About Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi
Japanese culture and urushi -
The roots of Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Store
Urushi has been a part of Japanese life since the Jomon period, some 10,000 years ago. Since then, the urushi culture was passed down through the ages, reaching its peak in the Edo period (1603~1867). From the middle of the Edo period, imported urushi from Burma and other countries began to enter the country through the port of Nagasaki, and the total amount of urushi used, domestically produced and imported, came to approximately 2,000 tonnes per year. However, in the Taisho era (1912-1926), the production of domestic urushi declined sharply. Furnishings and armor for the feudal lords became unnecessary, and the policy of encouraging urushi production was abolished. At the same time, lacquerware became popular in the town as a typical Japanese craft.
1909 (Meiji 42)
The first Tsutsumi Asakichi became independent and founded Tsutsumi Asakichi Shoten
refining lacquer by hand and machine, sold filter paper, and developed foil-pressed urushi.
In the early Showa period, domestic urushi production declined to only 50 tons per year
Imports increased, and the total amount of urushi used exceeded 2000 tons in Showa 11
Import volume dropped drastically due to war
Urushi is used for military use as anti-rust paint, and refining of urushi is restricted by the country, and Tsutsumi Asakichi Shoten is forced to close
Demand for lacquerware also increased along with high economic growth, and imported urushi was used for most of it
1950 (Showa 25) 2nd generation Tsutsumi Shigeru starts work
Expand your business by increasing the number of items handled according to your needs
Expanding foil-stamped lacquer all over the country
Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi's domestic urushi refining volume is domestic urushi production
It will account for 65 to 70%
The import volume of urushi fell to 100 tons, and the industry was sluggish
Others, glass urushi, qualia coating, color clear urushi,
Development of products such as abrasives for Sanwa lacquerware and Asakichi whetstones
Pursuing a stable supply of lacquer and quality. Then to activities that convey the appeal of lacquer
I began to feel the decline of the lacquer industry firsthand, and in order to preserve the culture of lacquer and lacquer,
Start activities to convey the unique appeal of lacquer, which is a natural material
Announced a notification stating that it is desirable to use lacquer from
Project launch
Takuya Tsutsumi, the fourth generation, established the General Incorporated Association Perspective as a co-representative. Cooperate with our company,
Aim for recycling-oriented manufacturing that enriches the region, such as growing lacquer trees and trees used as craft materials
2020 (Reiwa 2)
The spread of the novel coronavirus infection
As a product to enhance time spent at home, we developed the Kintsugi Coffret,
fuki-urushi kits and collaboration products with other industries
The “Urushi Surf Project” connecting mountains, towns, and the sea has started
