Self-Introduction

I have been creating furniture with the motto that the more I make—and the more I challenge myself, struggle, and reflect—the more my skills are honed and refined. I aim to bring out the best in each material I work with.

Currently, I focus on making sturdy, practical tables using Yamizo Sugi (local Japanese cedar from the Yamizo region), under the theme of “Furniture made from local materials for everyday use.” I actively promote and sell my work across Japan through online channels.

 

Biography

1955	Born in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture
	Graduated from Hirosaki University Junior High School Graduated from Aomori Prefectural Hirosaki High School Graduated from Tokyo International University Joined Ito-Yokado
1980~	Instructor at a foreign-affiliated human resource development company In 1985, Became an executive at BeYou International Co., Ltd. Worked for 10 years as an instructor in mental and skill development training. Areas of expertise: Rational emotive behavior therapy, behavioral psychology, transactional analysis, etc. Provided communication and mental training to over 30,000 people across Japan, including company managers, new employees, university students, and parents and children.
December 1988	Founded “Turtle Trading Co., Ltd.” and became CEO, inspired by a deep passion for British classic cars I had long enjoyed as a hobby. Imported and sold classic British cars such as the MINI, LOTUS, and MG; handled repair and restoration parts; and participated in racing activities. Established a UK branch in 1989.
1998	Encountered the work of Shigeyoshi Imai of Space Dew, a pioneer in creating furniture and interiors using reclaimed materials and traditional tools from old homes. Inspired by Imai’s lifestyle—centered around furniture-making and what we now call “eco” or “SDGs”—I decided to hand over Turtle Trading to a successor and  began a new path in woodworking. (I feel that the spirit of reviving and adding new value to old or broken things—whether cars or furniture—was at the heart of both pursuits.)
1999	Opened "Original Interior Shop & Woodworking Studio Jizai" with a gallery in Nasu Highlands. With guidance from experienced local craftsmen and using woodworking school textbooks, I taught myself the basics and began creating furniture and interiors using solid wood—a journey that continues to this day

 

Exhibitions and Shows

• Exhibited at the Handmade Works Exhibition at Isetan Urawa (Saitama) for three consecutive years
• Held solo exhibitions every year for five consecutive years at Gallery Ten in Nasushiobara City
• Exhibited at Gallery HISAGI in Nasu Town:
  • May 2008 – Group exhibition with 15 artists
  • October 2009 – Group exhibition Tsukuribito with 10 artists)
  • August 2010 – Group exhibition Ten Colors of August 2010
• 2015 – IRON & WOOD two-person exhibition at Le Étage Gallery in Akita City

Other Activities

• Occasional exhibitions at the attached JIZAI Gallery
  • Reclaimed Wood Display Shelves and Mini Bonsai Exhibition
  • Reclaimed Wood Lighting Exhibition
  • Natural Wood Stool Exhibition
• Hands-on workshops
  • Workshops for elementary school students
  • Stool-making experiences

And more

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Introduction from the Shop Owner

I can’t quite remember how we first met, but I think it all started when I dropped by his shop. Since then, he has become one of the people I most admire in life.

There are four people I personally look up to: Takeshi Kaiko, Tomosuke Noda, Michio Hoshino—and this man, Yasubumi Kobayashi, whom I call “Yabu-san.” (I’ve never met the other three.)

Born in Aomori Prefecture, Yabu-san worked in various industries in Tokyo. Though he once lived in the refined world of the city, he eventually returned to a more rural lifestyle. He also happens to be one of my fly-fishing friends. Once a year, we go on multi-day fishing trips deep in the mountains. Even though he’s more than ten years older than me, I always end up slipping and soaking wet as I try to keep up with him—he hops across the rocks like he's dancing on the river surface.

The first piece I bought from Yabu-san was the dining table in the photo.

I saw it in his shop in 2015 and fell in love with it instantly. It’s a large table—just over 200 cm long and 90 cm wide—made from local Yamizo Sugi. The legs aren’t fixed to the tabletop, so you can turn them to convert it into a low table. What really struck me was the finish: he had left the plane marks on the surface. At the time, my three kids were still in elementary and junior high school, and even when they spilled things, scratched it, or made dents, I never worried about it. For maintenance, I simply rub oil into the surface once every six months or a year. If there are deep scratches or peeling, I smooth them out with a knife or sandpaper before applying the oil. The photo was taken when we first bought it, but now the surface is full of stains and marks. The color has deepened beautifully with age.

Yabu-san absolutely loves woodworking. When he takes a break from making furniture, he happily crafts small items. His gallery, next to the workshop, is filled with small pieces made from offcuts. Just looking at them is a joy.

The cup in the photo is one I brought home after visiting his workshop. He pointed to a shelf lined with unfinished cups of all shapes and sizes and said, “Pick whichever one you like.” I chose one, shaved the handle just a little, sanded it, and applied oil myself. What I love about Yabu-san’s work is its rough character—it’s a kind of beauty that comes from not being too perfect. That’s what drew me to this cup, and I still use it every day.

Whenever I meet Yabu-san, I am fascinated by his sharp instincts and untamed spirit.

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Kobayashi's products are here