Expressing my ideas through the potentiality of washi—traditional Japanese paper

ARATA Mr. Hiroya Nakamura

※In May 2019, he changed his brand name from ARATA to HIROYA.

In Kyoto Mr. Nakamura’s family produces washi items such as books bound in Japanese style, goshuincho—special notebooks for collecting red stamps given at shrines and temples, hanging scrolls, and so on. They also reproduce antique books to exhibit in museums. However, Mr. Nakamura makes personal accessories from washi. Why did he take a different direction from his family?
“While I was working with my family, I became aware that the demand for handmade washi is falling. I wondered how I could help preserve the tradition. I was interested in fashion, but I didn’t have knowledge or experience to make textile from washi. I thought I could make personal accessories from washi, because I was skilled in making hand-made items. I started experimenting in creating accessories in 2008, whilst still working with my family.”

When women find something pretty, they can’t leave it

Subsequently he focused on the women’s market and continued to create washi accessories, hoping that they would enhance women’s beauty. He started selling his accessories with reasonable prices at street markets and art events. The response from customers was positive.
“At that time, I was still trying to understand if my ideas could be succeeded, or if washi accessories could be successful as a business. I started participating in events to show my products. Then, a dealer offered to exhibit my accessories in a department store. Although I was delighted to exhibit there, I felt unsure because I didn’t know how to display my products.”
Fortunately, some customers bought his washi accessories, and this encouraged him. Gradually, he moved on from street markets to sales through exhibitions in department stores. Then, in 2013 he started participating in the fashion and design fair called rooms※in order to connect with stores which could showcase his items.

※A fashion and jewelry design exhibition organized by H.P. France. About 600 brands participate and exhibit clothes, accessories, and local products there. It inspires and connects designers, dealers, and shops.

Washi pearls to make accessories

Washi accessories successfully sold overseas

“After Great East Japan Earthquake, even in the exhibition, rooms, they included more local products. It was a good opportunity for me. Gradually more shops showcased my washi accessories.”
Participation in that exhibition was probably the turning point. He won the Grand Prix in the first Kyoto Youth Competition organized by Kyoto City. Steadily he started selling his original washi leather abroad. In Soho, New York, his artwork is on display in a gallery. It is a neighborhood where people in the fashion industry gather. It may bring him new opportunities.

Arata washi accessory

While managing only one store in Kyoto, I am willing to grow the roots of my business

He wants his artwork to be recognized more by relaying information through his website, displaying and selling in department stores, and exhibiting in galleries.
“I am not planning to have more shops. It is sufficient for me to manage a shop in Kyoto. I don’t plan to increase production and sales. I would like people to carefully look at my artwork in galleries.”
He would like fashion-conscious people to take a careful look at his creations in his own space. He doesn’t follow trends. He follows his heart.

Mr. Nakamura’s shop in Kyoto, ARATA atelier & shop

ARATA washi accessory

ARATA washi accessory has light and warm texture. It is made of Kurotani washi, which has 800-year history, and it was born thanks to unique 3D molding technique. It can be used every day as well as for special occasions, since it is treated not only against water and sweat, but also against oil and dirt.

Hiroya Nakamura

Born in Uji, Kyoto, in 1981.
He worked for his family business for eight years, making washi products for shrines and temples. Afterwards, in order to preserve the valuable washi tradition, he began his journey with washi accessories.
In 2013 he launched his own brand ARATA. In May 2019, he changed the brand name to HIROYA, his first name.

HIROYA atelier & shop (reservation needed)

201 Atelier Nakamichi, 13 Mibuaiaicho, Nakagyoku
Kyoto 604-8812 Japan
Tel / Fax：075-777-2475
http://www.arata-kyoto.com/

Mr. Hiroya Nakamura’s accessories and other items are on sale in Kizuki.Japan ONLINE SHOP.