Kanazawa lacquerware is a traditional craft that developed under the patronage of the Kaga Domain, distinguished by its durable lacquer coating and refined decorative techniques.

Lacquer is a natural coating material refined from the sap of the urushi tree and is prized for its exceptional durability, water resistance, and antibacterial properties. In Japan, lacquer has been used since the Jōmon period.

In Kanazawa, lacquer techniques were systematized from the Muromachi period onward, and during the Edo period, highly sophisticated decorative methods such as maki-e and raden were refined, giving rise to numerous masterpieces of tea utensils and furnishings. Today, the technical lineage centered on Kaga maki-e continues to be passed down, and Kanazawa lacquerware is officially designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan, highly regarded both domestically and internationally.

Based in Kanazawa, I create works that fuse traditional lacquer techniques with contemporary sensibilities. I studied maki-e, raden, kanshitsu (dry lacquer), and magewa (bentwood techniques) at the Wajima Lacquerware Technical Training Institute, and currently focus on producing vessels and wearable pieces that bring out the profound beauty inherent in lacquer.

In particular, my “Uruhasi Ring” series explores new forms of expression and possibilities for lacquer, proposing lacquerware as a form of wearable craft. Alongside exhibitions at department stores and sales overseas, I continue to present forms of lacquer art that honor tradition while harmonizing with modern life.

Kanazawa flourished as the castle town of the Maeda family of the Kaga Domain, developing into a historic city where samurai culture and merchant culture coexist. A wide range of crafts—including Kanazawa lacquerware, Kaga yūzen dyeing, Kanazawa gold leaf, and Kutani ware—have taken root here, many of which are designated as Traditional Crafts of Japan.

Craft exhibitions are held throughout the city, while contemporary art is showcased at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. Known both in Japan and abroad as a city where tradition and modernity are in harmony, Kanazawa offers extensive educational opportunities in craft through high schools, universities, and training institutes. Artists nurtured in this environment continue to refine their skills through mutual inspiration and healthy competition.

Biography

Born in 1985 in Aomori Prefecture, Japan.
•    2004–2008
Kanazawa Gakuin University, Faculty of Arts and Culture, Department of Fine Arts and Crafts
Studied the fundamentals of chinkin, maki-e, and kyūshitsu (lacquer coating) under Professor Fumio Maeshiand Professor Ōgyo Ichijima.
•    2008–2011
Ishikawa Prefectural Wajima Lacquerware Technical Training Institute
Completed the General Training Program (Wood Base Department), learning a wide range of wood core construction and lacquering techniques.
•    2013–2016
Nosaku Co., Ltd.
Worked in sales and retail, engaged in the distribution of lacquerware.
•    2016–Present
Independent practice as a Kanazawa lacquerware artist.
•    2023–Present
Assistant Instructor, Ishikawa Prefectural Wajima Lacquerware Technical Training Institute.
 
Exhibition & Career Highlights

•    2009
50th Anniversary Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Exhibition – Encouragement Award
(Selected continuously through the 53rd exhibition)
•    2011
29th Japan Traditional Lacquer Art Exhibition – Selected
•    2012
Lacquer Exhibition: The Challengers
(Ippodo Gallery, Ginza, Tokyo)
•    2018 / 2020 / 2022 / 2024
Solo Exhibitions
(Gallery Okariya, Ginza, Tokyo)
•    2019
Solo Exhibition “Yako no Utsuwa (Luminous Vessels)”
(Keio Department Store, Shinjuku, Tokyo)
•    2023
Solo Exhibition
(Takagi Koji Shop, Higashiyama, Kanazawa)
•    2024
Japan Traditional Culture Grand Prix – Excellence Award
•    2025
Dear Watch Lover
(Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store, Tokyo)