| TOP / The Master Craftsman
Kisaku Iobe Speaks |
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"I wasn't particularly
interested in becoming a furniture craftsman", Iobe says. However, his
unyielding competitive nature kicked in when he began his apprenticeship.
"There were many apprentices at the factory, and I was always thinking
how I could make it nicer and quicker than others. How could I create a
product that pleases its users? That was my aim.
I took many trips to furniture shops and hotels to study on my day off".
He was unsparing in his efforts to make every minute count to better himself.
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"At the end of the day, I looked over
all the paperwork for each of our jobs. There weren't many workers interested
in doing that. My fellow workers were astonished with me".
Beginning with his apprenticeship, Iobe also sought
to understand the needs of his clients. He learned everything from cost
estimate to actual furniture production process. That apprenticeship laid
the ground work for IYOBE's skills, today. |
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| "While my friends
from junior high school advanced to a high school and onto a university,
I become an apprentice with a chair maker. I wanted to stand on my feet
before anybody else in my generation become adults". |
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| The chairs play an active part in the Diet Building.
They have a traditional structure and straw stuffing. |
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Iobe had set the goal to become
an accomplished and independent chair maker before his classmates graduated
from college, at the age of 22. The trust and reputation he acquired from
his hard-work and effort is now the backbone of his business. Today, his
furniture is not only used in homes but also in public facilities such
as government offices as well as the National Guest Palace, the Diet Building,
an airport, a bank, and a library. |
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"Don't spare any effort.
Each piece of furniture must meet rigorous standards",
Iobe says. "An important aspect of furniture making is to not cut corners.
Always love your products. I want my chairs passed down from parent to
child, then to the grandchildren a generation from now. The same applies
to our furniture used in the public facilities. These high standards are
the basis of our credibility and reputation.
What is it that sets IYOBE's furniture apart
from other competent furniture manufactures? That sprit and soul of his
craftsmanship. |
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| Kisaku Iobe is passionate about his creation. |
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The IYOBE Co., Ltd. Started
with 3 members and has grown to employ a team of 130 furniture makers.
We asked Iobe, who has been awarded the title of "master craftsman" by
the Japanese government, about his next goals. "I would like to build a
small school where I can pass down the craftsmanship and standards I learned
from my master. I want the young people of the future to carry on our traditions.
That is my dream". |
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