Suzaki Haruo
Woodcarver (1972- )
Born in 1948 in Osaka City. At the age of 19, he moved to Hokkaido and began working under the late Kaizawa Tadashi, then Vice Director of the Utari Association of Hokkaido (now the Ainu Association of Hokkaido). Deeply moved by the Ainu patterns of woodcarver Kaizawa Koichi, he began carving at the age of 24. He trained under the late Mr. Kaizawa Tadashi and continued to refine his craft under the guidance of the late Hiratsuka Kenchi and the late Kaizawa Fukuji.
He currently focuses on creating ita (wooden flat trays with Ainu patterns) and cispo (needle cases). Particularly striking is his use of ramram-noka (a scaled carving pattern) placed between Ainu motifs—known for its delicate and deeply carved texture that gives his work a strong visual impact.
Learning that the ita originated from a way of life deeply connected to nature, he strives to embody Ainu spiritual culture through his work, not only by mastering craft techniques but also by studying Ainu oral literature such as yukar. He also creates ritual tools such as ikupasuy (libation sticks) and tuki (ceremonial cups) to help preserve Ainu traditions.
He fondly remembers that fireflies once lived behind the site where the Biratori Ainu Crafts and Heritage Center "Urespa" now stands, and hopes they will one day return to Nibutani.
A member of the Nibutani Craft Association and one of the recognized creators of the traditional craft product “Nibutani Ita.”
Career Highlights
2022 – Recipient of the Ainu Culture Encouragement Prize from the Foundation for Ainu Culture.
Ainu Folk Craft Competition (formerly organized by the Utari Association of Hokkaido (※1))
1986 — Grand Prize (Governor of Hokkaido Award)
1987 — Excellence Award
1994 — Special Award
1995 — Encouragement Award
Ainu Craft Contest (organized by the Foundation for Ainu Culture (※2))
2016 — Selected in the Traditional Woodcraft Category for the Ita
※1 Utari Association of Hokkaido was renamed and then reorganized as the Ainu Association of Hokkaido in 2014.
※2 The Foundation for Research and Promotion of Ainu Culture became and be reorganized into the Foundation for Ainu Culture in 2018.