Hidetoshi Nakata, working with Nikken Sogyo, is seeking "Japanese lacquer artists" who embody Japanese aesthetics through the "Monozukuri Nippon e-Shigoto x ReVALUE NIPPON" project, which aims to enrich the work styles of young people in Japan through manufacturing. The project outline was announced on January 13th at the Tokyo University of the Arts Museum.
The project recruits "Japanese lacquer artists" from the general public through the job site "e-Shigoto." Recipients will undergo training to become lacquer artists and acquire lacquering skills through actual work in domestic manufacturing. They will also travel with Nakata to the Milan Expo in the summer of 2015 for on-site training. Support will also be provided for finding employment after the project ends.
The instructor who will pass on the lacquer art will be lacquer artist and Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) Murose Kazumi, who will teach lacquer art techniques to the newcomers over a total of eight sessions. Kansai Paint will also oversee modern painting techniques for cars and industrial products. Courses will be held on the basics of painting and color matching. The successful candidate will also be responsible for promoting these courses and events through social media and interviews. Nakata, who has been supporting traditional culture and crafts through travel to all 47 prefectures in Japan since 2009, commented that lacquerware is one of his favorite traditional crafts because "its color-adding technique makes it easy for aesthetic sensibilities to surface." He also cited the traditions of handcrafted craftsmanship in both Japan and Italy, stating, "lacquering has a global appeal." Murose, who played soccer in his youth, also expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "Just like soccer, I want to strive to raise the quality of Japan's traditional crafts, which have been passed down through ancient wisdom and techniques, to become the face of culture." Monozukuri Nippon e-Shigoto x ReVALUE NIPPON is a project launched by Nakata and Nikken in April 2014. In June of the same year, a pop-up cafe was opened in Brazil, where the World Cup was held, promoting the appeal of Japanese food and traditional crafts. The "Japanese Lacquer Artist" project is the second in the series.
