![[No. 1] From Electronics Manufacturer Employee to the Pinnacle of Traditional Crafts—Mamoru Nakagawa, Leading Kaga Zogan Expert & Living National Treasure, Shares His Life Story](https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/1775a3633c8b428d9f011c6a758a8a5c/570050875e9a4f818181573c25e3c5ec/fix3_DSC_0574.jpg?w=420&fm=webp&dpr=2)
Among cultural heritages such as theater, music, and crafts, those with significant historical and artistic value are called intangible cultural properties. The individuals who master these "techniques" to such a high level are called holders, more commonly known as “Living National Treasures.”
This time, we spoke with Mamoru Nakagawa, the leading figure in Ishikawa Prefecture’s traditional craft "Kaga Zogan (加賀象嵌)," and a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property for "Chokin" (metal carving). His works are so strikingly beautiful that they can make you fall in love at first sight—garnering high acclaim not only in Japan, but also overseas, as evidenced by their inclusion in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum.
Nakagawa has walked a spectacular path, receiving recognition as a Living National Treasure and awards such as the Medal with Purple Ribbon. His journey to this point was shaped by various encounters, and his thoughts on creating art have evolved along the way. What inspired him to pursue the path of traditional crafts? Now that he is a Living National Treasure, how does he view the culture of Japanese traditional crafts?
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