Yamakawa Tortoiseshell
Mr. Kinsaku Yamakawa was born in Niigata Prefecture. During his childhood, he moved to Shizuoka, where he spent his elementary school years. Later, due to his parents’ work, the family relocated to Yamanashi Prefecture, where he attended junior high school.
Although his youth was marked by frequent moves from place to place, a recommendation from a teacher at his junior high school in Yamanashi opened the door for him to begin working at a major tortoiseshell (bekko) workshop in Tokyo. Rather than continuing his education, he chose to start working, helping to support his family while learning the craft.
Under the warm guidance of the company’s president, he grew steadily as a craftsman, despite making many mistakes along the way. Mr. Yamakawa himself takes pride in a life blessed with meaningful connections with others.
Known for his gentle and approachable personality, he is affectionately called “Kin-chan” among his colleagues. However, when it comes to his work, his attitude is deeply serious and dedicated. His reliable skills and sincere character have earned him great trust from those around him.
In 2004, following the passing of the president he had served for many years, he became independent and established his own workshop in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo.
Even in the challenging circumstances facing the tortoiseshell industry today, he continues to quietly preserve and carry on the traditional craft, supported by the encouragement of his fellow artisans.
Mr. Kinsaku Yamakawa is a craftsman who never cuts corners, no matter how small the decorative component he is asked to create. Even the tiniest part is handled with care and precision, reflecting his unwavering commitment to quality.
Many of his works are not pieces that bear his name prominently, but rather components that enhance other works of craftsmanship. Yet even when producing such supporting elements, he never compromises on perfection. His sincere approach to work has earned him a strong reputation, and requests now come even from major jewelry brands.
Among his many projects, the creation of bases for high-end cameos stands out as particularly memorable to Mr. Yamakawa. The curved surfaces of these meticulously polished pieces possess a depth that appears as if layers of luster have been built up over time. They radiate a beauty that artificial materials could never reproduce.
It is precisely this gentle curvature and unique texture that continue to captivate long-standing clients.
The moment Mr. Yamakawa feels the greatest joy in his work is when a customer—who has paid a price that is by no means inexpensive—offers heartfelt words of gratitude.
Here in Katsushika Ward, while valuing collaboration with craftsmen across different trades, Mr. Yamakawa continues to quietly but firmly convey the value of creating truly fine work.
Bekko (tortoiseshell) has a long and complex history. While several theories exist regarding its origins, it is widely believed that tortoiseshell craftsmanship spread in China during the Han dynasty, later passed through Europe, and eventually reached Japan in the Nara period.
These decorative items are made by processing the shell of the hawksbill sea turtle. Characterized by a soft yellowish-white glow, tortoiseshell has long been cherished for both its beauty and its smooth, pleasant texture.
In Japan as well, many tortoiseshell objects can be found among the treasures of the Shōsōin, but it was not until the mid-Edo period that tortoiseshell became widely used as an ornament among ordinary people.
Tortoiseshell contains components similar to animal glue, allowing pieces to be fused together using only heat and water, without the need for adhesives. Because it can be shaped into almost any form, it was adopted as a material for a wide range of everyday tools and accessories, giving rise to a great variety of products.
Today, however, international commercial trade in tortoiseshell has been halted under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. As a result, once the raw materials that were imported before the treaty came into effect are exhausted, the history of bekko as a traditional craft may come to an end.
Various efforts are currently being made to prevent this from happening, but as yet, no clear solution has been found.
Tortoiseshell reading glasses (3 degrees)
Because natural materials are used, there may be some minor scratches or stains, and the color and pattern may differ slightly from the image displayed.
Please be aware of this in advance.
Yamakawa Tortoiseshell
Mr. Kinsaku Yamakawa was born in Niigata Prefecture. During his childhood, he moved to Shizuoka, where he spent his elementary school years. Later, due to his parents’ work, the family relocated to Yamanashi Prefecture, where he attended junior high school.
Although his youth was marked by frequent moves from place to place, a recommendation from a teacher at his junior high school in Yamanashi opened the door for him to begin working at a major tortoiseshell (bekko) workshop in Tokyo. Rather than continuing his education, he chose to start working, helping to support his family while learning the craft.
Under the warm guidance of the company’s president, he grew steadily as a craftsman, despite making many mistakes along the way. Mr. Yamakawa himself takes pride in a life blessed with meaningful connections with others.
Known for his gentle and approachable personality, he is affectionately called “Kin-chan” among his colleagues. However, when it comes to his work, his attitude is deeply serious and dedicated. His reliable skills and sincere character have earned him great trust from those around him.
In 2004, following the passing of the president he had served for many years, he became independent and established his own workshop in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo.
Even in the challenging circumstances facing the tortoiseshell industry today, he continues to quietly preserve and carry on the traditional craft, supported by the encouragement of his fellow artisans.
Mr. Kinsaku Yamakawa is a craftsman who never cuts corners, no matter how small the decorative component he is asked to create. Even the tiniest part is handled with care and precision, reflecting his unwavering commitment to quality.
Many of his works are not pieces that bear his name prominently, but rather components that enhance other works of craftsmanship. Yet even when producing such supporting elements, he never compromises on perfection. His sincere approach to work has earned him a strong reputation, and requests now come even from major jewelry brands.
Among his many projects, the creation of bases for high-end cameos stands out as particularly memorable to Mr. Yamakawa. The curved surfaces of these meticulously polished pieces possess a depth that appears as if layers of luster have been built up over time. They radiate a beauty that artificial materials could never reproduce.
It is precisely this gentle curvature and unique texture that continue to captivate long-standing clients.
The moment Mr. Yamakawa feels the greatest joy in his work is when a customer—who has paid a price that is by no means inexpensive—offers heartfelt words of gratitude.
Here in Katsushika Ward, while valuing collaboration with craftsmen across different trades, Mr. Yamakawa continues to quietly but firmly convey the value of creating truly fine work.
Bekko (tortoiseshell) has a long and complex history. While several theories exist regarding its origins, it is widely believed that tortoiseshell craftsmanship spread in China during the Han dynasty, later passed through Europe, and eventually reached Japan in the Nara period.
These decorative items are made by processing the shell of the hawksbill sea turtle. Characterized by a soft yellowish-white glow, tortoiseshell has long been cherished for both its beauty and its smooth, pleasant texture.
In Japan as well, many tortoiseshell objects can be found among the treasures of the Shōsōin, but it was not until the mid-Edo period that tortoiseshell became widely used as an ornament among ordinary people.
Tortoiseshell contains components similar to animal glue, allowing pieces to be fused together using only heat and water, without the need for adhesives. Because it can be shaped into almost any form, it was adopted as a material for a wide range of everyday tools and accessories, giving rise to a great variety of products.
Today, however, international commercial trade in tortoiseshell has been halted under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. As a result, once the raw materials that were imported before the treaty came into effect are exhausted, the history of bekko as a traditional craft may come to an end.
Various efforts are currently being made to prevent this from happening, but as yet, no clear solution has been found.
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