【132-Year-Old Bamboo Specialist】Connecting the 120-Year Blooming of Torafudake to the Future

Taketora (operated by Yamagishi Bamboo Store Co., Ltd.), a manufacturer and wholesaler of bamboo materials and products that has been loved by everyone since its founding in 1894 (Meiji 27), supports 'April Dream,' a day to share dreams on April 1st. This press release is the dream of 'Torafudake Specialty Store Taketora.'

For 132 years, we have walked with bamboo, and we are now at a major turning point. Torafudake, which has a unique tiger pattern, grows naturally in the 'Torafudake Village' of the Awa district in Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture. Since our founder, Usaburo Yamagishi, was captivated by this bamboo and established roots here, we have walked with Torafudake for four generations. We have overcome many difficulties, such as the burning of our factory during the war, changes in the times leading to a decline in bamboo usage, and the influx of overseas products, while inheriting the spirit of 'living with bamboo.'

And now, the phenomenon of blooming, said to occur once every 120 years, is beginning to happen to the Torafudake. Bamboo has the characteristic of dying after blooming, and it takes many years before it can be used as bamboo material again. This natural phenomenon is the first time we have faced such an event, and it is a major milestone that will determine the future of the bamboo forest.

However, we are not standing still in the face of this situation and are taking all possible measures. We are maintaining mountain paths to safely enter bamboo forests that have not yet bloomed and are preparing a system to utilize limited resources without waste. Working in an environment surrounded by steep mountains is by no means easy, but we are making efforts to connect to the future while sincerely facing each piece of bamboo.

Furthermore, we are focusing on the succession of bamboo craftsmanship. We have begun initiatives to invite skilled bamboo craftsmen from outside to pass on advanced bamboo weaving techniques to young craftsmen. By ensuring that the skills cultivated over many years are passed on to the next generation, we are building a system that can continue to create value from bamboo in any situation.

In addition, Taketora has continued to work on utilizing bamboo resources without waste. We also utilize Torafudake that does not show the tiger pattern, called 'Shiro' (white), by giving it new value as bamboo charcoal, and we continue to devise ways to use up bamboo materials completely. Bamboo, which grows to a height of over 20 meters in about 3 months, is a sustainable natural material that possesses both strength and flexibility. It is our mission to maximize its potential.

Torafudake grows only in a valley of about 1.5 km in the Awa district of Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture. Protecting that bamboo forest is nothing less than protecting the local nature, culture, and future life. That is why we have a responsibility to pass this irreplaceable resource on to the next generation.

With the experience and technology cultivated over 132 years, and the passion for bamboo in our hearts, Taketora will continue to take on challenges. Our dream for the next 100 years is only one: 'To protect and connect the Torafudake bamboo forest.' We will share this thought through 'April Dream' and convey the value of bamboo and the possibilities for the future to more people.