Take a closer look at the intricate craftsmanship of Sendai tansu – a type of ornate chest of drawers from northeastern Japan – through an afternoon of live demonstrations by three master craftspeople from Miyagi Prefecture.

Complementing the stage presentation on 18 July, this event offers a more informal and personal encounter with the makers and their craft.

Visitors follow a set route through the Hall to see woodworking, urushi lacquering and metal fitting in action at three dedicated workstations, gaining insight into each technique as it is practiced today.

Guests can observe the artisans at work, ask questions, and discover how these three specialized skills come together to create pieces of enduring strength and beauty.

These demonstrations form part of a wider programme including a talk on the history and characteristics of Sendai tansu (17 July), hands-on metal embossing workshops (18 July) 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.

About the demonstrators

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.

Drop-in | Admission Free 

Please note that space in the Hall is limited and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.