The Changing Shippo-yaki Industry and a New Path Forward

Shippo-yaki was used to create the Olympic rings for the 1964 Tokyo Games, but in recent years, it has been replaced by resin coloring and overseas manufacturing. Demand within Japan has fallen, and the number of guild members, once over 40, has now dwindled to about five.

“In the past, when people wanted to add color to something, they turned to Shippo-yaki,” he explains. “But now, resin is the norm. The trend of having items cheaply produced in China and sold in Japan has become commonplace.”

While Hatakeyama calmly acknowledges this reality, he refused to simply stand by and watch his craft fade away. He evolved his style from just fulfilling client commissions to creating his own molds and launching his own product lines.

Lessons Learned from Failure

Over his long career, he has faced his share of unforgettable setbacks. He once had to remake over 1,000 pieces for a festival drum design after a color mix-up. He also recalls the bitter frustration of being unable to complete a single section on a major plique-à-jour masterpiece.

“Failure is painful, but it offers even greater lessons and inspiration for the next attempt,” he reflects. “As long as you keep trying, your efforts will always lead to something new.”

These words resonate with the depth of his experience and the unwavering dedication of a master craftsman.