2025 Celebrating Collectors - Flipbook - Page 7
A SHORT HISTORY
Descended from generations of traditional Japanese swordsmiths (刀鍛冶), Hajime
Asaoka grew up surrounded by beautifully forged swords, which left a lasting impression
on his sense of design influences. As the family trade shifted from sword-making to
ironworking, he became familiar with tools like lathes and milling machines, sparking
an early fascination with both the art and mechanics of making things.
In his teenage years, he came across Amateur Yacht Building – New Edition
(新ヨット工作法), a detailed guide to constructing a real sailing boat. Captivated by
its content, he began building model boats based on its instructions, an experience
that deepened his appreciation for form, structure, and design, and ultimately led him
to study industrial design at Tokyo University of the Arts.
