Born in Niigata Prefecture, he began training in bamboo craftsmanship in 1945 and opened his own studio in 1961. In 1982, he received the Kunii Kitaro Japan Industrial Art Award, which formed the foundation of today’s industrial design and brought many new talented people into the world of modern design. Today he is known as the leading authority on lighting made from bamboo. Incorporating the ideas of industrial design, his works which utilize on the characteristics of the materials have a large influence of modern craft design. As a designer, craft artist, and artisan he has received high praise both at home and abroad.
