The Inherited "Maverick" Spirit—The Roots of Rakugei Kobo

Please tell us about your business and its origins.

My grandfather founded Murata Shoten, a foil workshop, in Nishijin, Kyoto in the late 1890s. Later, my uncle managed the business, and my father, Teruyoshi Murata, oversaw manufacturing. The company was incorporated in 1971, and in 1989, Rakugei Kobo was established as a directly managed workshop of Murata Shoten to continue producing Hikibaku. We still protect the Hikibaku technique, which originated over 300 years ago.

Both my grandfather and father were highly imaginative and initially aimed to become painters. While Nishijin is known for its textiles, my grandfather chose to create expressions using gold leaf foil, not weaving.

My father was called a "maverick" and sometimes faced criticism from unions and those around him. Still, while inheriting the artistry and advanced techniques of Nishijin-ori, he ventured boldly beyond the conventions of traditional crafts, pioneering new creations in diverse fields. He proposed innovative designs for both domestic and international markets.

Could you share what led you to take over the family business?

Growing up, I always perceived the world of artisans as tough, with strict, old-school training, so I never intended to take over. However, during my high school spring break, I helped with the busy family business and got involved in applying silver foil to display tables for a globally renowned high-fashion brand. That was the turning point: my image of traditional industries switched from "old-fashioned" to "cool." After learning Nishijin-ori at our workshop, I went to work at an apparel company in Osaka after university to study distribution, gaining experience in sales before eventually returning to continue the family legacy.