Meet Shinji Sekizuka-san, a craftsman (or a “hybrid craftsman”, as he likes to call himself) who creates beautiful Japanese hakimono. While hakimono is an umbrella term that covers all footwear, Shinji is currently focused on creating traditional Japanese sandals called zori. Though his workshop and gallery space is located away from the hustle and bustle of the central city, it is still visited by many customers out to purchase their very own special, custom-made zori. Curated Kyoto talks to Shinji to find out what inspires him, why he delved into the world of hakimono, and why he has made it his mission for zori to be worn as everyday footwear both in Japan and abroad.   Words by: Sara Aiko (SA) Creative Direction by Sara Aiko Photos by: Kingy

Meet Toryo Ito, the deputy head priest of Ryosoku-in temple who is fusing Zen philosophy with creative new ideas to nurture the growth and possibility inherent in all of us. Toryo-san started off by just implementing an easier booking system for his mediation classes, but now he’s running a variety of Zen programs that implement art and design into their concepts. Not limiting himself to the confines of the temple walls, he has taken his teaching and mission online and on the road. Curated Kyoto catches up with Toryo-san to talk about his mission and what his latest creative endeavor entails.   Words by: Sara Aiko (SA) Creative Direction by Sara Aiko Photos by: Kingy

Meet En Iwamura, an artist from Kyoto, Japan, whose creations have captured the hearts and attention of many around the world— including some famous global artists. En is playful, warm, and fun, yet when you speak to him you realize that just like his eye-catching pieces there is so much more depth to him beneath the surface. His work, which is influenced by traditional Japanese artifacts such as haniwa burial figures, explores the Japanese philosophy of “ma” and cultural communication, and Curated Kyoto recently had the chance to speak with En about his work, his creative journey, and even the world of digital marketing.   Words: Sara Aiko Creative Direction: Sara Aiko Photos: Sara Aiko

Meet Hitomi Kawasaki, a bonsai researcher based in Kyoto– at a very young age, she decided she was going to dedicate her life to bonsai and the skilled craftsmen that create them. In a traditional and male-dominated industry, her age and gender was never on her side, but that didn’t stop her from connecting the world to these intricate potted plants. Her soft Kyoto dialect and the way she carries herself is a tell-tale sign that she comes from a world steeped in culture, and even her perfectly manicured hair resembles a bonsai tree. In the last twenty odd years Hitomi has truly immersed herself in the study of bonsai, and Curated Kyoto recently had the chance to sit down and talk with her about the joys and challenges of being a part of this traditional world.   Words by: Sara Aiko (SA) Creative Direction by Sara Aiko Photos by: Kingy