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Yomiuri Shimbun file photo Some members of the Wajima no Mirai no Tame ni pose at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store in April 2024.
By Jin Kiyokawa / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer
17:07 JST, February 22, 2025
Courtesy of Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
Traditional crafts from the quake-hit Noto Peninsula, including Wajima lacquerware and Suzu ware, will be displayed for sale at several locations at the Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, including its iconic central hall known for its elaborate decoration.
“Mirai ni Tsunagu Noto no Monozukuri” (Noto’s craftsmanship for the future), which runs from Feb. 26 to March 4 in the store’s main building, will introduce not only the crafts, but also the traditions and objects of the Noto area of Ishikawa Prefecture. The culture of Noto will be passionately shared at an exhibition in the long-established department store, which boasts a 120-year history.
The event is the brainchild of Wajima lacquerware artisans who formed a volunteer group called Wajima no Mirai no Tame ni (For the future of Wajima) after the Noto Peninsula Earthquake hit Noto on Jan. 1, 2024.
Lacquerware artisan Kazutaka Furukomi, who represents the group, decided to stand up for Wajima after seeing fellow artisans becoming despondent, having lost their homes and studios or even considering giving up their craft. Furukomi has a good relationship with Mitsukoshi and brought the matter up with the store.
“I asked the department store to hold a special exhibition as soon as possible, in a way that allows the money to go to the craftsmen,” Furukomi, 47, said. “Mitsukoshi, which works to preserve culture, readily agreed with my request.”
Courtesy of Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store A celestial maiden sculpture stands in the central hall on the first floor of Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, the venue for the upcoming exhibition.
The Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store opened in December 1904, becoming Japan’s first department store. The building was rebuilt in 1927, using steel frames that survived the Great Kanto Earthquake, and was designated as a national important cultural property in 2016.
A 10-meter-tall celestial maiden sculpture sits in the central hall on the first floor. A pipe organ that was imported in the early Showa era (1926-1989) is regularly played there. The store has been celebrating the 120th anniversary of its establishment with a yearlong event that began in April 2024.
The store held an exhibition in April associated with the group on the fifth floor. Takayuki Koyano, who is in charge of the sales floor, has been committed to supporting Wajima lacquerware since the April exhibition.
“I’ve always dreamed of holding an exhibition in the central hall of the first floor,” he said. The hall is the department’s symbolic area, with a stairwell leading up to the fifth floor, and has long been the venue for exhibitions by world-famous luxury brands.
The upcoming Wajima exhibition will be held in this high-profile location after winning recognition as an event conveying Noto’s traditions, culture, art and lifestyle. More than 20 booths run by artisans, including the group’s members and lacquer artist Junichi Hakose, lacquerware stores and Suzu pottery artists will exhibit their works for sale.
A kimono sales area on the fourth floor will feature Notojofu top-grade ramie fabric, woven by Yamazaki Notojofu Workshop Inc., based in Hakui. Japanese drumming group Wajima Wadaiko Toranosuke will give a free performance on March 2 to show off Noto’s appeal as a tourism destination.
As an artist of traditional crafts, Furukomi has placed importance on inviting customers to Noto to show them around.
“To have my crafts appreciated, it’s better to have customers taste Noto’s sake and food, to get a feel for its features, rather than have me simply explaining my crafts in a sales booth,” he said. “It is important that the whole region comes together as one for the content here.”
On March 1, a lecture by Kiyomizudera temple’s head priest Seihan Mori, who will write calligraphy of a kanji character associated with his hope for reconstruction, is scheduled.
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Moving ‘one step forward’
Participating craftsmen shared stories of the disaster and their enthusiasm for the exhibition.
Ryuji Ikehata, 57, president of Wajima Ryusaku:
“My house was destroyed in the earthquake. The temporary housing that I managed to get into after a long wait was flooded in September.
“Recovering clothes, shoes and electrical appliances from the mud, I felt like something inside me had broken, thinking ‘I don’t care.’ The exhibition will help me take a step forward as I receive encouragement from customers. I am filled with gratitude.”
Haruka Nakashima, 36, president of Chubei Nakashima Lacquerware Store:
“I agreed with the idea of Wajima no Mirai no Tame ni to help boost all of Wajima.
“My father had died just the year before the earthquake. I’ve learned a lot. The group has united and worked hard as a team, explaining each other’s crafts. I want many people to enjoy the exhibition.”
Taiga Nakajima, Suzu ware artist:
“My house was destroyed. I spent the year just living from day to day.
“I leased a kiln from the city of Suzu around October and only recently started making pottery again.
“The situation in the city itself is dire, with more and more vacant lots and the scenery changing daily. Before I can even think about protecting Suzu ware, I need to work to convey the reality of conditions in Noto at the exhibition.”
