Since its founding in 1909, Tsutsumi Asakichi Lacquer Shop has been at the forefront of Japanese craftsmanship—rooted in tradition, yet always looking ahead. This family-run studio, with deep expertise in natural urushi lacquer, has captivated generations with its refined techniques and aesthetics. Their work is featured in iconic places such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a testament to the trust placed in their craftsmanship.

 

A Family Legacy of Craftsmanship

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Takuya Tsutsumi, the fourth-generation head of the company, grew up surrounded by the scent of lacquer and the rhythm of the workshop—his childhood home. His grandfather, a true artisan, believed in using every drop of lacquer with care, and instilled a sense of respect for nature and gratitude for the material. Today, that philosophy continues to guide the workshop. The company sources raw lacquer, then refines and blends it in house – handling the entire process to ensure quality and stability. This approach connects those who harvest lacquer with the artisans who use it. “Lacquer isn’t just a material,” Takuya says. “It’s a part of my family’s history.” This spirit remains at the heart of everything they create.

 

 

Redefining Lacquer: Traditional Craft Meets Modern Materials

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In recent years, Tsutsumi Asakichi Lacquer Shop has taken bold steps to reimagine the role of lacquer in daily life. From surfboards and skateboards to bicycles, they are exploring how this ancient material can intersect with modern tools and lifestyles. These pieces aren’t just beautiful—they showcase the durability and sustainability of lacquer, proving it belongs far beyond the tea room. It’s a fresh chapter in the story of urushi—one that connects heritage with contemporary design.

 

 

Japanese Craft, Globally Celebrated

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In 2025, Tsutsumi Asakichi Lacquer Shop received the prestigious PFV Prize, awarded by Primum Familiae Vini—a consortium of the world’s leading family-owned wine producers. This international award honors family-run businesses that excel in blending tradition with innovation. The Tsustumi family’s development of UV-resistant lacquer and their contributions to the preservation of Japanese cultural heritage earned high praise. Today, the company plays a key role in the restoration of important cultural properties, standing as a leading lacquer refining company in Japan.

 

 

 

Crafting the Future, Together

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The workshop is now alive with the energy of young artisans. Under Takuya’s mentorship, a new generation is learning the foundations of the craft while exploring its untapped potential. “When I first came back, the studio was quiet and there were only a few young people,” Takuya recalls. “Now it feels like anything is possible.”

 

 

The Story Continues

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Rooted in tradition, Tsutsumi Asakichi Lacquer Shop continues to expand the possibilities of urushi. And now, you can experience that story firsthand. The studio offers hands-on workshops where you can touch, feel, and learn about lacquer’s unique beauty and depth. Tradition isn’t something to just admire—it’s something to feel, to carry forward, and to pass on. And with you, the story begins again.

Tsutsumi Asakichi Lacquer Shop