Soon after graduating from a junior high school, I left my parents' home in Miyagi Pref. and started training at a furniture manufacturing shop in Itabashi, Tokyo and continued manufacturing furniture for total 22 years with a living-in position for the first 5 year and then living in an apartment house from the 6th year. I took a correspondence course to study design thinking of necessity of knowledge in addition to manufacturing technique. I was certainly busy every day but didn't think the bitter at all because I liked manufacturing things. Since I had a will to eventually stand on my own feet, I could adopt everything through experience.
The opportunity of my marriage made me stand on my own feet leaving the shop where I first worked for 22 years and I got my own factory in Hasuda. Since then I have manufactured furniture for more than 20 years there in Hasuda as a wood craftsman. When I came to Hasuda, I got jobs from my boss in the beginning. However, giving the sign of my own shop, I received inquiries from stores and shops, furniture stores, engineering firms, etc. in nearby area. I could see gradualy increasing orders because I tackled with them thoroughly one by one and could build trust in customers. I studied every day harder than ever even after independence. I realize that experience is very important.
When I mentioned to the boss that I wanted to stand on my own feet, he said, "Waite for another 5 years since other workers have not grown up yet." I accepted his request and mentioned that again 5 years later. He kindly understood my plans and I quickly sold my house to start up my independent enterprise.
If I had an idea like "If I save some more money" or "If I have acquired some more techniques", I would not be able stand on my own feet throughout my life. It is impossible to supply a deficiency all at once. Shortage may be supplied if we go ahead believing in ourselves, having courage to take a step forward, working continuously in good faith. Dreams should come true if we take a step forward. Independent business is certaily a fight with future uneasiness. However, it is quite possible to have a dream come true by believing our own experience and ability.
I have customers who kindly trust me because I live in Hasuda and work lowering the root there. Building trust certainly needs a long time. Setting up a home, building a factory and making furniture with good faith lead to self-confidence and record of performance, and then the credibility may be gained.
Products of Takakiyo ATELIER are made by hand one by one unlike those mass-produced. I make not only large-scale shop furniture but also equipped chests. I even make railings of the stairs and small low dining tables. I am able to get orders for various articles because I do business spreading my roots in this area. I am thankful for the fact that I am living as a furniture maker now.
HEAD OF "Takakiyo ATELIER" ORDER-MADE FURNITURE MANUFACTURING
He worked at a shop handling furniture and equipment to be sold to famous hotels for 20 years building up his skill and then he stood on his own feet. After independence, he has been engaged in producing furniture and wood articles made to order one by one for more than 20 years.
