davidtakayama

David Takayama’s background is deeply rooted in the history and folklore of Japan’s mountain regions. The Takayama name originates from Gifu Prefecture, where his ancestors were said to guard sacred shrines hidden among cedar forests. Inspired by tales of a forebear who was both swordsmith and monk—crafting blades for ceremony rather than war—David developed a lifelong interest in cultural memory and identity. He studied Japanese history and the role of mountain communities during the Edo period, apprenticing with local historians in Takayama City to preserve oral traditions and transcribe temple records. His curatorial projects have explored samurai-era craftsmanship, pilgrimage routes, and the symbolic power of landscapes. Today, David writes essays and lectures on how family names can serve as living archives that connect ancestry, myth, and artistry across generations.