Yamada Shunkei

The Yamada Shunkei shop and workshop are located in Ojin-machi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. The store stands along the promenade leading to Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, a route that is also part of the area where the Takayama Festival floats appear in autumn. Visitors can step inside to find a wide range of Hida Shunkei pieces, from trays and lunch boxes to small boxes, flower vases and accessories.

According to the company overview, Yamada-Shunkei Co., Ltd. is engaged in the manufacturing, planning and sales of Hida Shunkei lacquerware. The English-language site “About Hida-Shunkei” describes Hida Shunkei as a clear yellow lacquer that enhances the grain of the wood. It explains that the craft dates back to 1607, when an early piece was created for the local lord, and notes that while Hida Shunkei was once mainly used for tea ceremony utensils for the upper classes, it later came to be used in everyday life for items such as tea trays and boxes.

The Japanese “About” pages further explain that Yamada Shunkei continues to produce and sell traditional items such as jubako (tiered boxes), bento lunch boxes, trays, confectionery dishes and flower vases, while also developing tumblers, design clocks, ballpoint pens and a variety of accessories. The aim is to move beyond the image of traditional crafts as old-fashioned or expensive and to create products that can be enjoyed casually by people of all ages, genders and nationalities.

In addition to the main website, Yamada Shunkei operates several online stores: the Hida Shunkei online store, an accessory-focused store, and the amberance brand store. Through these sites, customers can purchase traditional trays and boxes as well as Hida Shunkei accessories such as earrings, hair elastics, brooches and tie clips. Product categories include cups and bowls, stationery and desk items, lunch boxes, tiered boxes, clocks, small fabric-covered boxes, frames, accessories, plates, confectionery dishes, trays, flower vases, tableware, tea saucers and tea utensils.

The FAQ and care guide pages provide detailed information on how to use and look after Hida Shunkei pieces, including advice on cleaning, handling and storage. There is also guidance on repairs, with the company stating that repairs are offered only for its own products and explaining the conditions under which reinforcement or touch-up work may be possible. Contact pages list business hours, regular closing days and notes about the lack of dedicated parking, helping visitors and online customers plan their purchases and store visits.

By combining traditional techniques with contemporary product development and multiple online storefronts, Yamada Shunkei presents Hida Shunkei lacquerware as a craft that can be used every day rather than reserved only for special occasions. The company’s message is that genuine Hida Shunkei, made by hand with care in Hida-Takayama, can bring warmth and a sense of history to the modern table.

Traditional lacquerware from Hida-Takayama

Yamada Shunkei is based in Hida-Takayama, a historic castle town in Gifu Prefecture, and focuses on Hida Shunkei lacquerware. According to the company profile, Yamada-Shunkei Co., Ltd. was established in 1968 and is engaged in the manufacturing, planning and sales of Hida Shunkei. The store is located along the approach to Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, about a 15-minute walk from JR Takayama Station, making it a popular destination for visitors exploring the old town area.

Hida Shunkei: clear yellow lacquer that brings out the grain of the wood

On the English website, Hida Shunkei is described as a clear yellow lacquerware that enhances the grain of the wood. The craft is said to have begun in 1607 (Keicho 12), when a tray made by a carpenter was lacquered by a craftsman for the lord of Takayama. Initially used mainly for tea ceremony utensils and limited to the upper classes, it later came to be used for daily necessities such as trays and boxes, and today it is appreciated as practical tableware and interior items that can be enjoyed in everyday life.

Handcrafted with the traditional “hand-brushing” technique

All Yamada Shunkei products are handmade by artisans using the “hand-brushing technique” defined by the Hida Shunkei Cooperative Association. Hida Shunkei has been designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan, and the shop emphasizes that its pieces carry both the official traditional craft mark and the hand-brushing mark. The transparent lacquer and carefully selected timber give each piece a light feel in the hand and a distinctive appearance, making the items suitable not only as souvenirs but also as gifts for occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, and seasonal celebrations.