Save Japan Crafts.com
Save Wajima Lacquerware
A devastating magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Noto Peninsula, Japan, on New Year's Day, 2024. The city of Wajima, known for its traditional lacquerware, has been destroyed by a widespread fire.Many local craftspeople have lost everything. It is a crucial moment for intervention.
#Supportwajima
Visit the GoFundMe link below to help save Wajima Lacquerware, Wajima-nuri, from the recent disaster.
Why? Keep reading.
Earthquake, Tsunami, and Fire: A Tragedy Beyond Measure
The disaster didn't just ravage buildings and streets; it shattered the very foundation of the Wajima Lacquerware industry. The local Wajima-lacquerware craftspeople have lost everything, including their homes, workplaces, shops, tools, and years of unfinished and finished masterpieces, all lost in an instant. The once-vibrant Wajima Morning Market, operational for over 1,000 years, now lies in ruins. Many saw their workplace destroyed, and their newly under-construction gallery burned down.
The Critical Need for Intervention
The decreasing population, aging society, and shortage of successors are casting a dark shadow over Wajima's lacquerware industry, renowned for its supreme craftsmanship. This earthquake could be the final blow.
Drone video shows the damage after a deadly 7.6 magnitude earthquake on Japan's western coast. At least 55 people were killed. pic.twitter.com/gbWveRVQ09
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) January 2, 2024
Cultural Importance: Preserving the Intangible
Wajima Lacquerware is more than a traditional art and craft; it's an Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, dating back more than 400 years. It involves more than 100 meticulous production steps. Originally, it was commonly used as household lacquerware for important ceremonial occasions due to its solid and sturdy nature. Today, it has developed more artistic connotations, thanks to the decorating techniques with graceful gold and silver designs.
#輪島塗 めちゃくちゃ綺麗だった〜〜〜生で見ると細さと綺麗さが半端なかったし金一色じゃないんだよ金って200色あるねんって感じだった pic.twitter.com/PkQOg86AMt
— Niko🜸Meteor (@_belhka) January 8, 2024
Help us carry on the Legacy of Craftsmanship.
We're on GoFundMe
Visit the GoFundMe link below to help save Wajima Lacquerware from the recent disaster.
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Questions? Read Q&A below or drop us a note.
Q&A
Where will the funds go?: We are actively searching for credible recipients who can best utilize the funds to restore the tradition and culture of Wajima Lacquerware. We'd like to send the funds to those who have a strong, direct influence on the industry such as 輪島漆器商工業協同組合
We'll strive to be the most transparent fundraiser for the Ishikawa Earthquake.
Is Japan Supported on GoFundMe?: No, Japan is not currently supported on GoFundMe. Our plan is to initiate the fundraiser in the US, and then the organizer will personally deliver the funds to the beneficiary in Japan. This process is somewhat complex, particularly how the funds are being handled. That is why we haven't yet set up and started the GoFundMe fundraiser.
How Else Can I Support?: Spreading awareness through social media, word-of-mouth is a fantastic form of support! Additionally, please send us a note if you are interested in directly participating in or contributing to this project.
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Thank you
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