Toya has a large collection of items that have been made in response to requests from Kabuki actors from time to time.
Some of the samples from my grandfather's time that I have kept are reminiscent of times gone by, such as the Kikusanshima tea bowls (top photo) that Kikugorou VI distributed at the memorial for his grandfather's fifth son, and the plates (bottom photo) that I made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Danjūrō VIII and the 50th anniversary of Danjūrō IX.
One person ordered a container for makeup pigments called "Keshouzen" (before makeup), and in a magazine featuring this person, I saw a photo of her displaying the containers in front of a beautiful dressing table. It makes me happy to know that she likes them and uses them.
First-class actors are well-versed in historical records and court customs, and also have excellent aesthetic sense, so it is very educational but also nerve-wracking.
We still receive orders from people involved in Kabuki and Japanese music, and we continue to make our products with care and attention, just as we did in the past. We will continue to work hard every day so that Toya will continue to be a company that people can trust to leave their products to us.
Kikujiro VI's tea bowls from Kikujiro Mishima were given out at the memorial service for the fifth Kikujiro.
Plates made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Danjuro VIII and the 50th anniversary of Danjuro IX
