Tomoko Imai - A Master Craftwoman, Nousaku Corporation

今井 智子

Prefacture
Toyama

In celebration of International Woman's Day 2025, Epicurean Nomads chats with Tomoko Imai. She is a Craftwoman at Nousaku, an innovator that not only makes the finest tin crafts but also to convey the essence of their craftsmanship.

What made you decide to become a Nousaku craftswoman? 

能作の職人を志したきっかけは何ですか？

When I was in elementary school, I got the chance to attend a factory tour at Nousaku, which captured my interest in the traditional casting industry in my hometown, Takaoka. As I have always liked crafts, I studied industrial art at high school. After graduation, I decided to become a craftswoman at Nousaku where my love for craftsmanship first came about.

地元である高岡の鋳物伝統産業を意識したきっかけが、小学生の時に工場見学に行った耕作でした。ものづくりが好きで工芸を学べる高校に入学し、学んだうえで、きっかけとなった能作で職人になりたいと思い、入社しました。