Takano Shigehiro
Woodcarver (1972- )
Born in 1950 in Hino City, Tokyo Metropolis. At the age of 22, while hitchhiking around Hokkaido during the summer, he stayed in Nibutani and became strongly drawn to the area, eventually deciding to relocate there. He apprenticed under the late Kaizawa Moriyuki, then owner of Kaizawa Mingei, and became involved in the production of Ainu folk crafts. In 1980, he became independent and founded "Takano Mingei"(Takano Folk Crafts). Since around 1990, he has specialized in the creation of traditional Ainu crafts, and now works together with his wife, craft artist Takano Keiko, producing over 200 types of Ainu tools and implements.
He mainly crafts ita (※1), tuki (ceremonial cups), and tonkori (string instruments). He emphasizes that the most important aspect of Nibutani Ainu craftsmanship is the preservation of the traditions and culture passed down along the Saru River. For many years, he has conveyed the importance of continuing the traditional craftwork of the Ainu people in this region, once stating firmly, “Nibutani needs nothing but Ainu traditional crafts.” In his own work, he pours his soul into every single carving, steadfastly preserving the traditional methods. His style is admired for honoring tradition while incorporating creative ideas.
In 2024, he was in charge of the wrapping design for the “Setapukusa-go” sightseeing bus. He also frequently teaches carving techniques to young artists and students, actively working to pass down the tradition.
Owner of "Takano Mingei". Member of the Nibutani Craft Association and one of the recognized creators of the traditional craft "Nibutani Ita".
※1 Ita are a kind of flat carved wooden platter that is a part of inherited Ainu culture. Nibutani Ita, the style particular to the Saru River basin where Nibutani, Biratori stands, is an officially designated Traditional Craft Product.
Career Highlights
Awards and Recognitions
1997 — Certified as an Ainu Traditional Craftsperson by the Foundation for Ainu Culture.
2003 — Appointed Cultural Advisor for Ainu Cultural Activities by the Foundation for Ainu Culture.
2020 — Awarded the Ainu Culture Encouragement Prize by the Foundation for Ainu Culture.
Ainu Folk Craft Competition (organized by the Utari Association of Hokkaido (※1))
1979 — Grand Prize
Ainu Craft Contest (organized by the Foundation for Ainu Culture (※2）)
1997 — Excellence Award, Traditional Woodcraft Category for the ita (square tray) / Merit Award for the ita (round tray)
2000 — Encouragement Award in the Traditional Woodcraft Category for the Etunup Nima
2001 — Excellence Award in the Traditional Woodcraft Category for the Ita (round tray)
2003 — 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.
Contact Information
Takano Miingei (Takano Folk Crafts)
78-13 Nibutani, Biratori-cho, Saru-gun, Hokkaido 055-0101, Japan
TEL (International): +81-1457-2-3397
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/takanomingei/