At the monthly “Kobo-san” market at Toji Temple in Kyoto,

I met a 70-year-old man.

On his stall were breathtaking woodblock prints.

“This is my first time here,” he said.

His business card read: “Traditional Craftsman.”

A man who has devoted his life to giving soul to his art—

and yet, under the scorching sun, he had to secure a spot,

set up his stall, put on price tags, prepare change,

and handle every customer on his own.

Looking at his tools, he told me:

“There’s only one person left who makes these tools.

When they are gone, our work will vanish too.”

Those words pierced my heart.

To keep the culture alive.

That is my mission.