The traditional crafts of Japan’s Tohoku region are renowned for their warmth, beauty, and use of natural materials. These handcrafted works embody centuries-old techniques and the exceptional skills of master artisans.
By exploring the unique charm of each craft, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the value of Tohoku’s traditional arts and the rich cultural heritage of the region. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the most iconic traditional crafts of Tohoku, organized by prefecture, and delve into the cultural and historical significance behind each one.
Traditional Crafts of Aomori Prefecture
Aomori Prefecture is famous for its diverse range of traditional crafts, shaped by the region’s abundant nature and rich history. Let’s explore three of Aomori’s most celebrated traditional crafts:
- Tsugaru Lacquerware
- Tsugaru Vidro Glassware
- Akebi Vine Craft
Tsugaru Lacquerware
Tsugaru Lacquerware, born in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture, boasts a history spanning over 300 years. Its most distinctive feature is the “Nuri-dashi” technique, where multiple layers of lacquer are applied and then partially polished away to reveal intricate patterns beneath.
This method creates a stunning interplay of colors and designs on the surface, resulting in a unique depth and luster. The entire process, from preparing the wooden base to lacquering and polishing, is meticulously carried out by skilled artisans, often taking several months to complete a single piece.
Tsugaru Lacquerware is not only prized for its beauty but also for its durability, making it a popular choice for tableware, furniture, and decorative items.
Tsugaru Vidro Glassware
Tsugaru Vidro is a stunning glassware craft from Aomori Prefecture, known for its vibrant colors that reflect the region’s lush natural surroundings. Originally developed from the production of glass floats used in fishing, Tsugaru Vidro has evolved into a diverse range of colorful glass products.
The allure of Tsugaru Vidro lies in its vivid hues and the warm, handcrafted texture of each piece. These beautiful colors are achieved through the skillful manipulation of glass temperature and color changes by master artisans, who carefully shape each item by hand.
As a result, no two pieces are exactly alike, lending a unique personality to each creation. Tsugaru Vidro’s popularity extends to everyday items like glasses, vases, and trinket boxes, making it a cherished gift and a beloved addition to many homes.
Akebi Vine Craft
Akebi Vine Craft is a traditional art form that utilizes the vines of the Akebi plant, native to the mountainous regions of Aomori Prefecture. These vines are prized for their strength and flexibility, allowing artisans to weave them into beautiful and durable baskets and bags.
In recent years, Akebi Vine Craft has expanded beyond traditional baskets and bags to include modern interior accessories and jewelry, appealing to a broader audience. The natural texture of the material and its ability to develop a rich patina with use make Akebi Vine products highly valued among enthusiasts of sustainable, eco-friendly crafts.
Traditional Crafts of Iwate Prefecture
Iwate Prefecture is home to numerous time-honored crafts that have garnered national recognition for their exquisite techniques and beauty. Here, we’ll introduce you to three of Iwate’s most distinguished traditional crafts:
- Nambu Ironware
- Hidehira Lacquerware
- Johoji Lacquerware
Nambu Ironware
Nambu Ironware, produced in and around Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture, boasts a history spanning approximately 400 years. Developed during the Nambu clan’s rule, it now encompasses a wide range of products, including tea kettles, pots, and wind chimes.
The most distinctive feature of Nambu Ironware is its heavy, solid construction combined with intricate, delicate designs. Every step of the process, from casting and polishing to finishing, is performed by hand, with skilled artisans meticulously crafting each piece.
To enhance durability, the interior of Nambu Ironware is treated with a special oxidation process that makes it resistant to rust. This technique ensures that these items can be treasured for generations.
Nambu tea kettles, in particular, are highly prized for their ability to soften water, making them ideal for brewing Japanese tea.
Hidehira Lacquerware
Hidehira Lacquerware, originating from the Hiraizumi area of Iwate Prefecture, traces its roots back to the late Heian period. It flourished during the reign of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, adorning elaborate weapons and utensils with its luxurious decorations.
