Koso Hata
The Fourth Master
METI*-designated traditional craftsperson of Kawajiri** fude (brush)
Date of birth: 11 September, 1987I grew up constantly watching my father at work. Now that I have become a brush craftsman myself, I have begun to understand the many hardships he endured, which only makes me admire and respect him more.
From day one as a professional fude craftsman, I have been trying to master the creation of the goat-hair brush which my father developed using his own unique style. If I start with the most difficult technique, and succeed, I will betray, in a positive way, the traditional idea of fude craftsmanship.
The foundation of brush making has been thoroughly ingrained in me by my father. I still remember vividly the joy I felt when I completed my first brush. What makes me so excited is when my customers tell me that they are extremely happy with the brushes I produce.
In Japan, brush craftspeople are aging quickly. I am one of the youngest. For the Kawajiri fude, in particular, there are few craftspeople of my generation. I want to master all the necessary skills and techniques in order to make the Kawajiri fude a treasured traditional craft, at the earliest possible date. In a sense, I will be able to breathe new life into its craft making. What I ultimately hope to accomplish is to contribute to the development of Japan's traditional culture through the promotion of the Kawajiri fude.
Major Achievements
- 2011
- Produced the world’s first cosmetic brush using Kawajiri fude's traditional techniques in partnership with a makeup artist.
- 2012
- An article related to the above project ran in the Chugoku Shimbun, the largest newspaper in the district.
- 2018
- Articles in Life Magazine, a monthly publication by Shanghai Modern Media, and Mitsui Home Eye, a quarterly magazine published by Mitsui Home.
- 2019
- Demonstration of fude making at ESPACE DENSAN, Paris, France.
Published in the French art magazine "Lumières Internationles Magazine".
Introduced in "Kure Wonderland Journey" on RCC TV in Japan.
- 2020
- Introduced on CS Discovery Channel's "Gateway to Tomorrow" (5 weeks in a row).
Featured in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper in Japan as a Kawajiri brush craftsman.
Featured in "at home TIME", a monthly magazine.
Broadcasted on Asahi Broadcasting Corporation's ABC program "Isshi Soden: The Heart of an Artisan Inherited".
Second event at Maison WA, 1st arrondissement, Paris, France
- 2024
- Appointed as a traditional craftsman of Kawajiri brush.
Yoshiyuki Hata
The Third Master
The First designated traditional craftsperson of Kawajiri fude (brush)
Date of birth: 3 February, 1951
