Rie Onishi, the respected president of an esteemed traditional Japanese fan shop, has sadly passed away. Known for her significant contribution to the preservation of this cultural heritage, her death marks the end of an era. The exact date and cause of her passing are still unknown. Tributes addressing her importance in preserving traditional Japanese craftsmanship have been flooding in, and she leaves behind a legacy that will be deeply missed.
In Japan, traditional arts and crafts form an integral part of cultural heritage. Therefore, the death of a key figure like Rie Onishi, who was largely imminent in preserving this, shakes the cultural community and indeed the whole country. Some may worry about the future of such traditional businesses, as succession and continuity in craftsmanship is a core value in Japan.
Unlike in Japan, where there's a strong emphasis on continuity and keeping traditions alive, in the US or EU, the passing of a business leader might not necessarily create the same level of cultural shock. There is more focus on innovation and change rather than maintaining a strict adherence to tradition.