Bringing Lacquer to the World A 62-Year-Old Lacquer Artist Takes on the Challenge of Creating “naderu,” a “Tactile Meditation Tool,” Launches Project on Kickstarter

On September 8, 2026, Watanabe Art & Crafts Co., Ltd. (Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture) launched “naderu,” a “tactile meditation tool” made with natural lacquer, on “Kickstarter,” one of the world’s largest crowdfunding platforms.

naderu in the Palm of Your Hand

It was developed by Yoshihisa Watanabe, a 62-year-old lacquer artisan who has spent over 30 years in Nagahama City restoring Buddhist altars and lacquerware for the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival.

Lacquer has traditionally been used as a material to enrich daily life, such as in “tableware” and “furniture.” However, “naderu” is neither tableware nor interior decor.

It is a “tactile meditation tool” that allows you to create a moment of self-reflection simply by gently stroking it in the palm of your hand, allowing you to feel the deep luster, smooth texture, and warmth of the wood that are unique to lacquer.

■A New Value for Lacquer Discovered by a Master Craftsman Who Has Dedicated Over 30 Years to the Art

For many years, while working on the restoration of Buddhist altars, cultural properties, and lacquerware for the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival, I have continually asked myself, “In what form can lacquer exist in the daily lives of people living in the modern world?”

“naderu” was born as the answer to that question.

In recent years, interest in mindfulness and Zen has been growing worldwide. I believe the texture and warmth of lacquer—a craft Japan has nurtured since ancient times—possess the power to quietly soothe the human spirit. This project began from my desire to share that potential with the world.

■Confirmation at the Tokyo Gift Show: “This Will Succeed Globally”

A major turning point came in February 2026, when we exhibited independently at “Show LIFE×DESIGN.” Visitors from both Japan and abroad picked up “naderu” and shared comments such as, “I couldn’t help but keep touching it,” “It calms my mind,” and “It’s an experience unlike anything I’ve ever had.”

Even without a common language, its value is conveyed the moment it is touched. That experience was the catalyst that led us to decide to take on the challenge of expanding overseas.

■ “Tactile Craftsmanship” Made Possible by Lacquer

“naderu” is crafted by applying multiple layers of natural lacquer to an egg-shaped wooden base, then repeating the process of drying and polishing numerous times to achieve the final finish.

The lineup incorporates a variety of traditional Japanese lacquer techniques, including “fuki-urushi” (which highlights the wood grain), “kigi-ro” (a mirror-like finish achieved by repeatedly layering translucent lacquer), “nashi-ji” (a textured finish using tin powder), “raden” (inlaid with the shimmer of mother-of-pearl), and “Negoro” (a finish that changes in appearance the more it is used).

A sense of comfort that cannot be conveyed simply by looking—it is only understood when touched.

“naderu” aims to create such “tactile crafts.”

■The Wishes Embedded in the “Egg,” a Universal Symbol

“naderu” uses the “egg”—a symbol of the birth and regeneration of life, as well as new beginnings—as its motif.

In the West, there is a culture of Easter eggs, and their familiar shape serves as a symbol that resonates across national and cultural boundaries.

We hope to serve as a small bridge connecting Japan’s lacquer culture with cultures around the world.

■More Than Just Delivering Products: Passing on Japan’s Lacquer Culture to the Future

What we aim to deliver is not just a single product. It is the lacquer culture passed down in Nagahama and the very essence of craftsmanship cultivated by Japanese artisans.

My global challenge, begun at age 62, has only just begun.

■Product Information

Material: Natural wood (Japanese zelkova), natural lacquer

Size: naderu Small – Length 60mm, Width 45mm

　　　　 naderu Large: Length 70 mm, Width 54 mm

Price: Wiped-lacquer finish—Small: 14,000 yen; Large: 16,000 yen

　　　　 Wood Base: Small 24,000 yen, Large 26,000 yen

　　　　 Negoro: Small 28,000 yen, Large 30,000 yen

　　　　 Nashiji: Small 34,000 yen, Large 36,000 yen

　　　　 Raden: Small 58,000 yen, Large 60,000 yen

　　　　 Early-bird discounts and set discounts available

5 types of Naderu

・Kickstarter Project Page (Launched September 8, 2026)

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/naderu/naderu-egg-the-lacquer-meditation-tool-for-your-hands?lang=ja