All the Asada family work in the family business, where they specialise in lacquering and retailing urushi or lacquerware, and soon the grandchildren will have to make the decision whether to join the family business. Their workshop is on the edge of Yamanakaonsen town nestled in the paddy fields under the hills.
As lacquer specialists, they are always looking for new finishes and new ideas. For example, they have gone back to tradition to resurrect Mitsurou or beeswax lacquer, and they also had the idea of lacquering Zelkova bark so that it didn't go to waste.
Although it looks quick and easy after a lifetime of practice, taking mere seconds to apply, the skill of applying lacquer is to make sure the coats are even and not too thick or too thin. Always smiling and helpful, the Asada family are a pleasure to work with.