A craftsman in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, who has spent about 30 years making cores for casting molds, has developed a sand-based "luminescent lucky cat" figurine using a specialized technique that hardens silica sand through a reaction with water glass and CO2 gas. Rather than ceramic, this unique piece applies traditional foundry expertise to a consumer product, marking his fourth crowdfunding campaign on Makuake, a leading Japanese crowdfunding platform. Though his first three attempts on the platform did not achieve major success, the craftsman has refined his approach through repeated experimentation to create this new product.
This project exemplifies how small manufacturers can apply specialized, behind-the-scenes techniques to new product categories and test market response through crowdfunding. By positioning a niche craft skill within the familiar, culturally resonant form of a Japanese lucky cat, the creator bridges technical expertise with broad consumer appeal.
Highlights
- Behind-the-scenes foundry technique (core-making) reimagined as a consumer product
- Iterative improvement process across multiple crowdfunding campaigns made transparent
- Specialized technical knowledge translated through the approachable symbol of a lucky cat
Why this campaign attracts support
Editorial analysis based on publicly available information. It is not a confirmed account of why backers chose to give.
Support for this project stems from several factors. First, the campaign elevates an unsung profession—the casting core craftsman—into a compelling narrative. Backers are drawn not only to the finished figurine but to the technical process itself, using silica sand and water glass, creating genuine interest in rare manufacturing expertise. Second, the choice of a lucky cat (maneki-neko), a motif deeply familiar to Japanese culture, lowers psychological barriers for those unfamiliar with industrial techniques. Third, framing this as a comeback after three previous Makuake attempts creates an emotional hook: the story of persistent improvement without hiding failures resonates with supporters who want to "cheer on" genuine effort. However, the article lacks specific funding targets or actual support figures, making it difficult to quantify the campaign's actual success. Nevertheless, the "traditional craft meets new product" concept itself offers valuable lessons for other artisans seeking to apply specialized skills across different market categories.
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A note from the editors
What makes this campaign distinctive is shining a light on the highly specialized work of casting cores in Kuwana's foundry tradition—work that typically remains invisible outside the industry. The insight of transforming backstage technical expertise into consumer-facing products could inspire craftspeople in other traditional industries to reimagine their own skills. The lack of concrete funding targets or support metrics in the description leaves questions about actual impact, requiring separate verification. Notably, this craftsman's approach to running multiple campaigns demonstrates a valuable model: using crowdfunding not as a one-time event, but as an ongoing tool for brand building and market testing—a strategy worthy of study for other small-scale manufacturers.