Shokodokaori

The wooden base, crafted by the master artisan Hideaki Kato, a traditional craftsman specializing in Shogawa woodturning, was revealed in 2024 to be adorned with intricate raden inlay and gold maki-e by the hands of Shusan Musashigawa, a modern master of raden artistry. The result was a dazzling masterpiece, radiating opulent brilliance. The delicate raden work, known as Takaoka Aogai-nuri, blossomed on the lustrous lacquerware, depicting cherry blossoms and autumn leaves dancing gracefully. This breathtaking scene embodies the very essence of Japanese aesthetics that Akira sought to express.

We named the completed hanging incense burner "Kunju"® and envisioned it as a cornerstone for promoting the growth of local industries rooted in Takaoka, while also serving as a beacon to share Japan's rich traditional culture with the world.