Experience Report of Visiting Industrial Facilities in Kansai
-Kishu Lacquerware Traditional Industry Center (Uruwashi-kan)-

Japanese

Kishu Lacquerware Traditional Industry Center (Uruwashi-kan)

Facility overview

Kishu lacquerware, a traditional craft of Wakayama Prefecture, has a history of more than 600 years and is primarily produced in the Kuroe district of Kainan City.

The "Kishu Lacquerware Traditional Industry Center (Uruwashi-kan)" located in the Kuroe district introduces the charm and history of Kishu lacquerware through exhibitions and maki-e (sprinkled picture) experiences.

We visited the facility and had the experience of maki-e (decorative lacquer painting)!

Experience details

1.Choosing the materials for maki-e

Select the materials for your maki-e from round and oval trays and bento boxes.
Each option features a base-layer design such as cherry blossoms or butterflies, and you can choose from colors like red and black.

2.Applying the paint

Apply the paint that acts as glue to the brush and paint it into the design.

3.Adding color

Sprinkle colorful metallic powder onto the painted areas to add color.
Combine your favorite colors to create your own original piece.

4.Signing your work

Apply the paint and repeat the coloring process 2 to 3 times, then add your signature at the end to complete it!

After completion, let’s take a commemorative photo!
You can take your artwork home immediately, making it a perfect souvenir for your trip.

Charming nature of the experience

Ms. Tanioka a traditional craftsperson who serves as an instructor in the experience workshop, says, "Lacquerware is a representative traditional industry of Japan, and while Japanese cuisine has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage, items like trays and lacquerware are not used as much. I want to help create opportunities for people to feel closer to lacquerware through the experience workshop."

True to her words, the workshop allows participants to engage hands-on, enabling them to discover the charm of lacquerware through the process. The experience lasts about one to one and a half hours and is designed to be enjoyable and accessible for both children and adults.

Accessibility for foreign guests

Both individuals and groups, including foreign nationals, can participate in the experience workshop. While having an interpreter accompany you is recommended, it is often possible to communicate using smartphone translation apps even without the interpreter. Therefore, even if you do not understand Japanese, you can enjoy the experience with peace of mind.

Please be sure to visit Kishu Lacquerware Traditional Industry Center (Uruwashi-kan)!

Facility information

Address

642-0001
222 Funo, Kainan City, Wakayama

Access

About 20-minute walk from JR Kuroe Station
About 8 minutes from the Kainan Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway

Please check "Kansai Technical Visit Guide" if you need more information.
Kishu Lacquerware Traditional Industry Center (Uruwashi-kan)

Contact Information

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kansai Bureau
International Investment Promotion Division
Address: 1-5-44 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-8535
Phone：+81-6-6966-6033
E-Mail：invest-japan-kansai@meti.go.jp