Fukunishi Sobe Shoten
Fukunishi Sobe Shoten, a long-established Aizu lacquerware company, was founded in 1919 by Fukunishi Sobe, who branched off from the Fukunishi Ihee Shoten—the main family business that had been operating since the early Edo period (1603–1868 CE) for thirteen generations.
In addition to traditional lacquering techniques that highlight the soft, lustrous finish characteristic of lacquerware, they continue to pass down unique Aizu decorative methods such as Aizu-e painting, featuring motifs of pine, bamboo, plum, and ceremonial arrows, as well as the use of spinning wheel patterns.
Fukunishi Sobe Shoten, which has a 100-year history, is located in Aizuwakamatsu City, the central city of the Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture. This beautiful castle town, surrounded by rich natural landscapes, is watched over by Tsurugajo Castle, known for its iconic red roof tiles. The city is home to historic merchant shops, traditional storehouses, and refined gardens once cherished by feudal lords, offering a nostalgic glimpse into its cultural past.
The current owner, Fukunishi Masaki, is the fourth generation of the family. Since 1919, the family has operated its lacquerware shop on Nanoka-machi Street in Aizuwakamatsu.
In today’s fast-paced world, Fukunishi Sobe Shoten remains devoted to its mission: to preserve and pass down the art of Aizu lacquerware, a tradition deeply rooted in the nature, history, and culture of the Aizu region. Alongside time-honored techniques, they embrace modern industrial methods to create pieces that fit seamlessly into contemporary lifestyles. Their lacquerware is not only rich in artistic value, but also designed to pair beautifully with ceramics, glassware, and other modern tableware—making it easy to incorporate into daily life.
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