Bunshindou Hataseihitsusho (Hata Bunshindou)

  • Yoshiyuki Hata
    The Third Master
    METI*-designated traditional craftsperson of Kawajiri** fude (brush)
    Date of birth: 3 February, 1951

    In my childhood when I came home from school, my father (Masumi Hata, the Second Master) always asked me to help him in his brush making, plus do all my farm chores. That’s how I learned the brush-making processes and techniques. I went onto senior high school after graduating from junior high school, whereupon I started, in earnest, to train myself in the brush making process.

    I worked very hard. By the time I graduated from senior high school, I mastered all the brush-making techniques required in those days, and consequently became the youngest winner of a technical prize in brush making.

    As a successful brush craftsman, I enjoyed my work. In time, however, I began to realize that I needed to develop my skills further.

    I wanted to make even better brushes.

    I wanted to refine my skills through the use of hairs that require higher techniques to handle and manipulate.

    I wanted to surpass my father as a fude craftsman.

  • I decided to work with goat hairs which require the supreme mastering of certain techniques. At that time, the skills of the fude craftsperson were insufficient to properly handle goat hairs. Only a few people dared to use them. Ultimately, the quality they produce was lacking.

    I studied every day, day and night. During that time, what encouraged me the most was the honest advice and criticism from our customers. To respond to the complex and detailed requests from them, I tried different ideas, approaches, and techniques. As a result, I was able to accumulate useful and skillful knowledge.

    I analyzed the characteristics of the hair, one by one, and fully grasped its strengths and weaknesses. I came up with hundreds of combination patterns and developed my own style of goat-hair brush making. Eventually, I succeeded in creating the goat-hair brush of the highest quality which is offered today.

  • I went through many hardships and experienced a great deal of frustration before finally succeeding in making brushes that I could feel proud of creating. As a craftsperson, I really appreciate that I was able to receive many awards.

    For me, the happiest moment is when I see the joy in the faces of our customers. I truly cherish these moments.

    *METI: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
    **Kawajiri is a town located in Hiroshima Prefecture. It is one of four brush-making centers in Japan along with Kumano (Hiroshima Prefecture), Nara (Nara Prefecture), and Toyohashi (Aichi Prefecture).

Major Achievements

  • 1978
    Received the honour of presenting the Kawajiri fude to Prince & Princess Hitachi of the Japanese royal family.
  • 1981
    Became the youngest winner (at that time) of a technical prize presented by the National Calligraphy Material Manufacturers Association.
  • 1984
    Received the same award as above.
  • 1989
    Performed brush making in front of then Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko (currently Emperor Emeritus & Empress Emeritus) upon their visits. Yoshiyuki was particularly moved by the graciousness of the Empress when asking him questions.
  • 2004
    Performed a brush making demonstration at the main office of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. His craftsmanship was highly praised.
  • 2004
    Kawajiri fude was designated as a traditional craft of Japan.
  • 2004
    Selected for the National Public Exhibition sponsored by The Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries.
  • 2005
    Designated as the first Traditional Craftsperson for the Kawajiri fude.
  • 2005
    Selected for the National Public Exhibition sponsored by The Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries.
  • 2006
    Commended as a Master Craftsman by the City of Kure
    Received a distinguished service award from the Director-General of METI's Chugoku Bureau commending his contribution to the traditional crafts industries.
    Selected for the National Public Exhibition sponsored by The Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries.
  • 2007
    Selected for the National Public Exhibition sponsored by The Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries.
  • 2009
    Taught brush making to Mr. Hidetoshi Nakata, former football player of Japan's national team, who visited the atelier.
  • 2010
    Received a distinguished service award for his long-time contribution to the operation and development of the Japan Traditional Craftsmen's Association.
  • 2011
    Received the METI Minister's Award for his distinguished service, commending his contribution to the traditional crafts industries.
  • 2019
    Received the Pola Award for Traditional Japanese Culture.
    Awarded the The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays in autumn.
    Receiving an audience with His Majesty the Emperor at the decoration ceremony.
  • Numerous exposure in various media.