AIZU361's Vision

We developed collaborative products that utilize the materials and techniques of the Aizu region and launched a shop with the aim of stabilizing the local industry, which will be the foundation for the regeneration of Aizu forests and the inheritance and dissemination of Aizu's beautiful traditions and techniques. This is AIZU361, which aims to let many people both in Japan and overseas know the value of Aizu's rich nature and historical traditions. We will develop products that utilize Aizu materials from a new perspective and can be incorporated into your daily life.

Spreading Aizu Deepening Aizu

Fukushima and Aizu have long been known as producers of high-quality paulownia. Mishima Town in Oku-Aizu, known as the "Village of Paulownia," is the birthplace of Aizu Paulownia, known as the highest quality chest of drawers material. AIZU361 sells products online from Aizu Paulownia Tansu Co., Ltd., which has long been known for its high level of craftsmanship in the manufacture of paulownia chests. AIZU361 has also partnered with Mori no Shigotosha, which works to protect and nurture the mountains of Oku-Aizu, to sell the finest solid Japanese horse chestnut wood and planks in Japan, harvested in the naturally rich Oku-Aizu. Together with various companies and craftsmen in the Aizu region, we have launched and are promoting projects to spread and deepen the appeal of Aizu.

Regenerating the Aizu Forest

Aizu was also an important producer of "Aizu paulownia", which is famous for being the highest quality paulownia, as well as horse chestnut and chestnut trees.
However, the demand for domestic timber has fallen nationwide, and forestry in the Aizu region has also been stagnating. An increasing number of forests have been left abandoned without the necessary conservation work being carried out, and Aizu's forest resources are in a critical situation.
In order to regenerate the forests that make up the beautiful scenery of Aizu, also known as the "original landscape of Japan," it is necessary to maintain and conserve the forests in a healthy state, utilize forest resources such as timber, and ensure stable production activities in related industries . AIZU361 develops and sells a variety of products in the Aizu region to achieve these two goals.

The outstanding skills of Aizu craftsmen

The wooden bases of AIZU361's original products are made by Katsusuke Arai, a third-generation woodworker who runs Marusuke Seisakusho.
The vessels are turned using delicate blades, while even warping of the wood is corrected, to a texture so smooth that you'll want to rub your cheek against it.
This unique and outstanding technology gives the "Sake Cup" the ultimate feel and texture.
In addition, the smooth wood base was carefully coated with lacquer by Yushin Sakane, an Aizu lacquerware artisan who has been carrying on a 400-year-old tradition.
It embodies the pride and skill of Aizu lacquer artisans, who have been applying lacquer to Buddhist altar implements and statues since the Heian period, creating lustrous, noble, and delicate beauty.