WAJIMA, Japan, Jan 2, (V7N) - In the disaster-stricken coastal city of Wajima, Takaho Shoji, a 53-year-old lacquerware craftsman, meticulously applies layers of coating to a wooden box. Each brushstroke reflects his commitment to preserving the city’s centuries-old tradition of Wajima-nuri lacquerware while rebuilding his community.

Wajima, renowned for its exquisite lacquerware, was ravaged by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake on New Year's Day, followed by fires, a tsunami, and landslides. As the city struggled to recover, torrential rains in September caused further devastation, leaving homes and businesses in ruins.

“We have to work harder together, otherwise the local lacquerware industry will fade,” Shoji said, determined to restore both his craft and his city’s spirit.

Crafting Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Wajima-nuri lacquerware, celebrated for its durability and delicate designs, involves over 100 intricate steps, with tasks distributed among specialized artisans. However, the disasters have fractured the network of approximately 700 artisans, further threatening an industry already grappling with a declining workforce.

Taiichi Kirimoto, a seventh-generation lacquerware studio proprietor, has been pivotal in supporting the community. Despite losing his home, Kirimoto collaborated with architect Shigeru Ban to create temporary workspaces using cardboard materials. He also travels nationwide to promote Wajima-nuri, ensuring artisans have a platform to continue their work.

“Lacquerware provides a sense of comfort and warmth,” Kirimoto said, emphasizing its timeless appeal. “I absolutely do not see a choice to leave this city or to move to another profession.”

A Community in Transition

Shoji, a specialist in lacquer coating, embodies the resilience of Wajima’s artisans. An avid angler, he narrowly escaped disaster during the earthquake, seeking refuge overnight in his car. Though his home became uninhabitable, he has remained dedicated to rebuilding his community and encouraging others to stay.

However, the September floods tested his resolve.

“That’s what worries me the most—when you lose people, it devastates the community,” Shoji said.

Preserving Tradition, Embracing Innovation

Despite the uncertainty, Shoji and his fellow artisans are finding ways to adapt. Inspired by Wajima-nuri’s timeless techniques, Shoji is experimenting with new methods to modernize lacquerware and expand its appeal.

“Our future is uncertain. But I want to do something to move things forward,” he affirmed, believing that the craft can serve as a beacon of hope and pride for Wajima.

While the road to recovery is long, the dedication of artisans like Shoji and Kirimoto underscores the resilience of Wajima’s people. The city’s lacquerware tradition stands not only as a testament to its rich heritage but also as a symbol of its determination to rebuild and thrive against all odds.

END/WD/RH/