The Professionals

Naoki Kusumi, Plasterers Plasterer Naoki Kusumi began his training at age 3 with his father, who was himself a highly revered craftsman in the plastering field. At age 20 Naoki was selected to work on the restoration of the imperial palace in Kyoto, a highly prestigious job. Now 46, he's one of the most prominent plasterers in the world. This program presents the portrait of a man who is never sure what the outcome of a job will be until it's finished. If he finds even the slightest flaw in his work, he'll readily tear it off and start again until it's perfect. On a huge construction project for a temple in central Tokyo, he agonizes about the final finish of a wall until the last minute before making his decision. For Naoki, indecisiveness is the path to excellence.