Born on September 19, 1981 (currently 42 years old)
The nickname "Geta Prince" was used in the title of his blog.
At 24, he left his job as a salaryman and, by helping with the family business, discovered the charm of Hita geta. Motivated to introduce Hita geta to many people, he engaged in various activities, including:
☆ Hita Moriage Getai (a team that dances while wearing geta)
☆ Featured in various media
☆ Used as costumes in movies (live-action Yatterman, Blade of the Immortal)
☆ Representing Hita in an online information program called "ALL BY Hita" for 10 years, aired live.
■ Event Participation History
Event at the women's footwear section of Isetan Shinjuku
Event at the kimono section of Takashimaya Shinjuku
Solo exhibition on the 1st floor of Fukuoka Daimaru Tenjin store
Event in Milan, Italy
Participated in various product exhibitions and artisan exhibitions across Kyushu
Exhibitions at Aeon stores in Kyushu
In May 2015 and 2016, held a two-person exhibition with "Hita-yaki" in his local Hita City
Exhibited at Japan Expo in France in July 2015
In 2016, selected as one of the “52 Young Craftsmen Nationwide” at "LEXUS NEW TAKUMI PROJECT 2016" (hosted by Toyota Motor Corporation and national Lexus dealers) as the representative from Oita Prefecture
Noticing the Charm of Hita Geta Through Direct Interaction
First, please tell us about your company.
Our company is a workshop that manufactures and sells Hita geta, founded in 1948. Currently, we are managed by four people: my second-generation parents and my wife and I as the third generation.Originally, my parents intended to close the workshop in their generation, and I had no plans to take over. However, when I had the opportunity to help at the workshop while working in a corporate job, I discovered the appeal of Hita geta. Experiencing the joy of craftsmanship led me to decide to take over.
What kind of appeal did you notice?
It's filled with the thoughts and dedication of the craftsmen. Since I was surrounded by geta from a young age, I didn't consciously recognize the intricate processes involved. I thought geta was simply finished once the materials were polished, painted, and the straps attached, but it’s not that simple.Once I began to properly observe the craftspeople at work, I realized there are many backgrounds involved in the completion. Learning about the profoundness of geta rekindled my appreciation for it.
Furthermore, I noticed it can be matched with casual styles. In modern times, sneakers have become commonplace, and the opportunities to wear geta are diminishing. Once I began to ponder, "How can people be encouraged to wear them?" I found myself enjoying the craft even more.
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