The Value of "Durability" Forged by a Harsh Environment

The Tsugaru region in Aomori Prefecture, home to Tsugaru-nuri, is famous for its severe winters and heavy snowfall. This climate has profoundly shaped the lives of its people and their values concerning everyday tools. The ability to withstand harsh weather and last for a long time—this "toughness" was more than just a functional feature; it was considered one of the most important virtues for any tool in this land.

For instance, the Tsugaru region has a long history of making 'yuki-geta' (snow clogs) from paulownia wood that grew hard and dense in the severe environment, perfectly adapted for the snowy landscape. Likewise, the rustic and powerful style of Tsugaru-yaki, another of the region's traditional crafts, is also believed to be a reflection of the area's unforgiving nature. These examples show how the Tsugaru climate has nurtured a culture that demands exceptional "robustness" and "durability" from its daily necessities.

In this light, the defining characteristic of Tsugaru-nuri—its "durability"—is far more than a simple technical feat. The process is so time-consuming and laborious that it earned the nickname "Tsugaru's foolish lacquering" (Tsugaru no Baka-nuri), all with the goal of creating lacquerware that can withstand decades of use. This can be seen as the ultimate expression of a cultural value deeply ingrained in the Tsugaru region: the reverence for sturdy, long-lasting items, born from a life lived in harmony with a demanding environment.

In short, the durability of Tsugaru-nuri isn't just a result of the artisans' technical decisions; it may well be a cultural inevitability that embodies the very spirit of the land. It conceals a practical strength, essential for surviving a harsh environment, within its beauty. This spirit of "functional beauty" (*yo no bi*) is perhaps the first and most crucial characteristic that the land of Tsugaru bestowed upon its lacquerware.