Tasuku Murose: Working with Urushi

I work with urushi (Japanese lacquer). When I say that, people often respond, "Oh, so you're a craftsman." While there is certainly that aspect to it, it is quite difficult to sum up my work with the single word "craftsman."

For example, I am writing this text on a flight to Barcelona for a lecture and workshop. In terms of what might be called typical craftsman work, my involvement in creating pieces at a studio called the Mejiro Institute of Urushi Cultural Properties would qualify. However, I don't just focus on production; my days also involve restoring cultural properties, working with museums, teaching at urushi schools and universities, and sometimes spending the whole day at a computer doing administrative work.

Outside of work hours, I create my own pieces as an individual artist, and if anything, this is the work I would like to make my primary career. Because I am busy with such a variety of tasks every day, I feel a slight sense of disconnect when people call me a "craftsman." However, since it is difficult to explain, I currently just give a non-committal answer like, "Something like that."

What I am thinking about now is whether I can increase the number of fellow urushi artists who are Keio alumni. When people hear "urushi artist," they might imagine someone who is good with their hands but works somewhat outside of the economy and society. While manual dexterity is certainly necessary, I believe today's urushi world also requires people with excellent economic sense, social skills, and an international perspective. I feel our alma mater has many such talented individuals.

Another ability required of an urushi artist is creativity. Urushi has a strong image of being something old, but that is only one side of it; in reality, the ability to figure out how to apply inherited traditions to the modern world is very important. Among my fellow graduates from the same faculty, there are many people creating brilliant new technologies and services through their creativity. Just as in many other industries, I believe such talent is needed in the world of urushi.

I believe the world of urushi would become much more interesting if there were more such colleagues. It is true that the entry point is narrow, but I will try to pry that door open from inside the industry. So, to students preparing for job hunts or professionals considering a career change, please do include "urushi" on your list of considerations.

If a few people gather, I might even try to start an "Urushi Mita-kai."