Born into a family with over 500 years of bamboo crafting tradition, Junpei Hayashi studied international relations at university before committing to his craft. Through extensive training, he has absorbed the exquisite techniques and philosophy of this four-generation lineage, learning traditional fence building and then studying at the Oita Prefectural Bamboo Craft Training Centre before apprenticing under master Tanabe Chikuunsai IV. Today, Junpei continues his sculptural practice while creating pieces that combine the unique regional bamboo techniques and cultures he has gathered throughout his training. He won the Mingei Bamboo Prize 2023.