Arts and Crafts

Each region in Japan has its own special products and folk crafts that eloquently reflect the local setting and nature of the people. All of the Aizu products have a warm, gentle quality with a touch of humor.

One of the main crafts of the region is Aizu lacquer ware, also known as Aizu Nuri, which has been developed over a 400-year period. The industry is supported by an abundant supply of wood, something only made possible in mountainous areas; environments with relatively low amounts of dust and moisture; and by perseverance and love of the craftsmen who have continued to make lacquer ware generation after generation.
The tallow from the lacquer is used in turn to make e-rosoku, Aizu candles, which have lovely pictures painted on them. The painted candles were formerly used mainly for ceremonial purposes such as weddings.
As Aizu is far from the sea, many special local foods have been created. One of them is migaki nishinno sanshozuke. To make this preserve, a special kind of pottery was created.This pottery, Munakatagama, is made in Aizu- Hongo, and has earned the Grand Prix Award in Brussels. The Kanzangama, which developed the Aizu- Hongo Yaki Hakuji, has been producing tableware for over 10 generations.
The harsh weather in this region fosters the growth of Paulownia trees. Chests of drawers made from this wood are able to protect clothing for more than 100 years because of the ability of the wood to keep out moisture. Wooden geta (traditional shoes), which are simple and easy to wear, are also representative of Aizu.
There are many other well-known crafts made in Aizu. Two examples are Aizu tojin dako (exotic kites), and aka-beko. In Japanese, aka means "red" and beko means "bull". These charming "red bulls", which bob their heads, are popular among tourists as good-luck charms.