Yoshiyuki Hata
The Third Master
METI*-designated traditional craftsperson of Kawajiri** fude (brush)
Date of birth: 3 February, 1951
In my childhood when I came home from school, my father (Masumi Hata, the Second Master) always asked me to help him in his brush making, plus do all my farm chores. That’s how I learned the brush-making processes and techniques. I went onto senior high school after graduating from junior high school, whereupon I started, in earnest, to train myself in the brush making process.
I worked very hard. By the time I graduated from senior high school, I mastered all the brush-making techniques required in those days, and consequently became the youngest winner of a technical prize in brush making.
As a successful brush craftsman, I enjoyed my work. In time, however, I began to realize that I needed to develop my skills further.
I wanted to make even better brushes.
I wanted to refine my skills through the use of hairs that require higher techniques to handle and manipulate.
I wanted to surpass my father as a fude craftsman.