A member of the Manufacturing department, in charge of the workshop’s “final-finish inspection and needle-check process” and packing. He is also responsible for educating younger colleagues — one of the most senior artisans still working at the workshop.
“The last gatekeeper”
I am now in charge of the workshop’s “final-finish inspection and needle-check process” and packing — meaning every shikibuton that leaves the workshop passes my checkpoint last. I am this workshop’s “last gatekeeper.” I check the work from every earlier stage before the finished shikibuton is dispatched.
“As if I had bought it myself”
When I inspect a finished product, I ask myself whether I would be satisfied if I had bought it. That helps me notice details I might otherwise overlook and make sure it is something we can be proud to recommend.
Teaching is learning again
I am also responsible for educating the workshop’s younger colleagues. “Through teaching, I learn anew myself” — in the act of teaching, I re-examine the things “done by feel” and put them clearly into words. That process has deepened my own understanding of the craft.
The workshop’s eldest
I am one of the workshop’s more experienced craftspeople, but I still want to keep up with younger colleagues and do good work. I can proudly say that every member of the OFUTON KOBO team brings care and dedication to futon making.