It was when there was a skill competition for tategu (建具: doors, windows, partitions in Japanese buildings) that Tsugufumi Fujiyama, the second-generation tategu maker in Yonago, Tottori Prefecture, first tried independent “works” separate from his usual tategu jobs. Making use of his skills and know-hows, his works earned reputations with awards received. Since then, along with his regular works, he continues to make various items inspired by diverse woodwork techniques.

Having worked on tategu for a long time, Fujiyama has a wide and deep understanding of woods’ characters. His works incorporate various textures and colors of woods without coloring them, foregrounding their original characters. Most of his larger pieces are unique pieces, and the result of his explorations about what he can do with woods. As more and more houses are built by large house-making companies, demand for traditional carpentry and tategu are decreasing. Items by Fujiyama is a proof that this precious skill set is such an important part of traditional culture and something we need to pass down to future generations.