hinomoto movie

Documentary depicting the lives of six Japanese craftsmen

Since ancient times, there have been those who, with the skill and spirit of skilled artisans, create things that come to life.
They are called 'craftsmen', who are connected to the eight million, sharpen their physical senses and perform their work with unparalleled precision.

Today, however, people on the planet have forgotten their hearts, rely solely on visible material values and continue to consume according to their desires.
Nature has become a victim of this, 'conflicts' and wars have not ceased, and the planet is truly dying.

On this dawn night, six ambitious traditional Japanese craftsmen have risen up.
A story of the soul is set in motion, with the craftsmen's creations based on the theme of 'harmony'.

In this film, the camera follows these craftsmen over a period of two and a half years as they create things that have "life" in them.
The film also shows the craftsmen as they are, living out their "mission".

What does it mean to live?
This documentary questions the essence of 'life'.

- Craftsman -

Swordsmith　Kei Nezu

Born in Tokyo. When he was a high school student, he met “Meibutsu Kanze Masamune,” a national treasure sword at a museum. He has received many awards in the world of swords, including the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award. He has received numerous awards in the world of swords, including the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award. He produces swords that protect their owners and pave the way for them.

Indigo Dyed Marugame Fan Craftsman　Tonbiii（Yutaka Shimizu）

Born in Kagawa Prefecture.
After leaving his office job, he trained in Tokushima and his hometown Marugame, focusing on creating unique works that combine authentic indigo dyeing with Marugame fans. Alongside his craft, he also runs a guesthouse and workshop called "Hatagoya Tonbiii" (Travelers' Inn Tonbiii).

Edo-style pattern carving Craftsman　Akio Takai

Born in Shirako-cho, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture. Although the 73 years old artisan once quit his family handed down "Kata Carving"craftwork in the past, he decided to picked up his small knife again after many years to pass on his craftmanship to next generations when he aware that "Kata Carving" was on the edge of extinction due to craftsman decline. Currently, he is energetically promoting his craftworks by hands-on workshops and lessons at his own studio in Higashi-Ome and at elementary schools throughout the Japan.

Tatami Craftsman at Takaokaya Tsunekawa Tatami shop　Taihei Tsunekawa

Born in Tokyo. He is the sixth generation of the Takaokaya Tsunekawa Tatami shop, which has been in business for more than 160 years. After graduating from university, he enrolled in a tatami vocational training school and obtained the national qualification of Tatami Production Technician Level 1 and a tatami instructor license, and succeeded his father to become a tatami craftsman. While carrying on the traditional techniques, he is also putting effort into the development of new products to make tatami more familiar to people.

Hemp Knot Craftsman　Harumitsu Takaoka

Born in Nara Prefecture. Encountering the sacred hemp, he has been creating works under the theme of “Prayer”. He has dedicated shimenawa (sacred straw ropes) and artwork to shrines and temples throughout Japan, including Miwa-za Ebisu Shrine and Kashihara Shrine. In 2021, he formed the art unit MuSuHi with art director Akiyoshi Mishima.

Nishijin traditional weaving craftsman　Chikako Yamagishi

Born in Hiroshima Prefecture. After studying Japanese painting at a junior college, she learned the technique of “Tsumekaki-Hontsuzure” at a weaving studio where she worked for three years. Later, she was impressed by a piece of Tsuzure-Ori she saw at an exhibition. And went back to school to become a dyeing and weaving artist. After graduation, she studied for three years under Shisen Kodama, a Nishijin textile craftsman, and overcame trigeminal neuralgia that developed in her 30s to become certified as a traditional Japanese textile craftsman.