Our Story
We grew up in Shikoku, Japan, surrounded by traditional Japanese culture. Shikoku is well known for the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a centuries-old Buddhist pilgrimage in which people travel from temple to temple as a journey of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
Perhaps because of this environment, several members of our family, including our great-grandfather and grandfather, became “miyadaiku” — traditional carpenters specializing in the construction and restoration of shrines and temples. Some of our relatives became gardeners, while others became monks at Zen temples.
Our uncle was a tea master as well as a master of Japanese flower arrangement, and our father studied under him. At home, however, they always showed us only the natural and informal “Nageire” style of flower arrangement. As a result, although we grew up surrounded by it, we never properly learned the formal techniques of their school.
Looking back, one of our funniest childhood memories is of the beds our grandfather made for us. They had tatami mats, and the wooden panels were made using “ranma” carvings depicting hawks among pine trees. As children, we were rather disappointed by these very traditional, understated beds — we wanted something much more casual and modern!
Our grandfather’s house was built by members of the family and reflected their craftsmanship throughout. It had a nightingale floor, traditional rooms with “shoji” screens, and a beautiful Japanese garden. Naturally, they were very particular about the wood and materials they used. The house was decorated with “onigawara” roof tiles featuring cranes, hawks, and carp, as well as our family crest.
Now, looking back, we are especially impressed by how carefully the garden was designed so that something could be enjoyed in every season. There was a small tea house, a rock garden, and a koi pond crossed by a stone bridge. As children, we were often scolded for feeding the koi too much, trying to catch them, or climbing onto the tiled roof.
Only our grandfather’s room had wooden flooring instead of tatami, and that was where we were told to practice calligraphy.
We still miss our grandfather’s house and garden, but they are no longer there.
Living in Japan, where earthquakes, typhoons, fires, and other natural disasters are part of life, has taught us that even things that seem permanent can disappear very quickly. Perhaps this is one reason we feel strongly about passing old objects on to people who will appreciate and care for them.
Our grandfather used to say something that has stayed with us:
“Old things are very strange. Even if they take a long detour, they eventually find their way to the person they are meant to belong to.”
We hope that the old objects that come through KAGITORA will also find their way to wonderful new owners and continue their stories for many years to come.
Thank you very much for your interest in our collection.
We hope that these pieces will bring a small part of Japan’s culture and history into your life, and we wish you many bright and peaceful days ahead.
Sincerely,
KAGITORA – Tom and Mimii
About KAGITORA
KAGITORA is based in Osaka, Japan, and specializes in Japanese antiques, vintage pieces, and tea ceremony items carefully selected in Japan.
We are a licensed antique and secondhand goods dealer authorized by the Osaka Prefectural Public Safety Commission.
License Name: KAGITORA
License Number: No. 62101R050167
Our Shops
KAGITORA Official Website
https://bb-antiques.jp
KAGITORA on Etsy
https://www.etsy.com/jp/shop/KAGITORA
Contact
Location: Osaka, Japan
Email: cs@bb-antiques.jp
For our full business and legal information, please see the Commercial Disclosure page on our website.