In our modern world, we are surrounded by objects but have lost the ability to create them ourselves. The division of labor in mass production has made us reliant on the system, and we have become devoted to our roles and the brands and names of organizations. This has led to a society indifferent to creating things by hand. However, digital fabrication and the internet have opened up new possibilities for those who enjoy making things. We now have the means and information to create things ourselves, which had long been lost to large corporations. With computers, we can synchronize our senses with machines and phenomena to create something perfect. This is similar to how a craftsman once had his own kiln. This could be the start of a new era of craftsmanship, and the beginning of a new Kogei*1. We believe that we are witnessing the dawn of a new era of craftsmanship, which we call ShinKogei*2. While the terms 'makers' movement' and 'FAB' are often used to describe this movement, we wanted to find a term that was more appropriate to Japan's history and culture. ShinKogei is inspired by the nobility and dedication to craftsmanship that characterized Japan's Kogei tradition. It is a modern system that draws on interdisciplinary knowledge and technology and is used by individuals and small organizations. ShinKogei encompasses not only traditional manual work and techniques but also new styles and approaches. It is an attitude that seeks to solve problems comprehensively across disciplines while maintaining one's subjectivity as a human being. It is not simply a methodology. The mass production system was designed to cater to the global market, providing the same products and services to all regions with no regard for differences in culture and local preferences. The ShinKogei advocates for a more personalized approach to craft-making, empowering individuals to express themselves and breathe new life into their communities and cultures. We hope that this will gain momentum and spread, but we recognize that change must start at the individual level. This is why we established ShinKogeiSha*3. As craftsmen, we believe that some problems can only be solved through personal attention and dedication. By listening, thinking, and using our hands, we can create meaningful solutions that have a positive impact on our society. We are mindful of the challenges facing our world today, where many of the things we once took for granted are now out of reach, and a sense of stagnation has set in. Through ShinKogei, we seek to revitalize our communities and restore a sense of purpose and fulfillment to our lives.

A certain day in August 2020