For over 160 years since the Edo period we have continued the tradition of manufacturing Kyoto style wagasa (Japanese umbrellas) here at Hiyoshiya; we are now the sole company doing so. Our fifth generation head craftsman Kotaro Nishibori believes that “tradition is continuing innovation" and that skill and history should be passed onto future generations; he continues to make use of skill and culture to create new value in contemporary lifestyles.
Here at Hiyoshiya we have started Meisterstrasse Japan Edition in the hope of bringing Japanese cultural crafts to the rest of the world. We hope it serves as encouraging support for both the extensive dissemination of information related to Japanese craft, food, arts, and more, to international consumers. We also aim to create communities among masters from Japan and other parts of the world and bring together Japanese consumers with international craftsmen.
Most of the ateliers who have joined Meisterstrasse so far have been primarily from Europe, but Japan is also full of its own outstanding master craftsmen. Hiyoshiya, as a supporter of Japanese arts and crafts, aims to introduce many Japanese masters and their beautiful products to international patrons. To achieve our goal, we are offering special services, including online tours, specially arranged tours as well as our online store.