The hallmark of Hidehira Lacquerware is its lavish ornamentation using gold and silver leaf or powder, combined with the deep luster of multiple layers of lacquer. The decorative techniques employed in Hidehira Lacquerware demand exceptional skill and artistic sense from the craftsmen, resulting in pieces that are truly works of art.
Today, Hidehira Lacquerware is cherished in the form of tableware and decorative items, with its opulence and traditional beauty continuing to captivate many admirers.
Johoji Lacquerware
Johoji Lacquerware, primarily produced in the Johoji district of Ninohe City, Iwate Prefecture, is one of the few lacquerware traditions in Japan that still uses pure lacquer. With a history spanning about 600 years, Johoji Lacquerware has long been a favorite among connoisseurs.
True to its name, Johoji and its surrounding areas are known for producing high-quality lacquer. The liberal use of this lacquer in Johoji Lacquerware results in products with exceptional durability and a character that deepens with use.
The production process of Johoji Lacquerware begins with the application of multiple layers of raw lacquer extracted directly from lacquer trees. This meticulous layering process, involving repeated cycles of drying and applying lacquer, is time-consuming but results in a deep, lustrous finish with a smooth, tactile quality.
Traditional Crafts of Miyagi Prefecture
Here, we’ll introduce you to three of Miyagi Prefecture’s most iconic traditional crafts:
- Miyagi Traditional Kokeshi Dolls
- Naruko Lacquerware
- Sendai Tansu Chests
We’ll explore the history, unique characteristics, and modern applications of each craft in detail.
Miyagi Traditional Kokeshi Dolls
Miyagi Traditional Kokeshi Dolls are wooden figurines crafted in Miyagi Prefecture, with a history dating back to the late Edo period. Originally started as a side business for farmers, Kokeshi doll-making eventually spread as souvenirs from hot spring resorts, leading to the development of distinct regional styles.
The hallmark of Miyagi Traditional Kokeshi Dolls lies in their simple shape and unpretentious expressions. They typically feature a round head and cylindrical body, adorned with simple hand-painted patterns.
The facial features and designs of each Kokeshi doll reflect the individual artisan’s style, resulting in unique expressions even among dolls of the same shape. Within Miyagi Prefecture, different areas have developed their own designs and manufacturing methods, with the Kokeshi dolls from Naruko, Sakunami, and Togatta being particularly famous.
Naruko Lacquerware
Naruko Lacquerware is a traditional craft produced in the Naruko region of Miyagi Prefecture. Originating from the area surrounding Naruko Hot Springs, this lacquerware tradition boasts over 400 years of history.
The defining characteristics of Naruko Lacquerware are its durability, lightweight nature, and ease of use. Craftsmen use high-quality local wood and carry out every step of the process by hand, from preparing the wooden base to applying the lacquer.
A notable technique used in Naruko Lacquerware involves applying multiple layers of lacquer, resulting in a beautiful glossy finish and exceptional durability. Additionally, Naruko Lacquerware often features a unique method called “nuriwaке,” where different colors are combined to create distinctive designs.
Sendai Tansu Chests
Sendai Tansu are traditional Japanese chests crafted in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, with a history dating back to the Edo period. Originally created to store the weapons and clothing of Sendai clan samurai, these chests are renowned for their sturdiness and beautiful ornamentation.
Sendai Tansu are typically made using woods like keyaki (zelkova) and kiri (paulownia), with each piece meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans. A key feature of Sendai Tansu is the technique of applying multiple layers of black lacquer and then attaching metal fittings, resulting in a weighty, impressive finish.
The metal fittings often feature engravings of plants, animals, or family crests, combining visual appeal with functionality. Today, alongside traditional designs, modern interpretations of Sendai Tansu are being created to complement contemporary interiors, earning high praise as stylish storage furniture for modern homes.
Traditional Crafts of Akita Prefecture
The representative crafts of Akita Prefecture include:
- Kabazaiku
- Kawatsura Lacquerware
- Odate Magewappa
These crafts continue to be popular among many people today, each possessing its own unique charm and showcasing high levels of craftsmanship.
