Ojiisan

Ojiisan

Ojiisan-(jiichan for short) means “grandfather” not to be confused with ojisan-(jichan) meaning “uncle”. Hence the intent behind “jii” to represent Kenji’s dedication to learning what his grandfather might have known. His name was Tomotsu Takahashi, he passed away at age 77 after a long battle with cancer. Kenji was just 9.

“Sometimes I wonder what he would have created with the access to information that I have present day. His blood still runs through my veins, I wonder if I think like him; if I move like him; if he’d like my designs; if he’d be proud of what I make and who I am. This is my way of getting to know my grandfather.”

Woodworking is the perfect metaphor for life after death. A cherished memory of what once was, and the legacy it leaves behind.