[Kyoto Yuzen: Interview with Ando Senko, Part 2] Preserving traditions is the passion of people

──I hear that craftsmen are getting older and there is a shortage of successors.

I agree.

In fact, there was a time when our company only had one craftsman left.

When I was racking my brains over what to do, an acquaintance who happened to be going out of business introduced me to a craftsman.

At that moment, I felt like I had to keep going.

Because the process was different, it was difficult for the craftsmen, but we grew together and they have now become fine craftsmen.

*The cloth is dyed using an airbrush.

──It goes without saying, but it's not an easy job to continue.

Yes, at first, things don't go well.

The work is detailed and some steps require physical strength.

But as you continue, there will come a moment when you understand.

Once you get past that, it becomes fun.

What they do is simple, but the finished product is gorgeous and truly beautiful.

Furthermore, our main product, furisode, is something that will add color to the most important moments in life.

*Example of a pattern

When did you move your workshop?

It's been about 30 years since we moved to our current location.

In the past, there were many people in the same industry in this area, but the number is gradually decreasing.

Sometimes I feel lonely, but at the same time I am filled with a fighting spirit to protect them.

※The workshop

──What would you like to challenge yourself with in the future?

Until now, I have focused on furisode and ceremonial wear, but I would like more people to know the charm of Yuzen.

We are also developing new products such as goshuincho (stamp notebooks) and PC cases.

I believe the beauty of Yuzen can be conveyed in ways other than kimono.

──I hear it's attracting attention overseas as well.

We regularly hold workshop tours, and many of the participants come from overseas.

I'm sure there is a need for this overseas as well.

I think that if we can find a way to do it better, Yuzen will be more widely accepted around the world.

---Let me ask you again: What does Yuzen mean to you, Ando?

It is something that cannot be recreated now and must be preserved.

The techniques that have been honed over many years are the culmination of the efforts of our craftsmen.

I believe that we must never let this cease.

I want the craftsmen who have done this work to be able to think, "I'm glad I did this job" when they retire.

Preserving tradition does not mean not changing, but rather keeping it alive while changing.

Ando Senko's products are imbued with the pride and challenging spirit of their artisans.