These days, many craftmanship integrate modern methods of working. But rare are the industries that still stick to their traditional ways of craft creation. Today, we are going to talk about the craftsmanship that continues to shine and thrive in this timeless city of Japan, Kyoto that successfully integrates remote collaboration solutions to transform digitally.
In the era of technological advancements, it seems challenging to protect the knowledge and skills of traditional crafts. So, AMA introduces the technology that can preserve timeless art and solve the problems that are faced by artisans and craftsmen.
Yoshimura Orimono & their timeless creation
Yoshimura Orimono is one of the few remaining silk weaving workshops specialized in traditionally making kimono belts.
It was founded at the beginning of the Meiji era around 1868 in the Nishijin district of Kyoto. Yoshimura is still preserving Nishijin's traditional ways of silk waving. They keep their loom in-house, a sight becoming rarer even in Kyoto. Their distinctive weaving method has fascinated people for ages.
Yoshimura Orimono has blended the use of assisted reality solutions in their daily function to overcome pandemic barriers and help preserve traditional weaving methods by passing the skill set from generation to generation. And yet, keeping their old method alive and fresh.
Growing challenges to preserve the heritage
However, preserving this knowledge comes with a lot of challenges.
1. Lack of skilled manpower
With the high demand for weaving operations, Yoshimura finds it difficult to produce these silks per demand. As the skill needs rigorous training and inspection, masters cannot find qualified manpower as they want.
2. Difficult to access some areas
Another major challenge for them is masters growing age. The workshop has many dangerous operations and scaffolding which is quite complex for aged masters to reach.
3. Critical sanitary situation
The current sanitary situation becomes a challenge for masters to remain at the workshop to work or train trainees.
Complementing instead of contradicting
Toshihiro Yoshimura, who joined the family business to perpetuate the tradition, believes that there is nothing contradictory about using assisted reality solutions. He further states "We are happy to reconcile technology with traditional craftsmanship."
Back to technology from France after two centuries
This rare loom practice in Kyoto still uses the "Jacquard loom" technology today that was imported from France in 1873. Yoshimura Orimono relies upon technology from France once again to overcome the current challenges.
How does XpertEye Assisted Reality Solutions support Yoshimura Orimono and its workforce?
AMA's Assisted Reality Solutions are bridging the gap between expert craftsmen and less-skilled workers.
- Accelerate knowledge transfer
Since the method of creating these unique fabrics is a rare skill, many youngsters are willing to join the workshop as a passion and give homage to the ancestral tradition. Yoshimura has a craftsman with more than 40 years of expertise. So, they are doing their best to transfer knowledge. As post covid challenges limit experts from traveling daily to onsite, XpertEye gives freedom to experts to teach from anywhere.
- Easy and accessible remote training
The Assisted Reality has proven to be a good remote support solution. This allows experts to train their replacement for the work. So, even novices can be trained and assigned for the job, which eventually ensures the detailed work required for the silk weaving.
Also, a cherry on the top, XpertEye can capture expert experience, which can be a valuable training material for youngsters who want to learn fabrication methods. And, without having to comprise security.
- Simple to use & handsfree in any environment
- Improved accuracy and quality in fabric weaving
For example, the loom has wires that are difficult and demand a specific way to repair it. But the real-time gestures will help him/her to grab the technique. And at the same time, experts can verify the action in real-time. They can take pictures, annotate, point areas, creating a real interaction between apprentices and craftsmen.
''In this timeless place, the creation of unique fabrics continues & man remains the heart of craftmanship.'''
Using technology to enrich the traditional techniques
The innate human need to craft remains constant. In the technology-driven world, instead of abandoning traditional craftmanship, Yoshimura Orimono keeps pushing forward for future artists to come.
From remote troubleshooting to knowledge transfer, Yoshimura has already adapted the digital transformation to empower the deskless workforce. So, are you ready for the transformation?
Book a demo if you want to see how your business can benefit from Assisted reality.
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