Artist's anecdotes Part 1: Hiro Kashihara

At Konohino owned media, we hope to gently listen to the background of manufacturing and the voices of the makers.

This time, we spoke to Hiro Kashihara, the owner and cutlery maker, about the beginnings of his craft and his daily production.

—— First of all, please tell us what inspired you to start making things.

It all started when I wanted to buy a small fork for my wife, whose hobby is collecting tableware, as a birthday present. She said, "I want a small fork to eat cake with."

At the time, I made a fork using the same material I used to make accessories. When I actually started making one, I gradually became attracted to the profound nature of cutlery.

It is a modest presence at the dinner table, somewhat like a silent hero, but it is an important tool that is indispensable.

If you compare cooking to a painting, the paint is the food and the dish is the canvas.

The cutlery acts as a frame that enhances the painting.

--What do you particularly value when creating your work?

We believe that cutlery is not just a work of art, but a tool used in everyday life.

If the shape is difficult to use, eating posture will be disrupted and people will gradually stop picking up the bowl. That's why we place the utmost importance on ease of use, such as ease of holding and mouthfeel.

Another core element of the production is the design theme or story that is embedded in each piece.

When we create our products, we are conscious of being able to properly communicate the reason behind the shape.

- In your daily work, are there any moments when you feel inspired or anything that influences you?

I'm rarely influenced by any particular place or source material.

The scenery I see at the art museum I often visit with my daughter, novels, music, and dead leaves and tree branches I come across on the side of the road.

Before I know it, these fragments of everyday life stay in my mind and become the seeds of my creative work.

I don't actively look at design books or other artists' works, but rather only use them as a reference when necessary after I've decided what I want to make.

What is important to me is to carefully and without rushing, pick up the images that naturally arise within me.

--How do you spend your days off or when you have time to take a breather?

On my days off, I enjoy going to art museums with my daughter, reading novels, watching movies, going on short trips as a family, and shopping.

When I have a break from work to relax, I enjoy tea and sweets and flip through catalogs and books.

I value analog over digital and indoor time over outdoor time.

- Is there anything that you would call your production partner?

Sweets and tea.

The time I spend brewing black or green tea and eating something sweet to change my mood helps me with my daily creative work.

Cutlery manufacturing involves swinging heavy hammers and working with fire, which requires a lot of time and requires both physical strength and concentration.

That's why it's important to take a short break and relax with some sweets and hot tea.

It's like a small switch that gently relaxes tired hands and mind, allowing you to get back to creating.

--Finally, please give a message to those who will pick up your work.

We create cutlery every day with the hope that it will bring you moments of relaxation and a sigh of happiness.

We would be happy if we could create products that make your ordinary days just a little bit more wonderful.

Thank you, Hiro Kashihara.

—— After the interview

As I learned about the words that were put into the cutlery and the time that has passed since then, I was reminded of the great power that tools possess.

It gently accompanies the lives of those who pick it up, and before you know it, an ordinary moment at the dinner table will turn into a slightly more memorable one.

I think the appeal of tools lies in their ability to bring about such quiet changes.

While carefully accepting the creator's thoughts and background,

We would like to continue to quietly and carefully deliver tools that blend seamlessly into your daily life.

Text: Nagisa Kashihara, Konohino