Mitsuo Okamoto, traditional craftsman
Born in 1947 as the younger brother of Tadao (the fourth of six brothers). His meticulous techniques have earned him a strong reputation and trust.
In 2014, he was awarded the Order of Merit for Technical Achievement in Traditional Industries for his contributions to Nishijin textiles, and in 2023, the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays.
I had not planned on becoming a craftsman, but suddenly ended up joining the family business. I wasn’t against that; I had grown up with the business and was used to textiles from the times I had helped out.
I was involved in jobs from the beginning, learning the basic techniques as I went. Even a novice can do a decent job if they work slowly, but obviously a craftsman works to improve every day so that they achieve a high quality finish, stay under budget and meet deadlines. You also have to take care of your health. It’s a tough job, but it’s such a joy when a textile is completed. You’re in front of your loom from morning to night but you’re constantly having to refine the way you work. As someone who finds that interesting, this job is perfect for me.
Many items are more than 10m long, and we put our hearts and souls into making something that will remain for future generations. Since we’re joining together several pieces, the patterns of each piece need to fit together at the end, and we have to consider how the pieces will shrink as the weather and humidity change. The work is physically and mentally demanding every day, but there’s a sense of satisfaction when the pattern of the finished product fits together perfectly.
Since Nishijin brocade is made through a series of processes, the various craftsmen have to be on the same page in order to do this work. Because I was raised in Nishijin, I have a lifelong job, and I am proud to have reached a level of mastery where I receive such renown. Like others of its kind, Nishijin has shrunk over time, but we have to retain this culture. In order to do that, we have to look to the future and come up with something new, but we also must not throw away the old. I want people to find new ways of using the techniques that have been passed down through the generations. In that sense, I want to keep leading the way for young craftsmen.
(Interviewed on November 13, 2023 / Text by Sakiyo Morimoto)
