I wanted to bring a tradition—one that had been carefully cherished deep within a shelf—out into the wider world.
- CATEGORY: Tradition
- THEME: Crafts
- Interviewee: Masakuni Seki, Human Hub Tenneiji Warehouse / Seki Bikodo
Aizu-Wakamatsu is a town where history can be strongly felt everywhere, but in 2022, a multi-purpose facility with the futuristic name "Human Hub Tenneiji Warehouse" was born.
This large, renovated warehouse houses a variety of businesses, including a lifestyle store with a wide selection of products, a bakery, a shared kitchen, a shared cafe, a workshop, and a shared office. (It's like a miniature universe!)
We had the opportunity to speak with Masakuni Seki, the creator of Human Hub Tenneiji Warehouse and the successor to its predecessor, Seki Bikodo (founded in 1968 as a pioneer in award plaques).
"May I start by talking about this facility?"
Based on the meticulously prepared materials that had appeared before our knowledge, they explained the purpose and overall scope of the project.
"I want to reinterpret what makes Aizu so interesting. Of course, there's its history, but there are still so many things about it—lacquerware, cotton, fermentation culture—that people don't yet find fascinating. What I want to do here is to create opportunities to spark people's imaginations about Aizu."
The most fitting example of this is the outdoor brand "NODATE" that Mr. Seki himself founded.
NODATE originates from "nodate," which refers to the culture of preparing and enjoying tea outdoors.
"There's a traditional craft called Aizu-nuri, which is lacquerware. It's a luxury item, so it's only used on special occasions, and lately, even those occasions have almost completely disappeared."
Mr. Seki focused on the lacquer used in Aizu lacquerware.
Originally, lacquerware is said to be a versatile material that is strong enough not to break even if dropped, yet lightweight, made from natural materials with antibacterial properties, and resistant to deterioration.
"I thought, 'Let's take these Aizu lacquerware pieces, which have been carefully preserved and kept hidden away in the back of shelves, and bring them out into the world!' I believed that the true strength and functionality of lacquerware can only be realized when it's used more casually. Just as Sen no Rikyu democratized the tea ceremony, this was an attempt to lower the barrier to entry for lacquerware."
A new interpretation of Aizu lacquerware.
Thus, "NODATE" was born, attracting attention from a wide range of people, from young outdoor enthusiasts to the Emperor himself. Currently, through collaborations with famous artists with roots in Aizu, it is gaining fans as an icon that evokes the future of Aizu lacquerware.
"By the way, the name NODATE was my wife's idea (laughs)."
Mr. Seki's perspective on Aizu is full of charm that captivates everyone who listens. Everyone, including locals, will surely think, "I never knew Aizu was this interesting!" This topic will undoubtedly continue to be discussed for at least 100 years.
He reflects on the memories that the land holds, yet he looks to the future more than anyone else.
"It's not that I'm funny, it's that Aizu is funny (laughs)."
(Seki, who smiles as he says this, has an astonishing background: he was a JAXA employee.)
PLACE:
7-38 Tenneiji-machi, Aizuwakamatsu City
Nearest station: Aizu-Wakamatsu Station