The Changing Shippo-yaki Industry and a New Path Forward

Shippo-yaki was used to create the Olympic rings for the 1964 Tokyo Games, but in recent years, it has been replaced by resin coloring and overseas manufacturing. Demand within Japan has fallen, and the number of guild members, once over 40, has now dwindled to about five.

“In the past, when people wanted to add color to something, they turned to Shippo-yaki,” he explains. “But now, resin is the norm. The trend of having items cheaply produced in China and sold in Japan has become commonplace.”

While Hatakeyama calmly acknowledges this reality, he refused to simply stand by and watch his craft fade away. He evolved his style from just fulfilling client commissions to creating his own molds and launching his own product lines.

Lessons Learned from Failure

Over his long career, he has faced his share of unforgettable setbacks. He once had to remake over 1,000 pieces for a festival drum design after a color mix-up. He also recalls the bitter frustration of being unable to complete a single section on a major plique-à-jour masterpiece.

“Failure is painful, but it offers even greater lessons and inspiration for the next attempt,” he reflects. “As long as you keep trying, your efforts will always lead to something new.”

These words resonate with the depth of his experience and the unwavering dedication of a master craftsman.

Passing the Torch to His Daughter

Father and daughter work side-by-side in the studio, experimenting with glaze formulas and firing techniques. His daughter initially planned a career in library services, but a growing desire to “give it a try” steered her toward the world of Shippo-yaki.

“I'm overjoyed that she's decided to carry on the craft,” Hatakeyama says with a smile.

In the traditional world of artisans, the prevailing philosophy was to “learn by watching.” Today, however, we have access to videos and extensive documentation. “This is a massive help for the next generation,” notes Hatakeyama, who meticulously explains every step of the process. With his daughter adding her unique perspective, Shippo-yaki holds the promise of developing in even more versatile and exciting directions.

A Message to the Next Generation

For those aspiring to become artisans, Hatakeyama emphasizes the need for a courageous spirit and unwavering tenacity.

“It’s okay to fail. If you mess up, you just make it again. What matters is that you keep taking on new challenges.”

He believes it’s not enough to simply preserve tradition; incorporating new concepts and contemporary touches is also vital. In an era of advancing AI and digital technology, he feels the value of something made by human hands will only become more pronounced.

Challenges for the Future

Shippo-yaki boasts a long history stretching back to ancient times, with many techniques already perfected. Forging new forms of expression within such a well-established tradition is no simple feat.

Even so, Hatakeyama shares, “I want to make pieces that I have fun creating—works that bring that same joy to the people who hold them.”

“My next goal,” he adds, “is to try making a piece that sparks instant delight in anyone who sees it.”

His words carry the pride of a Contemporary Master Craftsman and an unyielding spirit of exploration.

Hatakeyama continues to embrace new challenges while preserving tradition and passing his skills to the next generation. The future of Tokyo Shippo rests on his quiet but determined progress. It is our hope that his story will serve as a source of courage and inspiration for the young people who dream of venturing into the world of traditional crafts.