Kei Nakamura
The material is white bamboo from madake. White bamboo refers to bamboo that has undergone a processing technique called 'oil removal.' 'Oil removal' is the process of heating harvested bamboo and quickly wiping it to remove the nutrients inside and clean the surface of any dirt. After this, the bamboo is sun-dried for about two weeks to produce white bamboo with a beautiful luster.
The subsequent processing is almost entirely done by hand, using various blades to craft the pieces. In my works, I actually use only a very thin outer layer of the bamboo's surface.
While I also create pieces using traditional weaving methods such as 'ajiro' weaving, recently I have been aiming to create simpler works that fit modern lifestyles.
Born in Tochigi Prefecture
2017 Graduated from the Oita Prefectural Bamboo Craft Training Center
2017 Apprenticed under Masato Takae
2022 Became independent
Currently active in Oita Prefecture
Bamboo stands beautifully, straight, and smooth—it's a presence that takes your breath away. I was drawn to the existence of bamboo and that led me to the path of bamboo crafts.
Through my works, I hope to convey the presence of bamboo and the charm of this material.
Oita Prefecture, where I am based, is a city where bamboo crafts are very popular. Located in the southwestern part of Japan, Oita has a warm and humid climate that is ideal for the growth of bamboo, allowing for the harvest of high-quality materials.
In addition, Beppu City in Oita boasts the largest number of hot springs and the highest volume of spring water in Japan. Historically, many visitors came for therapeutic baths, and bamboo kitchenware was often taken home as souvenirs, which led to the increased production of bamboo crafts.
'Beppu Bamboo Crafts' are designated as a traditional craft of Oita Prefecture, and there are training centers in Beppu City where many artisans can learn and hone their skills.
2023 Selected for the Takaoka City Craft Competition
2023 Grand Prix at the 3rd Japan Cultural Grand Prix
2021 Second place at the Takaoka City Craft Competition
2021 Sari Hayaguchi Award at SICF22 MARKET
2021 Beppu City Council Chairman Award at the Bamboo Crafts Exhibition for Daily Life
2020 MPP Award at the Bamboo Crafts Exhibition for Daily Life
2019 President's Award of Oita Godo Newspaper at the Bamboo Crafts Exhibition for Daily Life
2017 Selected for the Japan Craft Exhibition
2017 Chairman of the Beppu Bamboo Products Cooperative Award at the Bamboo Crafts Exhibition for Daily Life