UNIQLO Dream Town Aomori Hamada store (Hamada, Aomori City, TEL 017-762-5025 ) is currently exhibiting and selling original T-shirts that incorporate Tsugaru-nuri patterns into their designs.

There are 3 types of original T-shirts, and Tsugaru lacquerware patterns are used for letters and part of the design. Hirosaki's Tsugaru lacquerware brand "KABA" is in charge of the design. KABA producer Moriyuki Ikeda says, "Instead of showing the Tsugaru lacquer pattern on the front, we made it easy to use on a daily basis by showing it casually."

KABA is a Tsugaru lacquerware brand launched in 2019 (Heisei 31) with the aim of training young craftsmen and passing on traditional crafts. Accessories such as necklaces and earrings, "SUCOSi," incorporate Tsugaru lacquer patterns into accessories, and were developed to be casually worn by young people. On August 13th and 14th, "Sukoshi" was exhibited and sold at the same store.

UNIQLO is developing collaborative projects with companies that are rooted in each region, and in Aomori, it is said that KABA has been approached for collaboration as the first project under the name of ``UNIQLO Aomori''. Yumiko Kihara, the area manager, says, "By promoting Tsugaru-nuri, a traditional craft rooted in Tsugaru, we hope to make our shop a platform for Tsugaru-nuri."

The price of the original T-shirt is 2,490 yen. Sold only through the app service “UTme!”. A portion of the sales will be donated to the succession and development of the Tsugaru lacquerware tradition. The store also displays sword scabbards with Tsugaru lacquer.

Mr. Kihara expressed his willingness, saying, "In the future, I would like to exhibit at other stores in Aomori Prefecture, and collaborate with local crafts in addition to Tsugaru lacquerware for the second and third series."

Business hours are from 10:00 to 21:00. Until August 31st.