The Kawakami team’s patented engraving of metal panels form a decorative collection they name Kokuhan刻鈑, a neologism combining “etching” and “metal plate,” to capture its inventive technologies. Determined by the original artistic concept or image, they merge traditional Japanese metalwork techniques with advanced computer capabilities to enable high-precision die machining. Their signature technologies enable large-scale work, finessing heavy weights of aluminum, brass and alloys. The Kokuhan panels intricate with design simultaneously emit luster and shine to foster an extraordinary experience when in their presence.

In an era where a multitude of machines exist but few with the deep skills to maximize their capacities, Kawanami is unusual. He exploits both ends of his expertise, traditional machining and a host of CAD technologies. People still speak of a prizewinning design of Kawanami Ironwork from nearly two decades ago that many insist shouldn’t even be possible to make. At the time, he had no perspective to realize the impact, but viewers were moved, he reflects. Kawanami and his Ironworks are in the business of creating anything that affects excitement in people, piques their consciousness. Across the evolutions of his studio, Kawanami is on a mission to offer new ways of seeing, thinking and experiencing a space.