Urushi is a natural resin collected from the “Urushi tree” which only grows in Asia. It is a precious resource that can only be obtained as much as one bottle of milk from trees that have grown over 10 years. Skilled artisans, known as Urushi-gaki, carefully harvest the sap over about five months from these trees that have been nurtured with great care.

Urushi has been used as both a paint and an adhesive since the Jomon period, over 10,000 years ago. Since our establishment, we have carefully refined every drop and supplied it to craftsmen. However, in an age where convenience and speed are prioritised, the culture of Urushi is facing a decline. Once again, we aim to convey the value of Urushi as a material, to nurture and grow alongside nature, and to pass it on to future generations. Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Inc. is a materials shop dedicated to shaping the future of Urushi.

Urushi has been a part of the Japanese way of life since the Jomon period. Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Inc. was founded in 1909, and for more than 110 years, we have continued to refine our craft. From the perspective of the entire cultural history, we are still “newcomers.” While feeling the weight of the history passed down from our ancestors, we constantly reflect on what we can do to ensure that Urushi culture continues to thrive, not only in the present but also into the future.

The History of Urushi and the Journey of Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Inc.

‘Not wasting a single drop of Urushi’ — a phrase often repeated by our founder, Asakichi Tsutsumi. It represents not only a profound respect for the material but also a deep gratitude for the role it has played in sustaining our way of life. Since our founding in 1909, this principle remains a fundamental part of our company’s philosophy.

In the past, we as an Urushi shop have focused solely on providing a stable supply of high-quality Urushi. However, times have changed and Urushi is steadily declining in modern society.

In the days when Urushi and crafts were a part of our everyday lives, the artisans who made Urushiware were constantly busy with their work. As a result, we spent our days delivering Urushi to various factories, carrying barrels piled high on bicycles to ensure there was always enough supply. At that time, there was no room to think about the future, nor the luxury of doing so. Then came the post-war economic growth, the bursting of the economic bubble, and the IT revolution

As demand grew for cheap, fast, and convenient products, Urushi and crafts gradually disappeared from daily life. Mass production, mass consumption, and disposability became the norm. In today’s world, where values are the complete opposite of those upheld by Urushi, it is even hard to imagine the future just ten years from now. It became clear that simply waiting for orders, as we did in the past, would not allow us to continue our business.

Since the post-war period, the domestic demand for Urushi has been decreasing at an alarming rate. As Urushi shops, we work between the mountains and the users. With the reduction in the use of Urushi, the trees growing in the mountains, the Urushi rakers, and even the tools they use are all facing a crisis. Behind the rapid advancement of technology, the Earth is being harmed, and the decline of Urushi and traditional crafts continues.

At this rate, Urushi culture will vanish

What can we, as an Urushi workshop, do now? We decided to start by sharing the story. The allure of Urushi as a material, and the sad reality it faces.

As we refine Urushi every day, we are continually captivated by its changing beauty, the elegant shine it develops, and the fascinating nature of this unique material.

The unique coating of Urushi, which hardens while retaining moisture, naturally conforms to the skin and develops a deep, lustrous sheen with use. As you grow attached to it, you treat it with care. Even when it becomes worn with use, it can be restored and passed down through generations. It’s about honouring our ancestors, bowing our heads in respect, and experiencing the material through all five senses. This was once a natural part of Japanese life. If we remain passive, nothing will change. We too must move forward. With this in mind, we launched the “Urushi no Ippo” project in 2016.

Thanks to your support, we received an overwhelming response. It was truly heartening. We were featured in the media, and the number of lecture invitations increased. However, at one point, we realised that most of the responses were coming from people involved in Urushi or crafts. We wanted those outside this circle—people who have never experienced Urushi—to learn about it.

We want to convey the charm of Urushi to a wider audience, spanning various countries and generations

In 2019, we launched “BEYOND TRADITION,” a project that expresses new values ​​and possibilities of Urushi.

