Jun 18, 2008

    It is with much sadness that we at Precious Memory, announce the passing of our Master Sculpter, Yasuhei Fujioka. It has been more than 50 years since the world was first introduced to the talents of a quiet and humble master. Yasuhei Fujioka came from modest beginnings, but managed to achieve great success through his unique eye and gifted abilities.

Perhaps most widely known for his role with Precious Moments, Yasuhei Fujioka was a modest yet disciplined leader. For years, apprentice sculptors came and went through his studio in Japan. Not many could meet his rigid requirements. It was difficult for him to pursue his goal sculpting for someone else, but he made sure that no matter what he sculpted, it was something that he could be proud of.

Yasuhei trained many sculptors through the years tirelessly, trying to instill upon them the same high standards he imposed on himself. For some years, this seemed to be good enough. The success brought about through his hard work was proof of that. But deep down, he desired more from himself and those around him.

It wasn’t long before Yasuhei realized what he had been longing for was always within his reach. He knew that only his son, Shuhei, could truly understand his wishes. As they began working side by side, Yasuhei realized his dreams and visions could finally be realized.

Yasuhei began to refocus himself and thought carefully about who was deserving of his time. Shuhei was, without doubt, the best fit. Together they trained tirelessly and without hesitation. Shuhei, at times felt sorry for other sculptors, knowing that his father deep down despised what they and others sometimes perceived to be true talent. But Yasuhei had bigger dreams and worked to develop them only with the people he cared the most about, his family. Besides, this was all for them, anyway. After years of disappointment, he realized that only those with the same blood running through their veins could truly understand and bring to life the legacy we have today.

Precious Memory was the creation of a lifetime of hopes, dreams, dedication and visions shared only by a master and his son. Together, they stand firmly behind each and every piece because only those products bear their own name. There is nothing that could make them prouder of what they bring to collectors around the world than their own unique products.  And each meticulously crafted piece, displaying their name on the bottom is evidence enough of what our brand meant to Yasuhei. Finally, he may rest in peace knowing that his son will carry on the vision that he once thought was not possible with any one else.

Yasuhei will be missed.