Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Inc. provides Urushi to restore national treasures and important cultural properties, including the renowned Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. Japanese Urushi is used in these temples and shrines, with much of it being supplied by our company.

As an Urushi supplier, we act as a bridge between the Urushi harvesters and the artisans who apply it. It is our responsibility to understand the needs of both parties, ensuring the procurement of raw Urushi (Arami Urushi), refining and blending it to the highest standards, and delivering a consistent and reliable supply. While the quality of Urushi is a fundamental requirement, solid production management and leadership are also crucial. Our company, which manages every step from raw material sourcing to manufacturing and shipping, is a rare Urushi supplier with a rigorous quality control and production system.

The Distinctive Features of “Kōrin Urushi” Valued in Restoration Projects

One of the key reasons our company is chosen is the performance of our self-developed “Kōrin Urushi.” One of the main features of Kōrin is its excellent weather resistance, which helps slow the initial deterioration compared to traditional Urushi. In the restoration of outdoor structures, UV damage is a significant concern. Kōrin improves the strength of the coating by finely dispersing Urushi particles, allowing it to maintain its gloss longer than conventional Urushi, even outdoors. Accelerated weathering tests conducted by the Kyoto City Industrial Technology Research Institute have proven that Kōrin retains its gloss far longer than both traditional Urushi and MR Urushi, which is made using the three-roll mill method.

However, these tests are just one set of data. Kōrin Urushi does deteriorate under UV exposure. So, why is it chosen for cultural heritage restoration? The answer lies in the repeated, environment-specific tests conducted at sites like the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, where Kōrin’s performance and effectiveness have been evaluated and proven superior to traditional Urushi under real-world conditions.

As an essential Urushi for the restoration of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, we will continue to improve and maintain the quality of Kōrin Urushi, responding to the specific needs of each project. Naturally, we also produce other types of Urushi, such as raw Urushi and matte Urushi, tailored for the specific requirements of cultural property restoration.