General information

About us
What is Hakata-shitsugei-kenkyujo?

Hakatashitsugei-kenkyujo is a studio dedicated to urushi lacquer art and kintsugi.

After studying urushi craftsmanship at Tokyo University of the Arts, the artist continued independent research and developed an original natural-style approach.
“Natural-style” refers to a unique method that uses no synthetic adhesives or chemical substances such as turpentine oil, reviving what we consider to be the true traditions of urushi and kintsugi.

“Natural-Style Kintsugi” is a registered trademark with the Japan Patent Office.

Urushi Lacquer Art

The artist has over 30 years of experience as an urushi lacquer artist.

With the aim of drawing out the full complexity and depth inherent in urushi, the studio continues to explore kawari-nuri—innovative and expressive lacquer techniques.
Inspired by the lacquered leather artifacts of the Shosoin Treasury, the studio has also developed a unique body of work using wool felt combined with urushi, creating original felt-based lacquerware and an entirely distinctive artistic world.

Here, you will encounter truly one-of-a-kind works unlike anything you have seen before.

The studio produces distinctive tea ceremony utensils and carries out lacquer finishing using original techniques.
Consultations are also available if you wish to have lacquer applied to wooden bases you bring in.

➡About Urushi Lacquer Art (Japanese)

Kintsugi

As a kintsugi artist, the studio has over 20 years of experience.

With a high level of technical skill grounded in traditional urushi craftsmanship, we are able to undertake highly challenging restorations that are often declined by other workshops.
All restoration proposals are made based on a refined philosophy rooted in Zen, which is deeply connected to the origins of kintsugi.

Another defining feature of our work is a unique expressive approach that adds renewed radiance to the stories embodied within each vessel.

➡Kintsugi Orders (Japanese)

Classes (In-Person Lessons)

Ropponmatsu Studio

●Regular Class
　・Enrollment Fee: 22,000 JPN: Only when registering
　・Monthly Fee: 25,300 JPN : per month
　　　（Tools and materials included）

➡About Ropponmatsu Studio (Japanese)

Private Lesson (Exclusive / By Appointment Only)

Please make your reservation at least one month prior to your desired date of use.

●Private Lesson (1 participants, 2 hours)
　・Lesson Fee: 33,000 JPN
　　　（Tools and materials included）
●Private Lesson (2–5 participants, 2 hours)
　・Lesson Fee: 26,500 JPN per person
　　　（Tools and materials included）

*Depending on the content, we may charge a fee for creating English materials.

➡About Private Lesson (Japanese)

For applications and inquiries, please click here.

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English-guided tours by Deeper Japan

　Our English is limited.
　For those who wish to gain a deeper understanding,
　this tour is recommended, as it includes professional interpretation,
　as well as lectures on history, tools, and materials, and live demonstrations.

　・Ropponmatsu Studio
　・2.5 hour private experience
　・Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
・＄640

　➡Please apply here: Deeper Japan

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Online English Classes (Zoom)

●Regular Enrollment
　・Enrollment Fee: 22,000 JPN
　・Monthly Fee: 22,000 JPN per month
　　　(Tools and materials not included)

●Private Lesson
　・Lesson Fee: 33,000 JPN / 40 minutes per session,
　　twice per month
　　　(Tools and materials not included)

　➡KINTSUGI JAPAN – English Course

Kintsugi Workshop（Reservation required）

Sunday One-Day Kintsugi Experience

This workshop uses only natural materials, such as wheat flour and diatomaceous earth.
We do not use epoxy putty, synthetic adhesives, or turpentine oil.

For guests with limited time, we offer a one-day Kintsugi experience using a simplified process.

Traditional Kintsugi normally involves at least five stages, requiring time, care, and patience to fully appreciate the process.
If you wish to experience authentic Kintsugi in depth, we recommend enrolling in our regular classes.

Option 1: Using a Prepared Ceramic Piece
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Fee (materials and tools included):
　　・Japanese instruction： JPY 13,200
　　・English instruction: JPY 22,000

Option 2: Using Your Own Ceramic Piece
Duration: 60–120 minutes per session × 2–3 sessions
Fee (materials and tools included):
　　・Japanese instruction: JPY 27,500
　　・English instruction: JPY 44,000

　　　For applications and inquiries, please click here.

Retail (Urushi Art & Kintsugi Tools and Materials)

Days Open

1st–4th Sundays of the month　
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

On days other than those listed above, our schedule may vary,
so we recommend making a reservation in advance.

Please see the page below for our product lineup.

　➡BASE – Hakatashitsugei

Location & Business Hours

Google maps →　Roppnmatsu, Fukuoka, Japan

Office Reception Hours
・Business Hours: 11AM–5PM
・Open Days: Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun
・Closed: Every Thursday and Friday,
　the 5th week of each month, August,
　and New Year holidays (December 26–January 6)

Inquiries and Reservations