[ The Nagasaki Times 2016]
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"Continuing the Traditional Craft: Former Police Forensic Officer Carves Noh Masks and Lion Heads at his Studio in Sotome"
Mr. Tomomitsu Osada (66), a former Nagasaki prefectural police officer, has established a workshop in the Sotome area of Nagasaki City, where he creates traditional Japanese Noh masks and Shishi-gashira (lion heads) used in local folk performing arts. Motivated by a desire to "create works that live on within daily life," he dedicates himself to the craft daily with chisel and wood.
Mr. Osada began learning Noh mask making at the age of 38 at a class held in Nagasaki City, taught by the master mask maker Koryu Kajiwara.
Mr. Osada’s masks are not merely commercial goods for theatrical performance on stage, but are primarily crafted as fine art masterpieces for appreciation. In 2006, during his tenure at the Saikai Police Station, he was requested by the Matsushima Shishi-gashira Festival Preservation Society in Sotome-Kami-Konoura-cho to carve three large lion heads, completing them entirely by hand. "Feeling the pulse and life of the local community when my works were dedicated to the shrine was a moment of pure joy. I wanted to hand down these folk art pieces that can be used and cherished for generations," he recalls.
Following his retirement at the age of 60, Mr. Osada decided to devote himself entirely to carving. He rents a workshop in Shimo-onodashiro-cho, separate from his residence, where he works relentlessly. In addition to carving standard Noh masks, he studies and replicates historical antique master masks to capture their subtle, mystical, and deep expressions. "I want to pass on these endangered traditional skills before they disappear, and leave behind works embedded with my full spirit, passion, and technical mastery that will outlive me," Mr. Osada states with deep, unshakable conviction.
(Written by Izumi Ohtsuka)
