Mr. Sugai |
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Introduction of the Published Book
"120 years of hats in Tokyo"
Falling Snow,
Ah, The Meiji Era is now far behind !
Haiku by Kusatao Nakamura, 1931 (6th year of the Showa Era)
During the beginning of the Showa era, the Meiji era was probably looked upon by most people as distance and remote. Now as we live through the Heisei era (1989-present), the Showa era (1926-88), like the Meiji (1868-1911), Taisho (1911-1925), seems to be sharing the same fate. |
The Meiji, Taisho, and Showa era's 120 years of struggles, adventures, discoveries, challenges, triumphs and defeats marks a long and important milestone in Japan's history. For all of us in the hat industry, we can never forget our predecessors for all their efforts.
Hats were first introduced to Japan during the enlightened Meiji era. For many professionals the hat industry soon became a life-long mission. Their unremitting struggles and historic posterity, and the aspirations of the many people who felt obligated to their predecessors helped in the creation of this book. So first let us express our greatest thanks and joy to all those members in helping creating "120 Years of Hats in Tokyo".
Within the organization, there was a crucial awareness protruding to the lack of historical information concerning hats. This displeasured many and lead to the assembly of materials and information on hats with the sole purpose of leaving this information for the next generations to come.
The editorial committee had selected individuals from the raw materials, manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing industry, inducting 4 new committee members. Like every member, each individual possesses an immense amount experience in their field. If we can recall, to this day it has been 2 years and 8 months since we first began this way of life in August of 2002.
"120 Years of Hats in Tokyo" is more than just a historical document; it was created to accent the value of this material. If generations following in our footsteps, decades later, learn from this book about the true history of the hat industry and are reminded to "learn new things from their past", then for all of us involved, there can be no greater joy than this.
We wish to give our deepest appreciation to all the people that have helped in creating "120 Years of Hats in Tokyo".
To the many members and business seniors that were interviewed, to the business groups in Tokyo city and the Daito ward, to all the numerous public and private organizations, museums, libraries, mass media, and to everyone we wish to extend our deepest gratitude. And finally, we wish to express our thanks to writer Mr. Kuniharu Kanno and Tojishobou Co., LTD. for all of the supportive and valuable advice in writing "120 Years of Hats in Tokyo".
February, 2005 |
