Nakayoshi Library has factories in Kochi and Mitoyo, as well as a directly managed store in Kobe. There are a total of 31 craftsmen. There are eight sales, store and administrative staff. Over the past eight years, we have gained many new colleagues. There is a wide variety in age, personality, hometown, and reasons for joining the company... What kind of people work at Nakayoshi Library? We interviewed them.
From aircraft mechanic to woodworker Yusuke Harada, 36 years old
I was born in Ehime. I moved to Tokyo and spent my time there until the fifth grade. Then, my father was transferred to Hiroshima for junior high school. I went to high school and vocational school to become an aircraft mechanic, and worked there for eight years. I guess I just liked concentrating on something, rather than just making things. When I was a mechanic, I made a rubber band gun using a manual jigsaw as a hobby and gave it to a child I knew, who was very happy with it. I've always liked talking to people, but when I was a mechanic, I didn't have the chance to talk to or meet new people, so I wanted to do a job where I could make someone happy with something I made through woodworking, which I started as a hobby, and see a smile on their face. That was the trigger for me to change jobs.
I want to create things that bring joy to others.
When I quit my job as a mechanic and studied furniture making at a woodworking school in Gifu Prefecture, I had the opportunity to visit this company. It reminded me of how great it is to work here and to think that manufacturing is a great thing.
Drawn by fate? Joining Nakayoshi Library
After graduating from woodworking school, I was introduced by a friend to Umajimura Village in Yanase, Kochi Prefecture, where I worked as a woodworker making and selling wine glasses and tea bowls while also working as a local revitalization volunteer. However, I felt that this alone was not enough to make a living, and wanted to gain more experience, when by chance I found out about the job openings at Nakayoshi Library. I thought to myself, "This was my destiny!" And that's how I got to where I am today. I learn a lot every day at the furniture making site. In the future, I want to become a woodworker who can make a living from woodworking.
The joys and difficulties of working together to complete a piece of furniture
The moment I enjoy making furniture now is when I feel that the whole production is flowing well, because we all work together to complete a piece, starting from cutting the wood. When I was working alone, I was able to work at my own pace without worrying about time, but now I have to maintain the quality of my work, but I can't take too much time either. It's hard to maintain the technique and quality in that environment, but it's also a moment when I feel it's worth it.
Future goals
First of all, I want to be able to make all the products in Nakayoshi Library. In my private life, I've been coming to the factory on my days off to make tables and picture frames, and I've been making things for acquaintances on request, so I want to make sure I have time for myself. I love woodworking and I enjoy the time I spend doing it, so I want to enjoy making things in my private life and at work, absorbing as much as I can and growing as a person.
Harada-san always leaves an impression with her gentle smile. There were many moments when we could see her giving form to something, creating original works on her days off, and how much she loves making things.
I would like to continue to hold interviews that give a glimpse into the true faces of our craftsmen.
So please look forward to the next time ^^
