Daigo Japan Urushi Forestry & Kintsugi Workshop 2025 - From Forest to Craft Table
- Mikster
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
「大子漆の森－金継ぎ研修2025」開催決定
From October 20 to 28, 2025, the town of Daigo in Ibaraki Prefecture will host “Daigo Urushi Forestry & Kintsugi Training 2025.”The program, themed “From Forest to Craft Table”, offers one of the very few opportunities in Japan to experience both urushi forestry and the traditional art of kintsugi in a single intensive program. This year, we are excited to welcome a small group of urushi craft advocates from the United States, Portugal, and Australia, further enriching the program’s international exchange.
Shining a Light on a Forgotten Industry
Daigo has been known as an urushi-producing region since the Edo period and still ranks as Japan’s second largest source of natural lacquer. Yet, fewer than a few dozen urushi tappers remain nationwide, and the survival of this industry depends on a new generation. In this program, participants will harvest raw lacquer under the guidance of both a seasoned master and a young apprentice who has dedicated over six years to training. Importantly, it also allows international participants to meet this apprentice firsthand and understand the rigor and value of true apprenticeship in Japan.
Why Urushi Matters
Urushi has sustained Japanese culture for over 10,000 years, used in everything from temple architecture and Buddhist statues to maki-e lacquerware and everyday tableware. Yet in recent decades, domestic production has sharply declined, with growing reliance on imports. This program offers both Japanese and international participants a rare chance to recognize the value of urushi and the urgency of its preservation.
A Stage for Regional Revitalization and International Exchange
The inaugural program in 2024 brought participants from Europe and the United States, creating a new platform for international exchange in Daigo. Building on that momentum, the 2025 edition continues to welcome participants from overseas, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the town. For local officials and forestry staff, this continuity of exchange is a source of great inspiration and a model for regional revitalization.
Participant’s Testimonial
About the Organizers
The program is organized by Taketombo Corporation / Goenne Japan (Fukuoka-based) under the motto “From Forest to Craft Table,” Goenne Japan works with artisans across Japan to share traditional crafts with the world, support successors, and contribute to regional revitalization.
The program is supported by the Daigo Town Forestry Division and the Daigo Urushi Preservation Association.
For more information, please contact
Taketombo Corp (Fukuoka)
Mikki Tam mikki@taketombo.jp
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