Introduction of artisans: Menu ----------------------------- Introduction ----------------------------- Introduction "Clothing" Kyo yuzen silk dyeing / Masahiro Ikeuchi Nishijin textile / Takahisa Tamura Kyo yuzen silk dyeing / Ryotaro Hika Kyo Yuzen silk dyeing / Tomoko Fujii Flower arrangement / Michihisa Watanabe ----------------------------- Introduction "Eating and Drinking" Japanese dishes / Takeshi Shinmura Rice / Takashi Hashimoto Sake / Yoshihiro Higashino ----------------------------- Introduction "Living" Synthetic resin / Shigemi Inari Kiyomizu-ware / Hirokazu Kato Woodblock printing / Yuko Harada Jidaigire / Taro Matsumura Folding fans / Takahito Mizukami

In the belief that flowers arranged on a table make people happy, I am proposing "barrier-free" flower arrangement. By the term "barrier-free", I refer to the art of flower arrangement being easy for and accessible to each and every individual. My way of flower arrangement does not require much in the way of cost, special techniques or knowledge of rules. Our shops purchase flowers through various channels: directly from producers, from wholesalers and from overseas producers. At our shops in Kyoto, flower arrangement specialists tailor bouquets in accordance with individual customers' requests. Our leading specialist, Mina Urasawa, arranges flowers for many glossy magazines, displays and events. We also run a flower arrangement school. Many staff members of our company are graduates of this school.

At a cross-industrial exchange meeting, I met people from various industries. After several meetings, I decided to establish a small company together with some of the participants of those meetings.

When we present a floral bouquet to someone, we also deliver our warm regards, messages of gratitude, or wishes for the recipient's happiness. I am delighted to be able to engage in this business because I can share the joy and warm regards with my customers. By arranging flowers in ways that best satisfy our customers, I hope to delight both the gift givers and the recipients.

Instead of my own background, I would like to introduce the background of our leading artist, Mina Urasawa, who is active in arranging flowers for glossy magazines and publishing books on flower arrangement. Born in Nishijin, home to Nishijin textile, she has cultivated keen sensitivity toward delicate colors, as well as aesthetic senses that respond to seasonal changes. Her extraordinary sensitivity and aesthetic senses are reflected in her flower arrangements.

I want to create a business model demonstrating that a new business like ours can have a long life in Kyoto. By developing our business in this ancient capital, I hope to help develop Kyoto into a center of many artists and artisans of diverse cultural businesses.