For over ten years, NAKATA HANGER has been producing and offering Wajima lacquered hangers in collaboration with Okagaki Lacquerware Store (Senshudo) in Wajima, Ishikawa.
Wajima-nuri is a traditional form of Japanese lacquerware produced in Wajima, Ishikawa. Distinguished by its unique techniques and refined aesthetic, it stands apart from other types of Japanese lacquerware. This craft involves over 100 meticulous steps and can take up to a year to complete.
The process consists of five main stages: Wooden Base, Undercoat, Final Coat, Roiro (black lacquer polishing), and Maki-e (gold or silver decorative lacquer). One of the defining characteristics of Wajima-nuri is its remarkable durability—pieces can last for over a century.
This longevity is made possible by the use of diatomaceous earth, known as keisō-do, which is unique to Wajima.
The wooden base of each hanger is first crafted at the NAKATA HANGER factory in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture. Each piece is carved from a single plank of wood using a traditional tool called a nankin kanna, then carefully shaped by reading and respecting the natural flow of the wood grain.
The idea of applying lacquer to hangers originally came from Mr. Okagaki. Under the theme of “lacquer for everyday use,” he creates distinctive pieces such as umbrellas, pet food containers, globes, and even air purifiers. His work is known for its vivid colors and expressive designs, aiming to bring lacquerware into daily life.
By combining his favorite color palettes with refined maki-e techniques, he transforms practical objects into artistic expressions.
One example is our Wajima lacquered hanger, designed for everyday clothing yet adorned with a maki-e depiction of “Red Fuji” inspired by Katsushika Hokusai—blending function with cultural artistry.
Today, the town of Wajima continues to recover from the damage caused by the recent earthquake and heavy rains. Among the craftsmen, there is a shared and unwavering desire to work. Some artisans have relocated and resumed their craft outside the prefecture, while others have returned to Wajima and are gradually rebuilding their workshops. What they seek is not simply support, but the opportunity to earn through their own hands and skills.
As a hanger manufacturer, we are committed to preserving this remarkable craftsmanship and supporting the artisans behind it. Once you hold one in your hands, you will immediately feel its quality—the depth of the lacquer and the presence it brings. It is the kind of piece that makes you want more.
More than a simple everyday object, this hanger is a work of art that blends naturally into daily life, adding quiet beauty to even the smallest moments.
Please visit The Wajima Senshudo Japan official website for more details.
https://thewajima.com/pages/process