Turning Point: Entering the World of "Agate Craft" After Returning Home

Wakasa agate craft originated when a native of Obama City, Fukui Prefecture, brought home the skills they developed while working at an eyeglass shop in Osaka. At the time, eyeglasses were made by processing crystal lenses, and techniques such as crystal cutting and sand-polishing were brought back.

Initially, the craft started with producing beads using so-called "agate" minerals and gradually evolved into carved items. In 1976 (Showa 51), it was designated as a National Traditional Craft by the government.

While there were once many artisans, now only Uenishi remains.

"As the craftspeople grew older, there were only two of us left by the time I became an apprentice. Mastering the techniques is so difficult that it takes years to become proficient. That's why it has been extremely challenging to nurture successors.

"Some people approached my mentor hoping to become apprentices, but unfortunately, due to reasons like not being able to pay a salary during training, they had to be turned away."

Despite this, Uenishi himself originally worked at a printing company in Osaka. His involvement in Wakasa agate craft was triggered by his decision to move back to his hometown.