Since I started making bags 10 years ago, the number of bag makers in Japan has been steadily decreasing. In our so-called neighborhood, craftsmen are said to be young and in their 50s . The industry is supported by craftsmen in their 60s and 70s . Few young people are entering the industry, and older craftsmen are just retiring, so it is natural for the industry to decline, but it is an undeniable fact that Japan's sewing industry is currently in need of reform.

Without turning our attention away from this reality, I would like to write about the current situation of the shortage of skilled workers, its causes, and the solutions we are aiming for. This is just my personal opinion, but I think some people may relate to it.

 

-Cause- _ _

1.Low wages and increased competition

The job of a bag maker is highly skilled and time-consuming, but wages are low compared to other industries and countries, making it an unattractive occupation for young people. With the number of overseas factories capable of small-lot production increasing and price competition intensifying domestically and internationally, craftsmen are facing the problem of low wages. Many craftsmen continue to work at wages that are almost the same as when prices were much lower than they are now, making it difficult to raise wages across the industry.

2. Inheritance issues

Because of the above, most craftsmen do not want their children to do the same work, making it difficult to pass on skills. How many craftsmen have you heard say, ``I won't pass this on to my children?''

3. Young people leaving the job

Still, there are some young people who take the initiative to become craftsmen. However, even if they become independent, they often do not earn as much as they expected and end up taking a different path. As long as this cycle continues, there is no hope that the younger generation will choose a career as a craftsman.

 

-solution- _ _

1. Hire and train craftsmen as a brand

Brands can employ their own artisans, preserve skills and traditions, and nurture new talent. By guaranteeing a stable job and salary for your craftsmanship, you will be able to focus on honing your skills.

2.Direct sales of own brand

By selling your own brand directly, you can secure profits without relying on middlemen. If there is enough profit, it can be used to invest in fair wages and training for the tradesmen. Direct sales for factory brands also serves as a means to strengthen collaboration between artisans and brands and maintain product quality.

3. Convey the joy of manufacturing

We also believe it is important to convey the fun and rewarding nature of manufacturing. The work of a craftsman includes an artistic aspect, and it is also a job where you can express yourself. Things made by human hands are not the same even if they are the same. There is a quality to it that cannot be mechanized.

4. Fair salary

Providing fair wages to artisans is a major factor in making this profession attractive. Higher salary levels will increase people's motivation to choose the career path.

5. Utilization of digital technology

Utilization of digital technology is also an element that should not be forgotten. Now that the invoice system has started, WEB3.0 , and blockchain technology are attracting attention, our industry still uses a lot of fax communication. Passing down an industry to the next generation means not just passing it on as is, but also moving it forward even better. As various technologies evolve, it is natural that we will be weeded out if we maintain the status quo. Many of the problems I have written about so far are also problems that we, as craftsmen, have ourselves. In order to preserve technology and tradition, while honing our skills, we cannot ignore the need to change with the times. Disliking change because of laziness is the wrong attitude.

 

-summary- _ _

The shortage of skilled workers is a serious problem, but we must rise to the challenge. By conveying the appeal of manufacturing to the younger generation and providing them with fair wages, Japan's bag industry can once again prosper and build a new future. The tradition of Japanese craftsmen continues, and new talent and ideas create fascinating products one after another. I would like to aim for such a cycle.