Kyogen transmits the new value of family emblems as design and art. The source of RETHINK that they create is ‘curiosity’ and ‘ideo-fun’.
2021.03.01
LIFEFrom the Heian to the Edo period, the ‘Kamon’ family emblem was developed not only as a coat of arms, but also as part of the culture and fashion of common folk, and it was widely popular. A ‘chapter of beauty’ peculiar to Japan with mottos such as ‘best luck’ and ‘prosperity to offspring’. Mr. Shoryu Hatoba and Mr. Yoji of Kyogen have inherited Kamon to the present and future with new ideas as Kamon masters.
This is a piece that showcases the idea of Kyogen, where two Kamon are expressed depending on the observer’s point of view..
Mr. Yoji Hatoba talks of his very energetic vision for the future.
By expressing ‘Kamon’ as design we find new possibilities.
Kyogen’s endeavors are now getting the attention of a wide generational range, from small children to adults. “I think the flow has changed since I started to design with digital tools. By collaborating with several creators, the range of our activities has expanded in turn. Our new possibilities have become an incentive to increase our knowledge, and I felt the greatness and ‘power’ of Kamon. I am considering developing it into an art in the future, and this exhibit has a great influence on that prospect. Mr. Tatehana’s work was groundbreaking because it expressed well key aspects of traditional industries” says Mr. Yoji. “For a thousand years, Kamon has been passed on without change in its concept and methods. I suppose one of the reasons for this is the ‘exclusivity of Japanese design’. This is probably because people have been fascinated by the profound and mysterious way that has been carefully preserved over time. Focusing on this, and evolving it is the key to a bright future, and I felt RETHINK was right for Kyogen. I think this can be felt in the ‘EDO TOKYO RETHINK’ exhibit, in the form of works that defied art using several different materials.
Pay attention to the beauty of Kamon expressed by Kyogen and enjoy the exhibit now.
Mr. Shoryu Hatoba has a fun idea.
I always take on challenges based on the precept of ‘how to achieve expression that surprises’
“I love new things, this is why I always work every day with a desire to take on new challenges”, says Shoryu Hatoba. Kyogen, in collaboration with several genres, is always looking to the future. In this vision of the future, there is also a method of expression that uses advanced technology that seems to be the opposite to traditional industries, and there is no end to collaborations that spike curiosity. The lively appearance of the creator and communicator is similar to their work. “The face of the person who created it comes to my mind”, which is also an exclusive charm of traditional industries. From now on, we will see a rise on expectations about Kamon exclusively created for our modern times by Kyogen.
