History of Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten Co., Ltd.
Since its inception in 1861, Miyamoto has supported traditional arts and festivals despite the changes in society. What we have maintained throughout 150 years of history is the policy to change what needs to be changed, and to preserve what needs to be preserved.
We have employed new crafting techniques and materials to create products that best suit customers and festivals of the time. Even then, we believe that the products must embody the authentic, traditional Japanese culture; our craftsmanship must support traditional arts and festivals and nourish them further into the future. Our philosophy has remained untouched for over 150 years.
The first head of the household, Miyamoto Seisuke was a master of Taiko making himself. He opened a Taiko factory in Tsuchiura, 120km northeast of central Edo (present Tokyo), for it was a city whose citizens were enthusiastic about festivals and held a number of them every year.
Later in 1891, the fourth head of the family, Miyamoto Unosuke established a store in Shotencho district of Asakusa, around where the three schools of Saruwaka Kabuki had their theaters.
Over the years, Miyamoto Unosuke has produced countless Taiko for shrines, temples, folk entertainment, Gagaku, Noh, Kabuki, etc. In 1926, Miyamoto had the honor of presenting the set of musical instruments used in Taisho Emperor’s funeral, and in 1928 presented the set of Gagaku instruments for Showa Emperor’s enthronement ceremony. Ever since, Miyamoto has been an official purveyor of the Imperial Household Agency and taken pride in providing the instruments for the Showa Emperor’s funeral and Present Emperor’s enthronement as well. Moreover, in 1963, Miyamoto was appointed as the official purveyor for the Kabukiza, and afterwards for the National Theater and the National Noh Theater. Under the brand name of Miyamoto Shigeyoshi, the company has manufactured and restored Mikoshi (portable shrines) for shrines and local associations, including the three main Mikoshi of Asakusa Shrine carried during the Sanja Festival.
The craftsmen at Miyamoto, while strictly following the methods passed on from previous generations, exploit their creativity and continue to produce Taiko, Mikoshi and other festival instruments that are widely acknowledged for their durability and splendor.
Miyamoto has another role in society besides a manufacturer: the company has served to promote interest in Japan’s traditional performing arts, beginning with the establishment of the Drum museum in 1988, the world’s first museum dedicated to drums. In 1993, the company opened Miyamoto Studio as a place for hosting classes and practicing traditional Japanese music.
With Japan’s finest tradition as the backbone, Miyamoto Unosuke is determined to devote all that is accumulated in us to the enrichment of customers’ heart and culture for years to come.