Artisans including Kiji-shi, Nuri-shi,
Makie-shi, Chinkin-shi residing in the same town,
support each other as they undertake various
challenges for the future of the regional industry.
Akita Lacquerware
Industrial Cooperative
An organization for people engaged in the production of Kawatsura lacquerware.
Since its establishment in 1950, we have supported the manufacturing industry.
In 2016, a council was established to determine the future of the region. With the help of experts, the council integrated opinions from various perspectives, discussed the future prosperity of the region, as well as serious issues such as the shortage of successors and aging. For the sake of preserving lacquerware production, the council adopted a new philosophy that would guide the region and committed to working together towards that goal.
Kawatsura Lacquerware has a history of carefully preserving the art of lacquerware production. The town boasted the highest production of wooden bowls in Japan, but its name is not well-known. In order to gain recognition commensurate with its quality, we created the local mark in 2017. This mark represents the beautiful river flowing through the town surrounded by mountains, the rounded shape of the skilled wooden bowls, and the pride of artisans upholding the traditional Japanese craftsmanship. It is a quality mark, proving that the product was made by the hands of Kawatsura artisans using traditional methods.
About us
| Organization: | Akita Lacquerware Industrial Cooperative |
|---|---|
| Craft name: | Kawatsura lacquerware |
| Address: | 142-1 Aza-Odate Nakano, Kawatsura-cho, Yuzawa-shi, Akita, JAPAN, inside the Yuzawa City Kawatsura Lacquerware Traditional Crafts Museum |
| TEL・FAX | : +81(183)42-2410 |
| Main products: | bowls, plates, trays, tiered boxes, low tables, and chests of drawers. |
| The number of members: | 78 (FY2023) |
| The number of traditional craftsmen: |
29 |
History
| In 1950, | the organization was reorganized as Akita Lacquerware Industrial Cooperative. |
|---|---|
| In 1976, | Kawatsura lacquerware was designated as a national traditional craft. |
| In 1986, | the organization was honored with the excellent cooperative award by National Federation of Small Business Associations. |
| In 1988, | Kawatsura lacquerware won the highest overall score and was presented Meiyo Sosai Katsuranomiya Award at the 23rd National Lacquerware Exhibition. |
| In 1993, | the organization was awarded by the Minister of International Trade and Industry for the contributions to the promotion of traditional crafts industry. |
| In 1994, | the organization was awarded by the forest administration in Akita prefecture for its contribution to the development and utilization of national forest resources. |
| In 1996, | Kawatsura lacquerware was designated as an Akita traditional craft. |
| In 1998, | Kawatsura lacquerware won the Prime Minister’s Award at the 32nd National Lacquerware Exhibition. |
| In 2000, | Kawatsura lacquerware won the Prime Minister’s Award at the 34th National Lacquerware Exhibition. |
| In 2001, | medals for the official competitions of the World Games were created using materials of Kawatsura lacquerware. |
| In 2002, | Kawatsura lacquerware won the Good Design Award. |
| In 2005, | Kawatsura lacquerware won the Prime Minister’s Award at the 40th National Lacquerware Exhibition. |
| In 2009, | Yuzawa City Kawatsura Lacquerware Traditional Crafts Museum was constructed. |
| In 2010, | Kawatsura lacquerware won the Katsuranomiya Award at the 45rd National Lacquerware Exhibition. |