Atsuhito Yasumoto, Sculptor

The warmth of wood carving and Okinawan humor in a palm-sized gacha

After about 20 years of experience as a Buddhist statue sculptor, Atsuhito Yasumoto moved to Okinawa to begin his career. He creates cute and humorous wood carvings based on traditional techniques. Based in Nakijin Village, he is currently developing "Okinawa Original Gacha" with Okinawan motifs.

Transformation of technique and creation to stay close to history as a Buddhist priest.

He trained in Nara, Toyama, and Kyoto to sculpt Buddhist statues, and moved to Okinawa in 2020. As a young sculptor, he participated in the restoration of the flat plaque "Nakayama Seido" in the main hall of Shuri Castle. It can be said that this is a turning point that opened the door to new creation while mastering tradition.

Hand-carving of prototypes and collaboration with welfare" to convey the scenery of Okinawa in a small gacha.

The "Okinawa Original Gacha" is made by carving Okinawan motifs such as whale sharks, Yambaruquina, Shisa, and goats from prototypes and mass-producing them using a 3D printer. The figures are colored by hand at welfare facilities, making each one unique. A portion of the proceeds is donated to environmental conservation, reflecting the company's philosophy of contribution to Okinawa.