[Tokyo] Lectures
Nikko's coloring and metalwork, and the Urushi lacquer that supports them

The lecturer has experience over 50 years as a lacquer craftsman specializing in architectural lacquering, and was involved in the restoration of around 90 buildings in Nikko. The lecture will discuss the specifications of Edo-period lacquering, coloring and gilding, illustrated with examples of paint and color traces as well as documentary sources. In addition, efforts to revive the tapping of domestically produced Japanese lacquer will also be introduced.
＊This lecture is an event related to the exhibition "The Colors and Metalwork of Nikko Revealing the mystery behind the architectural beauty of its shrines and temples" in commemoration of the registration of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage "Traditional Architects and Craftsmanships".

Date and time

Saturday, November 1, 2025 13:30-15:00 (Doors open at 13:00)

Speakers

Noritake Sato (Holder of Selected Conservation Techniques [Lacquer painting of traditional structures])
＊Speakers profile is listed below.

Venue

Auditorium, 1st Floor, Heiseikan, Tokyo National Museum

Participation fee

Free (museum admission fee required)

Capacity

First 300 people (advance application required)

English interpretation

※Check the “interpretation desired” item and reserve by October 2 (Thurs.)

Reservations by

Reservations will be taken until capacity is reached.
In the case of cancellations, you may be contacted by the reservation site and allowed to re-apply.

How to Reserve

Please apply from the application button below.
■Reservation Website (Links to an external site*1)
★Please select your preferred date from the calendar at the bottom of the reservation page and follow the steps to complete your reservation.

Sato Noritake
His pseudonym was Xuanwu. Born in Okura-mura, Yamagata Prefecture in 1949. In 1972, he joined the current Association for the Preservation of the Nikko World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples and became a painter, and was involved in repairing about 90 buildings. Certified by Holder of Selected Conservation Techniques [Lacquer painting of traditional structures] in 2022. March 31, 2025 Resigned from Association for the Preservation of the Nikko World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples. Provide advice at lacquer repair sites around the country.
Selected for the traditional Japanese lacquer art exhibition, Tochigi Prefecture Cultural Merit, Local Cultural Merit, Yamagata Prefecture Okura Villagers' Honor Award (No. 1).

2025 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project
(Japan Arts Council; Agency for Cultural Affairs)