Self-Introduction

Born and raised in Kyoto

Studied sculpture and three-dimensional art at university
Trained in woodworking and furniture-making in Hida Takayama
Became independent in Makino, on the northern shore of Lake Biwa

When I look back on my life in woodworking, I remember an experience from elementary school.
The day I was out with my parents, I joined a workshop on making wooden tables.
It was a very simple thing using nails, and as a young child I worked on it under the watchful eye of my parent. When the table finally took shape in front of me, I was so happy.
Even as a young child, I felt a deep sense of familiarity and excitement toward wood— the feeling that this was a material through which I could make something of my own.

Years have passed since then, and today, what supports both my life and my work are the living trees that enrich the land I live on, and the wood that comes from them as a material.

Each day, I continue to be fascinated by wood—a material that constantly shows me charms beyond what I could imagine.

 

Biography

1983	Born in Kyoto
2007	Graduated from Kyoto Seika University, Faculty of Art, Department of Fine Arts, Sculpture Course Selected for the 25th Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition
2009	Selected for the 49th Japan Craft Exhibition
2010	Graduated from Shinrin Takumi Juku in Hida Takayama Received a scholarship to study at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts (USA)
2011	Worked as an Assistant at the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Design, Kyoto Seika University
2014	Established Soubou craft
2016	September: Exhibited at Kogei no Niwa November: Exhibited at Tomoshibito no Tsudoi
2017	November: Exhibited at Kyoto Takashimaya’s Special Crafts Gallery
2018	May: Exhibited at Crafts Fair Matsumoto June: Exhibited at Kyoto Takashimaya’s Special Crafts Gallery October: Held a solo exhibition at Kissa Collabo (Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture) November: Exhibited again at Tomoshibito no Tsudoi
2019	Completed construction of a gallery in Makino, Takashima City

Introduction from the Shop Owner

Soon after I began preparing to open the shop, I received a message from my friend Rari‑san of JARDIN BLANC in Nasu Town. She wrote, “I’ve discovered a remarkable woodworker in Shiga and bought many of their pieces.” That woodworker was Yamamoto‑san.

Looking at the photos of Yamamoto‑san’s work sent by Rari‑san, I became interested. When I saw “Shinrin Takumi Juku” on his profile, I immediately emailed him. In my twenties, I had once requested an application form for that school and had read several books by its founder, Inamoto-san. Since I was planning a trip to the Kansai region, I asked if I could visit around that time—he kindly agreed, and I scheduled a visit for the end of October.

Soubou Craft’s workshop and gallery are located on the northern shore of Lake Biwa in a place I had never visited before. Driving through the fishing town, lined with historical buildings, I arrived at the gallery, and Yamamoto‑san greeted me gently. I was first struck by a large round table with a concentric carving pattern. From there, the space unfolded with chairs, lampshades, plates, chopsticks, spoons—and even a canoe. The space was rich with fascinating pieces. When I saw the large circular carvings, I thought, “What kind of lathe can do that?” Soon after, I saw the answer in his workshop.

The workshop, overlooking Lake Biwa, is vast—and the machinery is enormous. In that moment, I felt a clarity: “Ah, this is where such work comes to life.” As always, the workshop felt more calming to me than the gallery—no wonder!

Whether it's art or architecture, what people create is deeply tied to their tools. Tools shape each era, and for woodworkers, their work reflects the tools they use. In Yamamoto‑san’s case, I sensed that the size of his workspace, the scale of his machines, and the lakeside setting all leave their mark on his creations.

In his workshop, I also met a recent spring graduate of Shinrin Takumi Juku who was apprenticing there. We talked about many things related to Tochigi—stories I will share when that person opens independently (and perhaps when her work is sold at this shop!).

On that first visit, we didn’t talk business at all. I simply purchased a spoon and a plate I really liked.

After using them and coming to appreciate their quality, I contacted him again three months later—this time without even mentioning a reason—asking if I could visit once more. Almost as soon as I arrived, I asked if he could make and deliver pieces for my shop. Yamamoto‑san said, “That’s fate,” and agreed.

The pieces he made were maple spoons. There are many spoon artisans, each with their own style, but these completely captivated me. For more details, please see the product page.

Though it’s not easy to visit often, I hope I’ll be able to introduce more of his everyday items in the future.

Yamamoto's products are here