As the "backbone" of the company, COO Ten Karasawa is responsible for the gritty work of turning ideals into reality and building the necessary systems.

Q1: Out of all the options available, why did you choose to build your career in the traditional industries, which are considered the most difficult to transform?

I have dreamed of traveling around the world since I was a child, and I have always had a strong interest in the cultures of different regions. After coming to Japan, I became deeply fascinated by the world of traditional crafts. I feel that traditional crafts are the most perfect "vessels" for embodying a country's culture and sharing it with the world. In one-on-one sales interactions, I can carefully explain the background and stories behind Japanese culture to international customers. That process itself is incredibly rewarding for me. When I was looking for like-minded people who shared my desire to share Japanese culture with the world, I met Allen. We worked hard together, which ultimately led to the founding of TAIMATSU Co., Ltd.

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Q2: Beyond viewing them as mere products, what kind of respect do you have for Japanese craftsmanship? Please tell us the source of that sentiment.

When I worked in Alaska, I met Japanese people for the first time. Their serious and sincere work ethic left a deep impression on me and sparked my strong interest in Japan. After graduating from university, I decided without hesitation to go to Japan to experience the culture firsthand. Through an internship at a manufacturing plant in Japan, I became deeply interested in Japanese craftsmanship and on-site management methods. Through my subsequent work, I met a knife maker in Shikoku who would become my mentor. He was a fourth-generation craftsman who had grown up surrounded by handiwork. From him, I learned everything there is to know about knives, including how to sharpen them. Working and living alongside my mentor for a long time, I developed a special feeling for Japanese craftsmanship. I have sincere respect for the rigor that refuses to compromise on details and the obsessive passion for preserving a single technique.

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Q3: Balancing the "skills" of artisans with corporate "profits"—what kind of strong organization are you aiming to build?

First of all, there are not many young artisans in Japan. I consider it my great mission to pass these precious skills on to the next generation. To that end, no matter how much the times change, I am committed to protecting the "most essential traditional techniques" and creating an environment where the younger generation can learn them properly. On the other hand, for a company to grow sustainably, we must significantly improve the traditional workshop environment. I am actively investing in facilities to ensure that artisans can work in safe, clean, and comfortable conditions, thereby increasing both safety and productivity. We also provide regular health checkups for all our artisans to ensure they can work healthily for a long time. I am aiming to build a team that centers on the younger generation while keeping established artisans and traditional techniques at its core. I want to create a "modern artisan group" that is rooted in tradition, yet healthy, highly efficient, and consistent.


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Q4: Assuming they have the necessary skills, what kind of person do you trust enough to say, "I can rely on this person to have my back"?

As you say, one's approach to work is one of the most important criteria for selecting talent. I can confidently entrust tasks to those who have a strong sense of responsibility and always prioritize the company's overall interests and the team's reputation. It is also vital that they look in the same direction as the company and share the same goals. Furthermore, I want to build the future of TAIMATSU with people who can provide mutual feedback, grow together, and elevate each other's capabilities.