Discover Noto Tour delves into the post-earthquake recovery of Wajima lacquerware
On August 30 2024, almost eight months after a destructive earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture, the Discover Noto Tour was held in the disaster-affected area. The first post-earthquake tour of the peninsula to be attended by visitors from abroad, it saw eight business executives from countries including Spain and the UK visit the city of Wajima, the production centre of Wajima-nuri lacquerware. Participants had the opportunity to interact with craftspeople who overcame the disaster and are now trying to revive their craft.
Photo : Keisuke Tanigawa
The tour was guided by Kodai Taya of the long-established Wajima lacquerware company Taya Lacquerware Store. Included in the programme were a sake tasting in the shop's gallery and a demonstration of chinkin, a technique where gold is delicately sunken into a lacquered surface to create intricate patterns. During the live demonstration, guests were able to witness the craftsmanship involved in carving fine lines on the surface of a piece of lacquerware with a chisel and rubbing gold powder and other materials into the item.
Photo : Keisuke Tanigawa輪島 未来工房 mira-co.
Participants viewed Wajima lacquerware works inside Wajima Mirai Kobo Mira-co., a multifunctional trailer house operated by the Taya Lacquerware Store that includes a workshop, exhibition gallery and accommodation, while the demonstration by craftsmen was held at an adjacent car dealership, whose walls are decorated with Wajima lacquer panels.