Tsugaru lacquerware brand "KABA" started online shop sales on November 11th.

In 2019 (Heisei 31), this brand was launched as a new brand of Tsugaru lacquerware by gathering different industries that are not related to Tsugaru lacquerware. In addition to Hirosaki, sales as a pop-up shop were also held in Tokyo and Sendai, but this is the first place where you can purchase it permanently.

The current lineup is the accessory series "SUCOSi". Products based on the concept of "enjoying Tsugaru lacquerware in everyday life," such as earrings and necklaces incorporating Tsugaru lacquer patterns. It will be a one-of-a-kind item that incorporates all items painted by craftsmen into accessories.

KABA Producer Moriyuki Ikeda said, "The current state of Tsugaru lacquerware is behind the development. Young craftsmen cannot make a living from Tsugaru lacquerware alone. A place where craftsmen can work with pride in order to nurture the next generation. I want to create a ."

KABA director Ayako Kasai runs a gallery called "CASAICO" (located in Joto Chuo, Hirosaki City), while also holding lacquer painting workshops and presenting her own works. “When developing Tsugaru-nuri products, I heard that it would be difficult to act as a bridge between craftsmen, so I decided to get involved if I could,” says Mr. Kasai.

In addition, KABA will be joined by people with experience in sales promotion and project management, and in December 2021, "SUCOSi" will be unveiled for the first time. In February 2022, the first exhibition sale was held in Hirosaki. In August, when the activity became known, they also sold T-shirts with Tsugaru-nuri motifs in collaboration with UNIQLO's app service "UTme!".

Regarding the launch of the online shop, Mr. Kasai said, "We have had a request for online sales for a long time, and we have finally been able to open one. There are still issues such as how to get people to buy one-of-a-kind items online, but we are looking forward to seeing people from far away from the prefecture. We have already received orders for this product, and we are confident that it will reach customers in their 30s and 40s, who we were targeting."

He also said, "I would like to start developing a permanent store and a new series that can convey the appeal of Tsugaru lacquerware."