We wanted to change the perception of Urushi from being something ‘luxurious and difficult to handle’ or ‘special’ to something more accessible. We aimed to help people appreciate the unique patina that develops with use, much like with jeans or leather goods. Our goal was to share the charm of Urushiware in a way that resonates with younger generations. Urushi is an eco-friendly, sustainable natural material that is gentle on both people and the planet. By learning about Urushi, we hope to inspire greater awareness of environmental issues.

When we shared these ideas, our message resonated far beyond Japan, reaching people around the world. Over time, we began to see the new possibilities Urushi could offer. As we carried on, more and more like-minded people joined us in our efforts.

We want to realise circular manufacturing and expand the possibilities of crafts

Right now, we are immersing ourselves in the expansive world of crafts.

Focusing on Urushi, we aim to create a foundation for circular production and share the allure of various craft materials. With a vision for the next 10 to 15 years, we are planting, nurturing, and creating.

We are collaborating with local communities, government bodies, educational institutions, and businesses to bring sustainable forest management and manufacturing to fruition. This project is called “Forest of Craft” and we have set out on this journey toward a greater objective.

To connect Urushi culture and a beautiful earth to the next generation of children

Urushi is a treasure deeply rooted in Japan’s culture and history. Through Urushi, people come together and create a culture that is passed down across generations. We aim to spread the value of living in harmony with this beautiful Earth. With a history dating back to 1909 as our pride and a sense of responsibility for the future, we continue to walk alongside Urushi. We believe that the thoughts and feelings embedded in each drop of Urushi will eventually grow into a great forest, spreading far and wide.

Representative

Tsutsumi Takuya

Address

540 Inaricho, Manomachi-dori Matsubara Ukiru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, 600-8098

Founding

1909

Services and Operations

Refining, wholesale, and retail of Japanese and Chinese Urushi.

Wholesale and retail of Urushi-related materials.

Distributor of Sanwa Urushi polishing materials.

Sale of Urushi industry automation equipment.

Sale of Urushiware and related wooden products.

Contract services for Urushi lacquer painting, Maki-e, and other Urushi art; OEM production of Urushi products.

Development and sale of original Urushi products.

Urushi tree planting business.

Operation of the Urushi art shop, Und.

Founder of the Urushi Art School “Urushi no Gakkou”.

Guided tours, experiences, and various workshops.

Wholesale and retail of Holbein Industrial Co., Ltd. coloured paints and related materials.

Retail of paint products.

Retail of painting-related tools.

Sale of painting and polishing equipment.

Affiliated organisations

Member of the All-Japan Urushi Industry Federation

Member of the Kyoto Urushiware Crafts Cooperative

Member of the Kyoto Buddhist Art Urushi Cooperative

Member of the Japan Urushi Craft Association

Member of the Kyoto Traditional Shops Association

Supporting Member of the Sacred Building Art Council

Supporting Member of the NPO Tamba Urushi

Supporting Member of the Society for the Science of Urushi

Contact Information (TEL)

075-351-6279

Contact (FAX)

075-351-6270

Contact (MAIL)

ttm.urushi@gmail.com

Number of Employees

16 people

Main Achievements

• “Lark and Wood Straw “/suw” Straw x Urushi x Wood” 19th Kyoto Environmental Award Special Award (Recycling-based Society Promotion Award) (2022)
• “PFV Award – FAMILY IS SUSTAINABILITY” nomination (2022)
• Film【 BEYOND TRADITION URUSHI x alaia】 -Toronto Beaches Film Festival ‘Best Surf Film 2nd Place’（2021）
• Winner of the Grand Prize (Ronnie Award) of the “Japanese Traditional Craft Regeneration Contest” (2020)
• Kyoto City Certified “Companies that will wield the next 1000 years” (2020)
• Winner of the 3rd Mitsui Golden Takumi Award (2020)
• Kyoto City Shining Regional Company Awards “Local Company Shining Award” and “Local Company Shining Special Award” (2019)
• Florida surf film festival “Beyond Tradition” screening and winner of “Best Documentary Short 2019” (2019)