Kawaguchiya Lacquerware Company

Since ancient times, lacquerware has been crafted by carving natural wood and applying layers of lacquer to enhance water resistance, heat insulation, anti-corrosion, and antibacterial properties.

It has long been cherished as a practical tool for daily life. Using these traditional techniques, we create products that fit the modern lifestyle — tools designed to bring a sense of happiness to everyday living.

As society moves toward a future where "long-term use without waste" becomes the new standard, lacquerware — crafted entirely from natural materials and capable of being restored through re-lacquering — stands as a truly sustainable form of craftsmanship.

In 1946, Kawaguchiya Lacquerware Company was founded in Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture, as a lacquerware manufacturer. Since then, we have been dedicated to the production of Kagawa lacquerware. Around the year 2000, as lifestyles evolved, the traditional demand for lacquerware began to decline. In response to changing needs, we started developing new products.

In 2016, we launched our original brand 87.5 as a regionally inspired initiative. The concept behind 87.5 is to create "tools that bring happiness into everyday life" using the traditional techniques of craftsmanship.

The brand name "87.5" symbolizes our location between the 87th and 88th temples along the famous Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage, expressing our desire to raise awareness of lacquerware crafted in Shikoku, particularly from Kagawa. Today, five skilled artisans handcraft each piece with great care and attention.

Kagawa lacquerware steadily developed both in quality and production volume under the protection of the feudal government during the Edo period. In 1638 (Kanei 15), Yorishige Matsudaira moved from Mito to Takamatsu and actively promoted lacquerware production and carving arts.

Throughout history, numerous master artisans emerged, including the renowned Zokoku Tamakaji and Taihei Goto. In more recent times, masters such as Joshin Isoi and Kodo Otomaru, both designated as holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties, have greatly contributed to the development of Kagawa lacquerware.

In 1949, Kagawa was designated as an Important Lacquerware Production District, with its annual production value reaching approximately 25 billion yen. In 1976, Kagawa lacquerware was officially recognized as a National Traditional Craft by the Japanese government.