We offer our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake and extend our heartfelt sympathies to everyone affected by the disaster.

Due to this earthquake, numerous artisans in the traditional crafts industry, focusing on Wajima lacquerware, a representative of Japan′s lacquerware, and other traditional craft production areas in and around the Noto Peninsula, have suffered. In addition to losing their homes, they have also lost workshops, valuable tools, shops, and substantial inventories. They are enduring harsh conditions, including the challenges of evacuating in severe cold weather, creating a situation that is difficult to articulate with words.

Traditional crafts designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry currently number 241 items, representing a long history and employing advanced techniques and skills from all across Japan. Despite their continuous use until today, the traditional crafts industry faces various challenges, including a decrease in demand due to changes in the Japanese way of life, difficulty in securing successors, and challenges such as obtaining raw materials due to depletion and price.

In this harsh situation, the additional blow of this earthquake′s impact is a crisis for the survival of traditional crafts in the affected areas, and the overall impact on traditional crafts throughout Japan is immeasurable.

At Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square, we have started accepting donations for the support of the affected production areas. Additionally, in response to numerous requests, we now accept donations through bank transfers. All contributions will be sent in full to the regional associations of traditional crafts, including Wajima lacquerware, that have been affected by the disaster.

To pass on traditional crafts that symbolize Japan′s craftsmanship and lifestyle culture to the next generation, we sincerely ask for your cooperation.

We earnestly pray for the swift recovery and reconstruction of the affected regions.