[Part 1] The Origins of Living National Treasure Teiji Miyamoto—Childhood & Family Memories

2025.09.01

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#Living National Treasure

#Shiga

#Traditional Crafts

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#Living National Treasure

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#Traditional Crafts

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Two-thirds of Japan is forest land, blessed with a climate and topography that allow a rich diversity of trees to thrive. This natural abundance is why woodcraft has flourished in Japan since ancient times. The sense of comfort and nostalgia we get from wooden furniture and architecture is a testament to this deep-rooted cultural tradition.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Teiji Miyamoto, who was designated a Living National Treasure for woodcraft in 2023. From his studio in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, he actively submits pieces to exhibitions like the "Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition" (日本伝統工芸展). His collection of works evokes the image of ripples on the surface of Lake Biwa. Many pieces express a graceful flexibility while highlighting the natural wood grain, creating a truly breathtaking beauty.

In this first installment, we focus on Miyamoto's early life as he shares what first captivated him about woodcraft and set him on his artistic journey.

PROFILE

Teiji Miyamoto

Born in Kyoto City, 1953.

Studied under Kenkichi Kuroda, the eldest son of woodcraft artist and Living National Treasure, Tatsuaki Kuroda.

After establishing his independence, he set up a studio in the Kosai region of Shiga Prefecture to pursue his creative work.

His accolades include five awards from the "Japan Traditional Art Crafts Kinki Exhibition" (日本伝統工芸近畿展) (including the Kinki Prize), four from the "Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition" (including the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Prize), and four from the "Traditional Art Crafts Kidake Exhibition" (伝統工芸木竹展) (including the Prize of the Commissioner for the Agency for Cultural Affairs), among many others. He is a Holder of Shiga Prefectural Designated Intangible Cultural Property (Technique), a recipient of the Medal with Purple Ribbon, and a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property "Woodcraft" (Living National Treasure).

A Life Surrounded by Crafts from a Young Age

Most of us have probably dreamed of a future career inspired by a TV show or comic book from our childhood. For Miyamoto, however, it was a bit different. During our interview, he casually dropped a Japanese proverb: "A young acolyte near a temple learns the sutras by ear." So, what exactly did he mean?

“My father was a craftsman at a furniture company in Kyoto, and we had a small workshop at home. For whatever reason, I didn't go to kindergarten, so I often played by myself during the day. But across the street was a traditional townhouse carpenter, and next door was a woodworking shop, so I'd spend all day long just watching the artisans at work.”

He was surrounded by craftsmanship from his earliest memories—even before what you might properly call childhood. “I just knew, without being taught, ‘Oh, this is how you use this tool.’ I pretty much understood,” he recalled of that time.

It's astonishing to think that while other kids his age were pretending to be superheroes, Miyamoto was playing "craftsman" using his father's actual tools.