Tsunoda Seibee Shoten

The story of Tsunoda Seibee Shoten begins in 1830 (Tempo 1), at the end of the Edo period, when it was established as a specialty store for Kishu lacquerware. The company name is associated with "Tsunoda Seibee," a merchant said to have sold lacquerware between Kishu and Edo around the Kan'ei period (c. 1620), and it is also said that the second generation opened a store in Edo.

In 1918, during a nationwide rice shortage and unrest, an angry mob set fire to both the Seibee home and store. Many precious books and documents were lost in the fire, leaving few records to fully detail the early history. The current shop in Kishu Hikata (along the Kumano Kaido route) was built after the fire and is operated by the seventh-generation Seibee Tsunoda.

The brand's design theme is simple and modern, yet warm — avoiding unnecessary ornamentation. It draws on the quiet appeal of traditional Japanese living spaces while proposing products that fit changing lifestyles.

A key philosophy is to respect the character of natural materials. Wood has grain and knots and can warp or crack; instead of eliminating those traits, Tsunoda Seibee Shoten seeks to craft tools that make the most of each material's individuality. In addition, all products undergo final inspection by human eyes and hands, with the hope that customers can use them safely and comfortably.

The product lineup spans bento boxes, bowls, ohitsu rice tubs, trays, plates, cutlery, accessories such as wrapping bags and table mats, vanity mirrors, and interior items like plate stands. For example, the bento boxes are described as being hollowed out from a block of Kishu cypress by machine, then finished by artisans by hand — so delicate that only about ten can be made in a day.

The brand also introduces "Nano-coating," designed to retain the beauty of lacquer and natural wood grain while enhancing practical durability. For business customers, Tsunoda Seibee Shoten accepts OEM/ODM and novelty orders, including name engraving and laser processing (with limits), as well as requests for different sizes, designs, wood selection, or fully custom-made projects.

Founded in 1830 with a legacy spanning roughly 190 years

Tsunoda Seibee Shoten traces its origins to 1830, when it began as a specialty store for Kishu lacquerware. The name "Tsunoda Seibee" is linked to a merchant said to have travelled between Kishu and Edo selling lacquerware around the Kan'ei period (c. 1620). Long-standing relationships with companies, factories, and craftspeople continue to shape the way the brand makes and delivers products today.

Making the most of wood's individuality

Wood naturally has knots and grain, and it can warp or crack depending on the material — traits the brand views as individuality rather than defects. Instead of erasing these characteristics, Tsunoda Seibee Shoten aims to highlight them, bringing out the gentle touch of solid wood, the beauty of grain patterns, and the subtle aroma of cypress in everyday tools.

Final inspection by human hands

Every product passes through a final step handled by people: a hands-on, visual inspection intended to ensure customers can use the items safely and with confidence. This focus on the last mile of quality reflects the brand's belief that daily tools should be dependable as well as beautiful.

"Nano-coating" that keeps the look while improving durability

Nano-coat is introduced as a new glass-coating method that becomes tasteless, odorless, and colorless/transparent. The alcohol solvent evaporates quickly, and glass components react with moisture in the air to form a thin glass film layer — helping improve wear resistance, stain resistance, and scratch resistance while preserving the appearance of lacquer and natural wood grain.