Why Scandinavian furniture in Hida?
President interview

The Takayama area is one of Japan's leading Hida furniture (chair) production areas. We asked Mr. Azuma, President of Kitani Japan Co., Ltd. why he started making Scandinavian furniture in that area and why he was entrusted with a license from a Scandinavian master designer.

Mr. Azuma: "Since its establishment in 1967, Kitani has been engaged in a wide range of businesses to meet the needs of the time, such as tea leaves and propane gas. And gradually, Hida furniture makers began to entrust us with some of their production."

However, the chairs mass-produced in response to consumer needs also caused a large amount of disposables. The president at the time (previous chairman) saw the company's chairs at a garbage dump, and he set out to make furniture that fulfilled his dream.

Mr. Azuma: "Our first chair, which we designed and manufactured ourselves, was appreciated by customers and professionals at the exhibition, even though it was poorly made. That was the moment when the power of dreaming finally started working as a business."

Then, through the establishment of original furniture brands and collaborations with popular overseas manufacturers, the company expanded its sales channels. The furniture became a topic of conversation as furniture bought by a celebrity couple, and was often featured in highly sensitive magazines.

The turning point came in 1994. The president at the time (the previous chairman) visited Scandinavian countries on an inspection tour and witnessed an astonishing sight.

Mr. Azuma: "The chairs used in local nursing homes were masterpieces that sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars each among collectors. The Scandinavians took good quality chairs, maintained them carefully, and used them in their daily lives."

Convinced that this was exactly what Kitani wanted to achieve, he packed a container full of used furniture and headed for Japan. When the employees saw the broken and peeling used furniture, they were astonished and said, "The president has bought garbage!".

Mr. Azuma: "One day, however, a craftsman who had reached a dead end in the production of welfare chairs looked into the container with the best of intentions. Then, he found a lot of furniture filled with designs that had not yet been seen in Japan and the kindness that is unique to a country with an advanced welfare system. Some craftsmen were excited to find engravings of Finn Juhl and Hans Wegner."

That curiosity leads to the study of form and structure. While repeating "why?", dismantling and repair began. As a result, more than 1,000 pieces of Nordic furniture were restored. This has led to Kitani's current technology and aesthetic sense.

Mr. Azuma: "In 1995, Kitani was approved as the successor to Wilm Larsen, who holds the title of best furniture maker. Since then, we have had reissue license agreements with Ip Cofford Larsen, Jacob Kjær, and Finn Juhl, among others."

As of 2021, Kitani handles 33 pieces of licensed furniture by 6 designers.

At the root of overcoming numerous setbacks and obstacles was "always a dream and a challenge," Mr. Azuma told us.

Kitani recommended furniture introduction

Kitani's chairs are carefully hand-finished one by one, paying homage to world-famous designers and imagining the happy faces of those who purchase them. We asked for actual recommended products!

Chair "FJ-01 (Finn Juhl / 1953)" which is also described as a work of art

An easy chair with sculptural curves designed by Finn Juhl. Since it was completed in 1953, it is also called "53 Chair" or "No.53".

The armrests gently bend like animal horns, and the luxurious seat design seems to rise out of the frame. This chair is a work of art, a well-balanced blend of careful and reliable woodworking techniques by craftsmen and skilled skills in seat upholstery.

The upholstery is finished by choosing between "machine sewing" and "hand sewing" patterns.

"IL-01 (Ip Cofford Larsen / 1956)" became a hot topic after being purchased by the Queen of England

"IL-01", with its delicate details that extend from the front legs to the rear legs through the elbows, is the most complete design among Ip Kofford Larsen's works.

Despite the slender frame that has been machined down to less than a tenth of a centimeter, it has an extreme sense of balance in which the strength aspect has been calculated so that the body can be entrusted to it with peace of mind. The design that challenges the limits of thinness and cushioning is in perfect harmony and enhances the sense of presence.

It is also called the "Elizabeth chair" because Queen Elizabeth purchased it.

Kitani handles not only licensed Scandinavian furniture, but also furniture such as sofas, desks, and cabinets, as well as excellently designed furniture by designers active in Japan and overseas.

The furniture that Hida's craftsmen put their time and passion into hand-finishing will surely become a favorite item that you will want to pass down for generations.

Good location is also a highlight

Kitani is known to be a little different among furniture manufacturers in Hida Takayama. The unique technology won from the spirit of challenge will surely continue to fascinate many people in the future.

In addition.

When you stop by here, enjoy the wonderful view of Takayama city from the deck from the terrace overhanging the mountain.

It seems that concerts and events are held regularly, so please check before you go out.

Click here for a report on the "Finn Juhl House," a recreation of Finn Juhl's home.

What kind of house did the world-famous designer live in? A tour report of the "Finn Juhl House" reproduced in Hida Takayama.

When you meet a professional in that field, have you ever wondered, "What kind of life does this person usually have?" For example, what wine does a world-famous sommelier drink on his birthday? Which hospital does the famous doctor go to? And what kind of house do famous architects live in? Scandinavian Denmark...

2020.12.09

https://life-designs.jp