“Weaving Revitalization in Old Age” by Janice Chen

This is Matsumoto-san, a bamboo-weaving instructor at Midori no Sato (みどりの里) in Ashikita (芦北), Kumamoto Prefecture. Matsumoto-san is a retired high school teacher who continues his passion for bamboo weaving in his golden years. He became so skillful that he began taking students of his own.

In this picture, we were introduced to an array of baskets woven by Matsumoto-san, as well as the traditional Japanese bamboo décor (pictured here) that triggered his fascination with the art of bamboo weaving. We felt his strong enthusiasm for bamboo weaving in his elaborate explanation of this innocent-looking bamboo decor.

As an instructor, Matsumoto-san not only passes on his knowledge of a skill, but also preserves a part of Japanese traditional culture. Even in old age, he continues his passion to spread his art.

Matsumoto-san’s jovial and zealous attitude towards bamboo weaving can be seen as a form of revitalization for small towns like Ashikita, where young people are few in numbers. In Japan, where small villages and towns are affected greatly by the demographic problems of aging population and depopulation, senior citizens like Matsumoto-san are doing their part to reinvigorate rural areas by continuing to be active in their own interests, and incorporating that energy back into their local communities.