Discover the dynamic craftsmanship behind Sendai tansu – ornate chests of drawers from Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan – brought to life through live demonstrations by three master craftspeople.

Sendai tansu are crafted through a fusion of three specialized skills: woodworking, urushi lacquering and metalwork, each demonstrated on stage during this special event.

Each artisan plays a vital role. The woodworker assembles the structure of the chest, carving precise interlocking joints for strength and durability. The urushi lacquerer polishes the surface using a sharpening stone, before applying multiple layers of urushito achieve a mirror-like finish. The metalworker shapes the iron fittings, embossing intricate designs into 1.2 mm sheets of iron usingtagane chisels.

The event begins with a short presentation on Miyagi Prefecture and an introduction to Sendaitansu by Yunome Rikiya of the Sendai Tansu Cooperative Association. Live demonstrations by woodworker Sekiya Shūichi,urushi lacquerer Kanno Yūki and metal-fittings maker Hasebe Yoshikatsu follow, concluding with a Q&A session

This demonstration forms part of a wider programme including a talk on the history and characteristics of Sendai tansu (17 July), hands-on embossing workshops (18 July) and drop-in demonstrations and a mini tansu-making workshop (19 July).

The event series is presented as part of the Spotlight on Local Japan Programme which accepts applications from potential collaborators based in Japan to co-create cultural events presenting Japan’s regional diversity at Japan House London.

*Please note that filming and / or photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.

About the speakers

Yunome Rikiya (Sendai Tansu Cooperative Association)

Yunome Rikiya is the sixth-generation managing director of the Yunome Furniture Department Store, which was founded in 1871. After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, he worked to have Sendai tansu officiallydesignated as a ‘Traditional Craft of Japan’ by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, succeeding in 2015. In recent years, he has collaborated with Studio Swine, a design collective composed of a Japanese architect and a British artist.

Sekiya Shūichi

Sekiya Shūichi is a furniture craftsman responsible for the wooden structure of Sendai tansu. Born in a mountain village in Miyagi Prefecture, he developed an early interest in the trees around him and in crafting objects from them. He believes that Sendai tansu, with their enduring strength and timeless beauty, represent the highest value of wood as a material. Through his craft, Sekiya aims not only to preserve craft traditions but also to contribute to environmental sustainability by extending the life of wooden resources.

Kanno Yūki

Kanno Yūki is a specialist in the urushi lacquering of Sendai tansu. After completing an apprenticeship under Hasabe Yoshikatsu, he established his own studio under the name Chōshichirō and strives to create Sendai tansu that reflect contemporary sensibilities. His practice now extends beyond tansu to include the lacquering of buildings such as shrines and temples, primarily in the Sendai area. In addition to his work as a craftsman, he serves as a vocational training instructor. In 2019, he received the Director-General’s Prize at the National Traditional Crafts Competition.

Hasebe Yoshikatsu

Hasebe Yoshikatsu is the 12th-generation head of a family that has practised urushilacquering of Sendai tansu for over 160 years. He played a key role in the craft’s national designation and is dedicated to training the next generation. After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, he repaired damaged tansu, and realised how beloved Sendai tansu are in the local community. Concerned about the decline in metal fitting artisans, he has recently taken on the challenge of becoming a metalworker himself. In spring 2024, he received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays, conferred by the Emperor of Japan.

Booking Essential | Admission Free