Kabazaiku
Kabazaiku is a traditional craft produced in Kakunodate, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture. It involves creating items using the bark of mountain cherry trees. The origins of Kabazaiku can be traced back to the Edo period when samurai began crafting it as protective gear and everyday items.
The distinctive feature of Kabazaiku lies in its process: cherry bark is stripped, dried for an extended period, then heated to soften it before being applied to a wooden core. This results in products that combine strength and beauty. While traditional items include tea caddies, tobacco pouches, and document boxes, modern Kabazaiku has expanded to include accessories and interior decor items.
Kawatsura Lacquerware
Kawatsura Lacquerware is a traditional craft produced in the Kawatsura district of Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, with a history spanning about 800 years. The hallmarks of Kawatsura Lacquerware are its durability, elegant sheen, and intricate decorations that extend to the finest details.
Kawatsura Lacquerware uses high-quality wood and employs a technique of applying multiple layers of lacquer, resulting in highly durable products resistant to scratches. It’s widely used for tableware, trays, and tea ceremony utensils, and its beautiful finish makes it a popular choice for gifts.
In recent years, Kawatsura Lacquerware has also seen the emergence of designs that cater to modern lifestyles, allowing people to enjoy a fusion of tradition and contemporary aesthetics.
Odate Magewappa
Odate Magewappa is a traditional craft from Odate City, Akita Prefecture, known for its bentwood boxes used for lunch boxes and rice containers. The most distinctive features of Odate Magewappa are its lightness and excellent breathability.
Craftsmen use natural Akita cedar, which is thinly sliced and bent using heat to create the desired shape. The joints are then bound with cherry bark and left to dry naturally to complete the process.
The lunch boxes, in particular, are known for their ability to keep food fresh and have been beloved by many for generations. Even today, Odate Magewappa remains popular for its functional beauty and design. While preserving traditional techniques, new styles of products continue to emerge, adapting to contemporary needs.
Traditional Crafts of Yamagata Prefecture
The three representative traditional crafts of Yamagata Prefecture are:
- Yamagata Ironware
- Yonezawa Silk
- Tendo Shogi Pieces
A notable characteristic of Yamagata’s traditional crafts is the wide range of works, from cast iron products to silk textiles.
Yamagata Ironware
Yamagata Ironware is a traditional cast iron craft centered in Yamagata City, with a history dating back to the Heian period. It encompasses a wide range of products, including tea ceremony utensils, Buddhist altar fittings, and everyday items, known for their high durability and beautiful finish.
The process of creating Yamagata Ironware involves first making a mold, pouring molten iron into it to shape the product, then polishing the surface and adding decorative finishes. Notably, Yamagata Ironware tea kettles are highly regarded throughout Japan and have long been cherished as tea ceremony utensils.
In modern times, while preserving traditional techniques, new designs and applications have been introduced, making Yamagata Ironware popular as interior decor items as well.
Yonezawa Silk
Yonezawa Silk is a traditional silk textile produced in the Okitama region of southern Yamagata Prefecture. Its history dates back to the Edo period, and this fabric, nurtured in a harsh climate and rich natural environment, is characterized by its lightness, durability, and beautiful luster.
Yonezawa Silk is particularly renowned for its intricate patterns and kasuri (ikat) techniques, which showcase its exquisite craftsmanship and beauty. Today, while preserving traditional methods, new designs incorporating modern sensibilities are continuously emerging, attracting attention as fashionable items.
Tendo Shogi Pieces
Tendo Shogi Pieces are a traditional craft produced in Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture. Almost all shogi (Japanese chess) pieces used in Japan are made here. Tendo City is known as the birthplace of shogi pieces, with a thriving shogi piece production industry since the Edo period.
The distinctive features of Tendo Shogi Pieces are the beautiful carving that brings out the natural texture of the wood and the intricate characters engraved either by hand or machine. The wood used for the pieces is primarily katsura (Japanese Judas tree) or tsuge (boxwood), chosen for their beautiful grain and appropriate weight. The characters on the pieces come in various styles depending on the font and carving method, each with its own unique character.
