Willija

With the concept of accessories that you want to give as gifts, I create items that I would be delighted to receive and that I would want to share with others.

Commitment to Our Products:
I am driven by the desire to craft original products that are uniquely Willija's. My focus centers on designs predominantly infused with the beauty of flowers, aptly named "Hana-Sai Resin". These creations allow you to appreciate the transparency of the resin and the natural colors of the materials. I take joy in offering special works that are both simple and possess a distinctive sense of individuality.

We aim to convey the charms of Gifu Prefecture to more people and instill pride in the locals for its attractions.
With this goal in mind, we initiated our activities in 2016.

Commitment to our products:
Seki-city, where I reside, is a town with a strong tradition of swordsmithing, earning it the moniker "town of cutlery." However, over time, the number of swordsmiths has declined, and young people express sentiments like, "There is nothing in this town but cutlery."

Despite having a world-class tradition, it's becoming increasingly challenging for people to appreciate its splendor. I hope that the young individuals who will lead the next generation will come to love this town even more. Fueled by this sentiment, I took up the shears of this town to create something unique that aligns with the current times.

Since I intended to use a local tool, I selected Mino Japanese paper, a traditional craft from the neighboring town, as the cutting material. Mino Washi, still recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, is a traditional craft representative of Gifu, produced from the clear Nagara River and the rich nature of Gifu Prefecture.

Just by looking at the Mino Washi supple, damage-resistant, delicate, and beautiful, I felt thrilled. However, I had an image of Washi = old-fashioned, I strive to create a new design that overturns the conventional image of Washi and is easy to incorporate into modern life.

The sharpness of Seki's scissors is excellent, allowing them to cut through the daily changes in washi, depending on the humidity and the way the paper is made, to give it the shape I desire. The sharpness of the shears varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. The difference is evident, unlike those produced in other prefectures or inexpensive ones.

Presently, I am endeavoring to create works that enable the viewer to feel the texture of washi even more.

We will deliver works that amplify the charm of Gifu Prefecture.