Proposing New Possibilities and Perspectives for Urushi

Through sports introduced as new events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, we have been promoting the possibilities of Urushi as a natural, eco-friendly material and highlighting its charm of developing deeper character with use.

We also explore how Urushi can be integrated into modern lifestyles, addressing past perceptions such as its high cost, fragility, or incompatibility with contemporary housing styles.

URUSHI×SURF

The “Urushi Alaia” project began with our encounter with Tom Wegener, an Australian environmental activist and woodboard shaper. The world’s first Urushi-coated Alaia surfboard serves as an icon, showcasing URUSHI as a sustainable and eco-friendly material that’s gentle on both people and the planet.

URUSHI×SKATE

We aim to demonstrate the growing appeal of Urushi as it ages and is used. Just as one would cherish the worn-in look of denim or leather products, we encourage a new way to enjoy Urushi, where the scars from skateboarding become part of its individuality and character.

URUSHI×BMX

Urushi on metals and other materials. Collaborating with BMX pro rider and former world champion Yohei Uchino, we created Urushi-coated BMX. A promotional video was shot to propose a “cool new Urushi” and to highlight the strength and beauty of Urushi’s aging process. We also produced custom-painted Urushi BMX frames, which sparked interest and conversation.

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