Wooden lacquer craft artist Toru Tsuji aims for “the next 100 years” in Daigo Town, Ibaraki Prefecture.
Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of the leading lacquer production centers in Japan. Because of its high transparency, it is used in lacquerware throughout Japan. However, the lack of successors to the “urushikaki” who collect the lacquer has become a serious problem.
In 2010, Mr. Toru Tsuji, a wood lacquer craftsman, established “Kijian”, a company that handles everything from production to sales. He is one of the few people who handle the entire process from production to sales, creating “lifestyle lacquerware” that is in tune with modern lifestyles.
What is the appeal of lacquerware that grows in depth as it is used? We will interview Mr. Tsuji, who aims to create a brand that will last for 100 years.