Seido Fujita named Living National Treasure for lacquerware

Lacquerware artist Seido Fujita, 68, has been officially designated as a Living National Treasure for his mastery of the Kinmaki decoration technique. Based in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Fujita is the first resident of the prefecture to receive this prestigious recognition.

Following the official announcement in the government gazette, Fujita expressed his intention to deepen his artistic expression and focus on training successors. He noted the importance of engaging young people within the local Tsugaru lacquerware culture to foster appreciation for the Kinmaki technique. Hirosaki Mayor Masato Tanigawa praised Fujita’s dedication and described the recognition as a culmination of the region's long history of lacquer arts.