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 Mr. Kaizawa Tadashi, then Vice Director of the Hokkaido Utari Association (now the Hokkaido Ainu Association). 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 Mr. Hiratsuka Kenchi and the late Mr. Kaizawa Fukuji.
He currently focuses on creating ita (wooden 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 iku-pasuy (libation sticks) and tuki (ceremonial cups) to help preserve Ainu traditions.
He fondly remembers that fireflies once lived behind the site where the Nibutani Ainu Craft Tradition Center "Urespa" now stands, and hopes they will one day return to Nibutani.
A member of the Nibutani Folk 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 Hokkaido Utari Association*)
1986: Grand Prize (Governor of Hokkaido Award)
1987: Excellence Award
1994: Special Award
1995: Encouragement Award
* The Hokkaido Utari Association changed its name to the Hokkaido Ainu Association in 2009, and became the Public Interest Incorporated Association Hokkaido Ainu Association in 2014.
Ainu Craft Contest (organized by the Foundation for Research and Promotion of Ainu Culture**)
2016: Selected for the Traditional Woodcraft Category – ita (tray)
** The Foundation was reorganized as the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Ainu Culture in 2018.