#Japan #Toshima #Toshima City #Isao Shima #Yellow Ribbon Medal

Isao Shima, Traditional Craftsman, Receives Prestigious Award

Isao Shima, an accomplished craftsman from the Toshima Traditional Craft Preservation Association, officially reported his receipt of the Yellow Ribbon Medal of Merit (黄綬褒章) to Mayor Miyuki Takigai on June 11, 2023. This significant recognition is awarded by the Emperor of Japan to individuals who have made remarkable contributions in fields such as agriculture, commerce, and industry.

Shima, a master of precious metal accessories with over 60 years of experience, excels in all facets of the crafting process—from prototype creation to metalworking (tanki) and finishing. His specialization in techniques like Mokume-gane (木目金), which creates wood-like patterns from layers of metal, and intricate wax-working (蜜蝋細工) demonstrates his superior craftsmanship. Additionally, he actively contributes to the local community by conducting hands-on workshops at primary and secondary schools and participating in various events as a demonstrator or instructor, helping to educate the next generation about traditional crafts.

In his address at the city hall, Shima expressed his gratitude, stating, "This honor will motivate me to continue honing my skills and to pass them on to the next generation as part of our local heritage. I owe this accomplishment to my activities in Toshima City."

Mayor Miyuki Takigai remarked, "I am delighted to see such a distinguished awardee emerge from our traditional craftsmen in Toshima. We look forward to his continued efforts in promoting the charms of traditional crafts, both locally and globally."

Event Details

The meeting took place at the Toshima City Hall on the 5th floor in the mayor's reception room, from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM. The agenda included a report on the medal, discussions (including a showcase of Shima’s artwork), and a photo session with notable attendees:

• - Isao Shima, Shima Precious Metals
• - Yoshihiro Takahashi, President of the Toshima Traditional Craft Preservation Association
• - Mayor Miyuki Takigai

Shima’s Background and Achievements

Born in Toshima, Tokyo, Shima began his career in 1965 at Nakai Precious Metals, where he honed his manufacturing skills over a decade. In 1974, he established Shima Precious Metals, later joining the Toshima Traditional Craft Preservation Association in 2008. With his profound knowledge and exceptional skills in precious metal processing, he has made significant contributions to the transmission of these traditions.

Awards and Recognitions

• - 2008: Tokyo Meisters Award for Excellent Technicians
• - 2010: President’s Award from the All Japan Precious Metal Craftsmen's Association
• - 2011: President’s Award from the National Craftsmen's Association
• - 2011: Certified as a Toshima Traditional Craftsman
• - 2014: President’s Award from the Tokyo Vocational Ability Development Association
• - 2021: Toshima City Mayor's Award
• - 2023: Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award for Outstanding Skills
• - 2023: Yellow Ribbon Medal of Merit

Among his notable creations are the Mokume-gane brooch (K18, pearl, diamond, ruby) and wax-work brooches featuring Boulder opals and colored sapphires, highlighting the intricacy and artistic spirit of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

For more information on Isao Shima and his work, please visit the Toshima Traditional Craft Preservation Association website at Toshima Traditional Craftsman and explore traditional crafts in Toshima City at Toshima Traditional Crafts.