About Us : MARUYOSHI KOSAKA
In the small town of Kiso Hirasawa, nestled in the deep forests of the Kiso Valley along the old Nakasendo road, lacquer artisans line the streets. Here, craftsmen are dedicated to the art of lacquer (shikki), and woodworking, engaging earnestly in their work, quietly continuing the tradition of craftsmanship.
Since our establishment in this region, MARUYOSHI KOSAKA has been involved in the art of lacquer. The cultural legacy of Kiso lacquerware, passed down by our predecessors, continues to sustain us today. We aim to preserve this culture for future generations, enriching the hearts of many. We believe that the craftsmanship of wood and lacquer by skilled artisans continues to serve as essential tools supporting people's lives.
MARUYOSHI KOSAKA's history began in 1945. Founder Yoshio Kosaka established the shop as a branch of the Kosaka family lineage, who had been in the lacquerware business for generations, implementing the approach of a multi-layered undercoat (shitaji) followed by a topcoat of lacquer (uwanuri). The second generation, Yasuto Kosaka, who had been assisting the founder since childhood, further enhanced the craftsmanship by incorporating the highest-level technique of black lacquer coating (Kuro-roiro-nuri). He played a significant role in the production of lacquerware as a skilled artisan, contributing to the industry's growth. In the early 1990s, following the collapse of the economy, the company shifted its focus to in-house manufacturing and sales.
Subsequently, the third-generation successor, Reo Kosaka, inherited the business with his woodworking skills, polishing the history built by predecessors, and evolving the tradition of Kiso lacquerware in a modern context. We, while feeling the nature, clear air, and the beauty and severity of the seasons in the Kiso Valley, continue to face our work daily as a workshop of artisans. We strive for new challenges while inheriting and learning from tradition and contemplating the needs of today's customers.
Craftsmen
Reo Kosaka
Traditional Craftsman and First-Class Furniture Manufacturing Craftsman.
Born in hirasawa, Narakawa Village (currently Kiso Hirazawa, Shiojiri City), Nagano Prefecture. After graduating from the Woodworking Department of Agematsu Technical School, he underwent training at a furniture manufacturing company and studied at the Kiso Advanced Lacquer Art Institute before joining MARUYOSHI KOSAKA. Since then, he has been involved in the production, planning, and sales of lacquer-coated furniture. In 2013, alongside manufacturing company products, he rebranded inherited lacquer glass, launching “hyakushiki”. He participates in domestic and international exhibitions such as IFFT and maison&objet, collaborating with designers to create products with Kiso lacquerware as a background.
Chie Kosaka
Painter
After graduating from Agematsu Technical School, she joined a folk furniture production workshop. With five years of woodworking experience and learning at the Kiso Advanced Lacquer Art Institute, she joined MARUYOSHI KOSAKA in 2009. While primarily engaged in top coating and painting, she also handles various administrative work, always diving into new tasks extensively and deeply. She was involved in branding and product development, launching our own brand with Reo Kosaka. With her inherent gentleness, she serves as a motherly figure, soothing the atmosphere within the company.
"I want to be a craftsman who values past experiences, humbly approaches new tasks, and maintains an attitude of making good things as long as time permits."
Hiroko Ota
Painter
After studying lacquer art at an art university, she joined MARUYOSHI KOSAKA. While handling daily tasks, she spent four years studying lacquer art at night at the Kiso Advanced Lacquer Arts Academy. Leveraging knowledge of Kyoto and Kiso lacquerware, she primarily handles base coating, lacquer sprinkling, and final coating. She is a young ace, both managing and crafting, she strives to refine her skills to deliver as many wonderful works to as many people as possible.
Sakai Kazumi
Born as the second daughter of the founder, Yoshio Kosaka, she helped out in the family business from an early age. After getting married, she temporarily stepped away from the family business but later rejoined MARUYOSHI KOSAKA, where she has since been involved in craftsmanship for about 30 years. She mainly handles the lacquering of wooden lacquerware.
"I aim to carry out my work with kindness and diligence, striving steadily forward."
Tomokatsu Shimota
After graduating from high school, he studied woodworking and painting at Agematsu Technical School before joining MARUYOSHI KOSAKA. He is mainly responsible for crafting wooden bases such as curved plates, as well as handling the entire process of lacquering and wooden lacquerware.
"I aspire to become a skilled artisan who can create appealing lacquerware that is appreciated by my peers, honing both lacquer and woodworking skills through my work."
Kazumi Sakai
After graduating from the Woodworking Department of Agematsu Technical School in Nagano Prefecture, she was drawn to the warmth and elegance embodied in Kiso lacquerware, leading me to join MARUYOSHI KOSAKA. While supporting senior artisans in the lacquer-work department, she is actively refining her skills.
"I aspire to deliver products that always accompany daily life, enriching the heart and providing nourishment. I find joy in contributing to the local traditional industry, continuously learning and gaining experience."
Shiho Niimi
She graduated from Agematsu Technical School with a background in woodworking, specializing primarily in delicate and precise techniques for painting and top coating.
"I want to continue honing my skills without becoming complacent."
Ichi
Born in Yamanashi Prefecture in 2011, with the childhood name of Ontakeno Katsutatsu. In 2012, Ichi caught the attention of Chie Kosaka and joined MARUYOSHI KOSAKA. Since then, Ichi has been diligently fulfilling security duties at MARUYOSHI KOSAKA. In 2022, Ichi's ears became adorable due to auricular hematoma.
