Case 04_Craftman Hiroshi Kodama with CANVAS ALL STAR J HI
PROFILE
Born in Miyazaki Prefecture. Started "Noteworks" in 2006 with his childhood friend Daisuke Kawakami. Under the theme of "RE think (, think and create new value )," they spend their days making furniture and picture frames using scrap wood mainly by handmade method, as well as interior construction.
INSTAGRAM:@noteworks
Even I, who am basically bored, will never get bored with this.
Please tell us about a typical day in the life of Mr. Kodama.
The majority of my work involves the production of items that are ordered. Recently, I have been working on some pieces for an exhibition, so I start work at 9:30 a.m. and work on sound work until about 8 p.m. After that, I paint and finish at 1 or 2 a.m. Then, the next day, I would shave it down and finish it up. This is the basic flow of a day, and the average time required to make one picture frame is about two days.
You seem to work quite long hours. What kind of shoes do you wear while you work?
Machine operation often requires the use of the calf, and most of the work involves bending and stretching movements, such as squatting and stepping with force. Therefore, if the sole is not securely sewn to the upper, it will not be able to withstand the load and will soon break. I also ride a bicycle, so durability is important. I have had a pair of "All Star" shoes for a long time, but they are not suitable for work, so I have not worn them until now...but the model I have just worn is totally different!
This work is based on the "All Star J", which is made of domestic materials. How did you feel about the comfort of the shoes?
The form is cool and the tight fit around the ankles is addictive. The sole also wraps around the foot, and the cushioning makes me wonder, "Was it ever this easy to wear? I was surprised. I usually wear work clothes, so they look even dirtier (laugh), but today I'm wearing chinos for a clean and simple look. I'm sure they'll look great with shorts from now on. I'm basically a person who gets bored easily, but I don't think I'll ever get bored with this.
The sub-theme is "LOCAL," which fits well with the locally loved "Noteworks. By the way, what do most customers order frames for?
We often receive requests for frames as housewarming gifts and other gift items. Also, perhaps because art has become more accessible than in the past, we have recently seen an increase in requests to frame artists' works. As a creator, I would be happy if people would put something that is important to them in the frames.
I see. What is Notebook Works' commitment to manufacturing?
There is nothing special about that. It is natural that everyone's tastes are different, so we listen to our customers' preferences and adapt to their tastes. However, I think the closeness between us and the creators is a part of what makes us unique. Perhaps that's why we are often asked to leave the work entirely up to the client, saying, "Just the way you like it! I think that's why we are often left to our own devices. I have been doing this job for a long time as a way to make a living, but I guess I enjoy making things somehow.
CANVAS ALL STAR J HI ¥13,200 As the base of the "All Star J" is made in Japan using domestic materials, the sub-theme is "LOCAL". The black upper is lined with a tricot line, and the logo is printed in red on the insole to resemble the Japanese flag. The "MADE IN JAPAN" logo is also proudly displayed under the heel label.
