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"Getting Lost in Something Lifts the Heart" – Yosuke Teaches Us the Healing Power of "Handicrafts" that You'll Want to Start Immediately
The rise of the handicraft boom, which many people are showing interest in, led by knitting, has become more accessible due to the popularity of video streaming and social media. Many people may be considering starting this year.
Among various genres like knitting and sewing, some might feel a sense of difficulty regarding "embroidery" and "quilting." Yosuke, a craftsman, helps eliminate the "walls" we perceive.
Yosuke is the son of Hawaiian quilting pioneer Kathy Nakajima and he is active as a craftsman and designer while also working as a model and actor. Many may already know him from the NHK program "Suteki ni Handmade."
How does Yosuke create his vibrant works? This time, we had him talk about his experiences and the charms of handicrafts and embroidery.
PROFILE
Yosuke
After debuting as an actor in 1999, he took a break in 2010 and moved to France. He studied haute couture embroidery at "L'École Lesage" and general fashion at "L'École de la Chambre Syndicale" before returning to Japan. In 2017, he established his brand "KATSUNO" and became the MC for NHK E-Tele's "Suteki ni Handmade" starting in April of that year. Yosuke is also actively involved in product collaborations with various manufacturers as well as lectures and workshops across the country, transcending the role of a mere craftsman to work as a talent and designer.
Instagram
The Cross Stitch Inspired by Compliments
With a lively tempo, the works created by Yosuke make you want to try your hand at handicrafts.
Although he shares various information about handicrafts through videos, when did Yosuke first encounter handicrafts?
"I encountered handicrafts in the fifth grade of elementary school. My mother gave me an embroidery kit, which sparked my interest. The kit was shared among my two sisters and me, but I was the only one who managed to complete it all.
"It was a cross-stitch kit, and when I started to feel a bit bored, I often received compliments and advice from those around me. The sensation of being praised for creating something with needle and thread was something I learned at that time."
Recognizing his talent, even Kathy Nakajima acknowledged that handicrafts suited Yosuke. Before he knew it, his projects were completed.
Surprisingly, however, Yosuke revealed that his initial experience with handicrafts was not particularly enjoyable.
"Rather, it was a sensation close to 'nothingness.' In my case, if I enjoy it too much, I may end up disliking it, so I think it's to my advantage to approach it with a flat mindset.
"Since handicraft kits require completing specific designs, it feels more like painting or solving a puzzle, and I never thought it was unpleasant at all. I might feel a little negative when tired, but being praised motivates me, so before I realized it, I had finished my work."
Bunka Fashion College & Study Abroad Experience that Became a Guiding Light in Life
Although he encountered embroidery during elementary school, Yosuke did not particularly immerse himself in handicrafts afterward. The turning point for him to revisit handicrafts was when he entered Bunka Fashion College.
"At that time, I was also pursuing acting, so I wasn't very focused on handicrafts. The reason I started handicrafts again was that when I told my parents I wanted to drop out of university, they suggested I enroll in Bunka Fashion College as a condition.
"Later, I discovered that my mother had a desire for me to acquire a skill. She thought that the hint leading to that 'something' might be in handicrafts. Initially, I wasn't interested in studying fashion, but because of my previous experience of being praised for embroidery, I was curious about cross stitch and similar techniques."
At Bunka Fashion College, he majored in the hat design course where he could learn embroidery, and despite having no prior interest in hats, he quickly became enamored with the joy of hat making.
"Not only did I enjoy embroidery, but I also found joy in drawing design sketches, so much so that I thought about becoming a hat craftsman. However, when I was about to graduate, I got cast for a significant stage role, and ultimately, I had to drop out and abandon that dream.
"At the same time, my sister (the eldest, Nanami) passed away, and I had the experience of something I thought would last forever being abruptly shattered. That experience led to a complete dissolution of fixed notions and made me seriously consider how I want to live, which led me to think about 'studying abroad.'"
When he spoke to his parents about studying abroad, the condition was to learn something that would help him acquire a skill beyond just language. Thus, Yosuke was once again confronted with "embroidery."
"I enrolled in a school called École Lesage in France to learn haute couture embroidery. Unlike vocational schools in Japan, in France, you can only engage in what's outlined in the curriculum. I learned various techniques within that specified framework.
"As time passed, I wanted to create my own embroidery, so I reapplied to a fashion design school in France. Initially, I planned to study French embroidery for a year and return to Japan, but ultimately I studied for a total of five years."
For Yosuke, studying abroad in France became an experience where he learned many things beyond just embroidery techniques. Paris is often referred to as the city of art, but was he influenced by the colors and more?
"Regarding color, my mother had a significant influence, and I’ve been impacted by the vibrant Hawaiian quilts. Consequently, many of my works tend to be colorful.
"The influence I received in France was mainly about how to view life and myself. While I went to study crafts, I really feel like I came back with a life education after meeting many people from various countries."
There is Definitely a Craft That Suits You
Many people might have been inspired to try their hand at crafts this year after seeing Yosuke’s works on social media and YouTube. Especially the chic color schemes that heavily utilize black and gray tend to be easily adoptable even for men.While quilting workshops have a strong image of being popular among women, that barrier is gradually fading.
"Of course, workshops are very welcoming to both beginners and men. I realized after starting to teach that I surprisingly excel at it, particularly at teaching men, which I think I’m quite good at (laughs).
"I believe there’s a difference between male and female brains when it comes to crafts. Men tend to want to know the principles behind 'what happens when I do this' when sewing. Once they grasp those principles, I believe men can quickly master the intricate tasks in crafts."
"I believe there’s a difference between male and female brains when it comes to crafts. Men tend to want to know the principles behind 'what happens when I do this' when sewing. Once they grasp those principles, I believe men can quickly master the intricate tasks in crafts."
Additionally, Yosuke believes that everyone has a craft that fits their personal characteristics. This is a reassuring statement for those who feel they are not skillful.
"I believe that within human DNA, there is the power to create. Crafts encompass a wide variety of elements.
"For example, in sewing, there’s a specific order of stitching, so those who enjoy assembling should excel in it, and embroidery is well-suited for those who love coloring.
"Bead embroidery is perfect for puzzle enthusiasts, and since there are various genres of crafts, I think there’s definitely one type that will resonate with each individual. I hope everyone continues to search for the craft that feels just right for them."
Recently, crafting has gained attention as a form of digital detox. By stepping away from smartphones and focusing on a task, one can achieve effects similar to meditation. Engaging in crafts as a form of relaxation in daily life can provide a sense of relief and lighten the mind.
"Personally, there have been many times when crafting has saved me from unpleasant situations. Time flies when I’m engrossed in crafts, and surprisingly, I tend to forget about unpleasant things while I'm focused.
"Crafting is something you will definitely improve in with practice, and before you know it, you'll have a finished product that gives a sense of accomplishment, so I would be happy to see more people starting to craft in the future."
According to Yosuke, around 1990 was known as the year of quilting, marking the beginning of the quilting boom. Since then, through the Heisei era, the quilting industry has been reevaluated. This movement connects not only to the current crafting boom but also with sustainability and SDGs, making it a promising industry that will continue to gain momentum.
Crafting, which serves as a digital detox and is eco-friendly, may be a great new hobby to start this year.
Text by Tajimax
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