect. Though originally developed in France, Hatakeyama mastered it entirely on his own, without any formal instruction.

"Typically, this technique is applied to a flat surface. But I devised a method where I prop the piece at an angle to fire it. I do it without a stand, gradually building up its strength with each firing. I’m probably the only one who does it this way."

This innovative method can be applied to three-dimensional pieces like rings and accessories, which has led to commissions from jewelry brands.

An Artisan's Pride: Reproducing Quality at Scale

While many in the world of shippoyaki pursue one-of-a-kind art, Hatakeyama takes pride in his identity as a "shokunin"—a master artisan.

"It's relatively easy to make one great piece. What’s truly difficult is producing dozens, or even hundreds, of pieces that all meet the same high standard of quality—and doing it quickly. I believe that’s where the true value of an artisan lies."

In his work, a balance of precision and speed is essential. Hatakeyama is highly regarded precisely because he masterfully achieves both.

A Spirit of Constant Challenge

At his core, Hatakeyama lives by a "just do it" philosophy. He dives into a challenge before worrying about whether it's possible, and if he fails, he simply starts over. It's this iterative process that has led to his unique techniques and groundbreaking new work.

"It’s okay to fail. If you do, you just make it again. That failure is what leads you to the next breakthrough."

From mastering the fundamental expression of "white" to developing his signature plique-à-jour technique, Hatakeyama's tireless quest continues to expand the possibilities for the timeless tradition of Tokyo Shippo.