Tendo Shogi Pieces range from everyday sets used for regular play to high-end pieces for appreciation, popular among shogi enthusiasts for their high quality and beauty.
Traditional Crafts of Fukushima Prefecture
Finally, let’s explore three traditional crafts from Fukushima Prefecture:
- Aizu Lacquerware
- Ohori Soma Ware
- Oku-Aizu Basketry
Fukushima’s traditional crafts are diverse, encompassing a wide range of products from everyday items to gifts, interior decor, and ornamental pieces.
Aizu Lacquerware
Aizu Lacquerware (Aizu-nuri) is a traditional lacquerware produced in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. It’s renowned for its durability and beautiful, ornate decorations. While it has long been cherished for everyday utensils and tableware, in recent years, it has also gained recognition as a high-quality gift item and work of art.
The production process of Aizu Lacquerware begins with preparing the wooden base, followed by applying multiple layers of lacquer. The piece is then decorated using techniques such as maki-e (sprinkled picture) or chinkin (gold inlay). Aizu Lacquerware featuring maki-e is particularly known for its luxurious finish, where gold or silver powder is used to create intricate designs on the lacquer surface, resulting in pieces that are not only beautiful but also exude elegance.
Ohori Soma Ware
Ohori Soma Ware (Ohori Soma-yaki) is a traditional pottery primarily produced in Namie Town, Futaba District, Fukushima Prefecture. It’s distinguished by its unique double-firing technique and the beautiful crackle pattern known as “aohibi” (blue crackle). This double-firing method enhances the ware’s durability and heat-insulating properties, making it ideal for tea bowls and cups.
Another distinctive feature of Ohori Soma Ware is the “hashiri-koma” or running horse motif. This dynamic horse design was influenced by the warrior class of the Warring States period, who had a deep appreciation for horses. The result is a vibrant, energetic pattern adorning the pottery.
While preserving traditional techniques, contemporary Ohori Soma Ware artisans are also experimenting with new designs and applications, pushing the boundaries of this time-honored craft.
Oku-Aizu Basketry
Oku-Aizu Basketry (Oku-Aizu Amikumi-zaiku) is a traditional craft from the Oku-Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. This basketry utilizes plants native to the mountainous area, embodying a technique nurtured by the natural environment of Oku-Aizu with a history dating back to the Edo period.
Craftsmen primarily use vines and bark from plants such as Actinidia (kiwi vine), Akebia, and Magnolia obovata, weaving each piece by hand. The most common products are baskets and bags, cherished for their natural textures and the warmth of handcrafted items.
In recent years, alongside traditional baskets and bags, Oku-Aizu Basketry has expanded to include interior accessories and jewelry that align with modern lifestyles, garnering support from a broad range of consumers.
Conclusion
This article has introduced you to the representative traditional crafts of Japan’s Tohoku region. Each prefecture boasts unique crafts rooted in its history and natural environment, with skilled artisans continuing to pass down their exceptional techniques and aesthetic sensibilities.
| Aomori Prefecture | Tsugaru Lacquerware, Tsugaru Vidro Glassware, Akebi Vine Craft |
| Iwate Prefecture | Nambu Ironware, Hidehira Lacquerware, Johoji Lacquerware |
| Miyagi Prefecture | Miyagi Traditional Kokeshi Dolls, Naruko Lacquerware, Sendai Tansu Chests |
| Akita Prefecture | Kabazaiku, Kawatsura Lacquerware, Odate Magewappa |
| Yamagata Prefecture | Yamagata Ironware, Yonezawa Silk, Tendo Shogi Pieces |
| Fukushima Prefecture | Aizu Lacquerware, Ohori Soma Ware, Oku-Aizu Basketry |
These traditional crafts are more than just decorative items or tools; they are vital symbols of the Tohoku region’s culture and history. The artisans’ skills and passion, embedded in each piece, continue to captivate people across generations.
We encourage you to take this opportunity to explore the traditional crafts of each area and experience their allure firsthand. Discover the rich tapestry of Tohoku’s artistic heritage and bring a piece of this timeless craftsmanship into your own life.
