Updated at 2022-04-17
Europeans refer to lacquerware as “japan,” which shows Japan’s high achievement in lacquer art. However, the road to success was far from easy. One of the main reasons is that sap from the Japanese lacquer tree, the main ingredient used in Japanese lacquer, can only be harvested once a year. The sap needs to be stored anywhere between 3 and 5 years to produce raw lacquer. Despite these challenges, roughly 40 regions in Japan have developed outstanding lacquer craft. Kagawa is one of the most prominent regions. The key period of development of Kagawa lacquerware was the Edo period. During this period, feudal lords loved and protected the craft, leading to the cultivation of many master craftsmen, including Zokoku Tamakaji, the forefather of Kagawa lacquerware.
Alliance Date: July 18, 2016
Language: Japanese
Area: 1,876.72 square kilometers
Population: Approx. 919,000 people
Main Industries/Features: Tourism, industry, commerce, agriculture and fisheries