Connecting Kyoto's Traditions to the Next Generation--New Possibilities for "Traditional Industries" Brought to You by Foreign Craftspeople

Nishijin brocade, Kyoto dolls, and Kyoto fans live and breathe in the city of Kyoto. These traditional industries that have been nurtured in the city for millennia are now facing an unprecedented "lack of successors".

"We want to pass on our skills, but we can't attract young people." "Do we have to close the workshop?" ......

For those masters and managers who are faced with such a difficult decision, I would like to present "accepting foreign craftsmen with aspirations" as an option.

Why foreign craftsmen now?

Today, an increasing number of foreigners are fascinated by traditional Japanese crafts and eager to "learn real techniques. They are not just a "work force. They are "blue-eyed successor candidates," so to speak, who truly respect Japanese culture and are passionate about learning its techniques.

However, even when considering employment, a major obstacle still stands in the way. That is the complicated "visa (status of residence)" procedure.

Main visa mechanisms supporting traditional industries

When hiring foreigners in the traditional crafts world, two main routes are considered

1. Technical" visaThis is to utilize skills specific to a foreign country (e.g., foreign craft production), but there are also cases where it can be used to learn traditional Japanese crafts.
2. Specified Skills" VisaThe qualification is for immediate employment in the field of manufacturing and other fields.

These procedures require an enormous amount of paperwork to be prepared, and detailed coordination with the Immigration Bureau (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Agency) is essential. It would be a great loss to Kyoto's cultural assets if those of you who hone your skills in the field have to spend time on this complicated paperwork.

Forming "Pride" and "Peace of Mind" as a Former Kyoto Prefectural Government Employee

I am,Worked at Kyoto Prefectural Government for 35 yearsI have been in the field of industrial promotion and support for small and medium-sized enterprises in Kyoto for more than 30 years. I take pride in understanding better than anyone else the importance of "civility," "trust," and the conservative "traditions that must be preserved" that are valued by the traditional industrial community.

Currently, as an administrative scrivener, I specialize in "International Services (Visa)" in particular, but my mission is more than just document preparation.

• To be an "interpreter" between the logic of the government and the wishes of the field.
• To provide the best legal support in the cause of "connecting Kyoto's culture to the next generation".

We are confident that we can provide you with peace of mind in these two respects that no other firm can.

Traditions are preserved through "change".

Just as Nishijin textiles once developed by incorporating foreign technology (Jacquard machines), so too can the traditional industries of today take on new blood to carry their spirit into the future.

I'm worried about hiring a foreigner" or "I don't know the procedure at all." Please don't let your traditional fire be extinguished with such anxiety. First of all, please let me, who know Kyoto's administration well, know what you are thinking.

Together, let us create a beautiful future for Kyoto.