Born in 1950 in Hino City, Tokyo. 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. 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 (flat wooden trays), tuki (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” sightseeing bus in Sapporo. 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 Folk Craft Association and one of the recognized creators of the traditional craft Nibutani Ita.

Takano Miingei (Takano Folk Crafts)
78-13 Nibutani, Biratori-cho, Saru-gun, Hokkaido 055-0101, Japan
TEL (Domestic): 01457-2-3397
TEL (International): +81-1457-2-3397
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/takanomingei/