Japanese Greats for Greater Good
Take the Winding Road
The best things in life aren't rushed.
Great craftsmanship comes from making things that provide more than just functionality. Whether it is a bowl, a kItchen knife, or even a home, great craftsmanship aims to build sustainable quality of life.
For 250 years before the Industrial Revolution, Japanese society was largely self-reliant. Satoyama and
Yamazato were able to prosper because great craftsmen made things that were built to last, sustainably, and, most importantly, they were designed to be elegant.
It is said that Japan was isolationist during the Edo Period, but resistance to international pressure to open Its doors was just one side or the coin. Local communities made practically everything they needed. But some or the most creative and innovative producers made "ordinary” things that were extraordinary.
It's that kind of craftsmanship–the ultimate attention to the finest detail–that we believe can help provide some greater good tor humankind in the 21st century.
What we do
Ume-ni-Uguisu combines the crafstmanship of three guilds with centuries of history: a potter, urushi lacquerware, and a premium distillery.
Irie Chaen has been making fine organic green tea deep in the hills of the Kurogi District in Yame Fukuoka for more than 40 years.
With our Helsieni Growkit, it's easy to grow oyster mushrooms at home using only fresh grounds from your morning coffee.
The remarkable increase in the number interactive programs on video distribution sites and TV programs proves that Mr. Kato's basIc concept (a communication system tor the 2010 Nihon Boy Scout Jamboree) has been designed with future development in mind, and we nave high expectations tor his future activities.
Mr. Kato brought a broad perspective and ways of thinking to Ogori City, a rural town in Fukuoka Prefecture. His picture drama, “The Great Way (Boken no Daido),” the result of three ears of activities as a planner in the utilization of old buildings, will be used in future community activities.
When it come to the intersection of education and technology, all roads rightly lead to Mike Kato. He has repeatedly proven himself worthy of his reputation as the consummate professional who possesses the winning combination keen insight, deep connections, perseverance and passion to see every project through to its right and just conclusion. Highly recommended!
I recommended Mike to work for Hitachi-Maxell's digital pen project in 2004. He was superb with his technical knowledge as well as his linguistic expertise. Worked very well with the interdisciplinary team, mainly consisted of Japanese members. He contributed tremendously to the project and the team was very pleased. If I have an opportunity to do so, I will ask Mike for his assistance any time. A best person you can ever hire.
