Born in Shingu City, Wakayama prefecture, Kotaro Nishibori is a fifth-generation manufacturer of the famous « Wagasa » umbrella. After studying in Canada, he worked at the Kyoto City ward as interpreter but decided to shift to craftsmanship after encountering the beauty of the Kyo-wagasa at « Hiyoshiya », his wife's parental business. Under his direction, Hiyoshiya now the only remaining « Wagasa manufacturer in Kyoto, has spread its activity into the fabrication of interior design products following the motto « tradition is continuous innovation ».

Due to Nishibori’s international experience and the collaboration with renowned designers, artists, and architects, Hiyosha has established itself as a pioneer company in the field of traditional design innovation expanding the business well beyond the Japanese market. The « Kotori » lamp series derived from the Wagasa umbrella inaugurated the overseas export business and is now sold in over 15 countries.

In 2012, Kotaro Nishibori established the TCI Craft Lab Co., Ltd., in order to support other Japanese traditional craftsmen in product design, market development and overseas sales.

The company now possesses a solid network of international partnerships
and is regularly participating in overseas fairs and exhibitions such as Maison & Objet (Paris), Ambiente, Tendence, Light + Building (Frankfurt), ICFF (NY) to name but a few.