Kaba-zaiku (craftwork from the bark of the Cherry tree) is a craft unique to Akita prefecture. The skills have been passed down since the end of the 18th century and Tomioka Shoten Co., Ltd. is the keeper and manufacturer of Kaba-zaiku. In 1976, Japan designated Kaba-zaiku as a national traditional craft.
Located in Kakunodate Town, Tomioka Shoten is rested in a land surrounded by mountains. For generations, craftsmen have carefully protected and cultivated these mountains while harvesting the wild cherry bark - which is used as the base material of Kaba-zaiku. Using a skill called “Koshin” (coppicing), Tomioka Shoten continues to preserve and receive the gifts of nature, in hope to pass the craft and the mountains down to the future generations.
