Takayoshi Narita was born in Hokkaido in 1969. His journey through the arts began with studying oil painting, which quickly transitioned into an interest in metal work. His history of painting can still be seen through his hand-hammered textured surfaces and at times his use of urushi lacquer to expose the deeper tones hidden in wrought-iron works. Now, twenty years later, he works as a solo artisan in a foundry he created in the hills of Gunma prefecture, crafting cookware and tableware from wrought iron and stainless steel.