Times change, and in many countries, manufacturing jobs both big and small have long since been outsourced. In Tokyo, however, it’s still relatively easy to find tiny workshops producing the likes of engine components, buckles etc. Plus now and again niche items that are made in much smaller numbers. Like the ornamental extras for temples and shrines that the man photographed below dutifully makes.
Similar to the vast majority of such places, his workshop is located on the ground floor of the family home. A throwback to the post-war years when Tokyo was being rapidly rebuilt after fire bombing destroyed massive chunks of the city. And in the capital’s older neighbourhoods in particular, such businesses were an integral part of their revival.
Needless to say, the numbers now aren’t anything near what they once were. And those that do still exit are invariably run by men well past regular retirement age. But even in this diminished capacity, the work continues. Seven days a week too for the fella in the photo.
Almost 70, he is apparently one of the few people left in his long since chosen trade, making demand relatively high. But with a sick wife to care for, his working hours are restricted to the time she’s in daycare or sleeping; hence the aforementioned work dominated week. So the unrelenting production goes on. And all in the same cluttered space as the past 40-plus years.
Dan Waldhoff says
I remember when first coming to Japan in 1989 that my walk to work took me past a man in a small “factory” making specialty paper boxes. At the time I felt sorry for him, relegated to that obscurity and apparent poverty … As time passed I began to realize how much we had in common …
Lee says
Yes, those bright lights and supposedly endless opportunities are all too often as beyond one’s reach as they are beguiling.
Al says
Very interesting to read a background story to go with the pic. Was he happy to talk?
Lee says
Thanks. He was an interesting fella. And yes, very happy to talk. A bit too happy actually, as it was difficult to get away in the end.
Neil says
“Difficult to get away” … Confirms his repetitive existence I guess.
Lee says
Just lonely I think. Working all the time or looking after his wife must give him precious little time to speak to anybody really.
Hans ter Horst says
Those artisan places are great, some of them have very unique skills that are still used when shrines get renewed, etc. He didn’t mention an apprentice, did he?
Lee says
Yes, it was great to see him at work, and see some of the things he makes. Impressively he does work for Ise Shrine too.
Sadly not…