Introduction – My Summer Journey to Toyama
This summer, I traveled to Toyama Prefecture. Towering Tateyama Mountain Range, the sparkling Toyama Bay, and the warmth of the people I met left a lasting impression on me. Along the way, I was captivated not only by the breathtaking landscapes but also by the region’s centuries-old craftsmanship and rich food culture.
At our online store, we feature some of Toyama’s most celebrated crafts—Takaoka copperware and Takaoka lacquerware. Visiting their place of origin allowed me to experience the artisans’ skill and the atmosphere of the region firsthand, deepening my appreciation for these works. In this article, I’d like to share Toyama’s beauty and introduce the exquisite crafts born from this unique land.
The Charm of Toyama Prefecture
Situated in the heart of Japan’s main island, Toyama Prefecture is embraced by the Tateyama Mountains to the east, the Noto Peninsula to the west, and the Sea of Japan to the north. Toyama Bay—often called a “natural fish tank”—is rich with seasonal seafood such as yellowtail, firefly squid, and white shrimp. From the mountains, snowmelt flows down into fertile plains, nourishing rice paddies and farmland.
Historically, Toyama thrived as a key hub connecting the Sea of Japan coast with inland regions, fostering a vibrant exchange of people, goods, and culture. This cultural crossroads nurtured the craftsmanship for which the region is still renowned—especially the metalwork and lacquerware traditions of Takaoka City.
Takaoka Copperware and Casting Mastery
The history of Takaoka copperware dates back to 1609, when Maeda Toshinaga, the second lord of the Kaga Domain, invited seven metal casters to settle in Takaoka as part of his town-building efforts. This marked the beginning of a tradition that has endured for over four centuries.
Renowned for its precise forms, exceptional casting techniques, and intricate coloring methods, Takaoka copperware often features “irogane” finishing—a traditional surface coloring technique that uses chemicals and heat to create deep, nuanced tones. This gives each piece a timeless patina, as if it has been cherished for generations.
Today, artisans produce not only traditional Buddhist altar fittings and vases but also modern interior pieces loved worldwide. The Takaoka cast iron wind bell enchants with its clear, cooling summer tones, while the mini samurai helmet appeals to collectors. The Takaoka bronze vase stands as an elegant art object even without flowers.
Takaoka Wind Bell: Cast Iron Wind Bell Collection
Takaoka Lacquerware and Raden Inlay
In addition to copperware, Takaoka is also renowned for its lacquerware, with roots tracing back to the mid-Edo period. The art combines layers of lacquer with decorative techniques such as raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) and maki-e, reflecting the refined aesthetics of the Kaga Domain.
Raden involves shaving the inner shell of abalone or turban shells into thin pieces and embedding them into lacquer surfaces. Their iridescence shifts between blue, green, and violet, evoking the beauty of a starry night sky. Takaoka lacquerware is celebrated for its refined elegance and its harmony with both traditional and modern design sensibilities.
Our Takaoka raden collection includes jewelry boxes, trays, and decorative cases, bringing the timeless charm of lacquerware into everyday life. For a deeper dive into Japanese lacquer traditions across regions, visit our previous blog post.
✒️ Traditional Japanese Shikki Lacquerware & Tableware Explained.
Toyama and the History of Medicine – The Toyama Medicine Sellers
When many Japanese hear “Toyama,” the first thing that often comes to mind is medicine. The roots of this association date back to the Edo period. Maeda Toshinaga, the second lord of the Kaga Domain, gathered pharmaceutical merchants in the castle town of Toyama and encouraged the production and sale of medicinal products.
One of the most famous systems is the “haichi-yaku” (placement medicine) method. Medicine sellers would visit households, leave a medicine chest with them, and return after six months to a year to settle payment only for the medicines used. This system still exists today in the form of “okizuke-yaku” (deposited medicine), making Toyama widely known across Japan as the “Medicine Capital.”
These medicine sellers traveled throughout Japan, delivering medicines while also bringing back information and cultural influences from various regions. Because of this, Toyama has long been a place with an open culture deeply connected to the rest of the country.
Toyama’s Food Culture and Toyama Black Ramen
When it comes to Toyama’s cuisine, the first things that come to mind are the bounties of Toyama Bay. In spring, firefly squid light up the waters with their glow; in autumn and winter, rich, fatty yellowtail arrives; and white shrimp is enjoyed year-round.
Among local specialties, “masu-zushi” stands out—a pressed sushi of vinegared trout wrapped in bamboo leaves, admired for both its presentation and refreshing flavor. “Himi udon,” with its firm texture and gentle broth, is another regional favorite.
More recently, “Toyama Black Ramen” has gained nationwide attention. Created after World War II to help laborers replenish salt, it features a jet-black soy sauce broth and thick noodles. Beyond its striking appearance, it delivers an intense umami and depth that lingers in the memory.
Toyama: A Harmony of Nature, Craft, and Flavor
Toyama is a land where abundant nature, time-honored industries, and a rich food culture come together. Takaoka copperware and lacquerware stand as symbols of this heritage—crafts that have been protected and refined by generations of artisans.
If you ever have the chance to visit Toyama, immerse yourself in its landscapes, savor its flavors, and explore its workshops.