Wakasa Meno Zaiku is a gemstone craft handed down in Obama City, Fukui Prefecture. Rough agate is heated in a process called yakiire to bring out a vivid red color, then carved and polished into ornaments and accessories. Some traditions trace its origins to the Nara period, but the foundations of its techniques were laid in the mid-Edo period. It is said that in the Kyoho era (1716-1736), Takayama Kihei of Onyu Village (present-day Onyu, Obama City) learned polishing techniques in Osaka and heat-treating techniques in Tsugaru, and then began making agate beads in his village. In the Meiji era, carving techniques were developed, and incense burners, Buddhist statues, animal figurines and other pieces also came to be made. In 1976 (Showa 51), it was designated a Traditional Craft Designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. At its peak there were about 50 artisans, but today Uenishi Soichiro of Sosuke Kobo carries on the techniques as the only artisan in the production area. At Wakasa Kobo in Obama City, visitors can also try agate polishing.
Origin
According to one tradition, agate craft in Wakasa began in the Nara period, when a people known as the Wani clan made ornaments from agate. The foundations of its techniques were laid in the Kyoho era (1716-1736) of the mid-Edo period. Takayama Kihei of Onyu Village learned a polishing method using kongosha (an abrasive made of hard mineral powder) in Osaka, and the heat treatment of agate in Tsugaru. The craft is said to have originated when Kihei returned to his village and began polishing agate beads.
History
After Kihei, the number of people engaged in bead making, known as 'tamasuri', gradually increased. Their products were called 'Wakasa-dama' or 'Onyu-dama' and were widely used in Kyoto and Osaka as ojime beads (cord fasteners), rosary beads and hairpin beads. In the Meiji era, carving techniques were developed along with the mechanization of tools, and incense burners, sake cups, Buddhist statues and animal figurines came to be made. Tamasuri had almost died out by the Showa 30s (1955-1964), but its techniques were carried on in Wakasa Meno Zaiku, which became a national Traditional Craft in 1976.
Features
Its greatest feature is yakiire, the heat treatment that turns the rough stone red. The translucent red color is said to be produced by the action of iron contained in the agate. The shape is decided while paying close attention to flaws in the natural stone, and its luster is brought out through long and patient polishing. The skill of carving hard stone exactly as intended is also said to be the root of gemstone craft in Japan. Rough stones were once brought from various parts of Japan, but since the war, mainly Brazilian stones have been used.
Techniques
Yakiire (heat treatment)
A technique of heating rough agate to bring out its red color. Said to have been learned in Tsugaru by Takayama Kihei in the mid-Edo period, it is the key to producing the vivid red unique to Wakasa agate.
Carving and polishing
A technique in which the heat-treated stone is cut to carve out a shape and then painstakingly polished with abrasives. Carving techniques developed from the Meiji era onward, making it possible to create intricate works such as ornaments and incense burners.
Tamasuri (bead polishing)
The technique of making agate beads that continued from the Edo period. It consisted of six processes (heat treatment, cutting, notching, drilling, grinding and polishing), with the work divided among different hands by process. Although it died out in the Showa 30s (1955-1964), its techniques have been carried on in today's Wakasa Meno Zaiku.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Selecting the stone
Rough stones suited to the work are chosen after carefully examining their flaws and patterns.
- 2
Yakiire (heat treatment)
The rough stone is heated to develop its red color.
- 3
Carving and shaping
The shape is decided with attention to flaws in the stone, and the piece is cut and carved out.
- 4
Polishing
The piece is patiently polished with abrasives to bring out its luster and finish it.
| Main Production Areas |
|
|---|
Artisans & Workshops
宗助工房（上西宗一郎）
A workshop in Obama City that produces Wakasa Meno Zaiku. Uenishi Soichiro became independent as an artisan in 2013, and since his master passed away in 2016, he has been working as the only artisan in the production area. He also makes many small items and accessories, such as chopstick rests and magatama (comma-shaped bead) pendants.
若狭工房
A group of traditional craft artisans in Obama City, based on the second floor of the Miketsukuni Wakasa Obama Food Culture Museum. Alongside artisans of Wakasa-nuri and Wakasa washi, Uenishi Soichiro of Wakasa agate is a member and instructs experiences such as agate polishing.
Official site →How to Buy
- Wakasa Kobo (2F, Miketsukuni Wakasa Obama Food Culture Museum)
- Visitors can watch artisans at work up close and purchase local crafts at the adjoining gift shop. Wakasa Meno Zaiku items are mainly small goods and accessories such as chopstick rests and magatama pendants, with the core price range said to be around 10,000 yen.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
若狭工房（御食国若狭おばま食文化館2階）
福井県小浜市川崎3丁目4番
Two experiences are offered: 'agate polishing', in which you polish agate and finish it as a pendant or key chain, and 'patterning a thin agate plate'. Each takes about 40 minutes and is said to cost around 1,200 yen. Experience fees were revised in April 2026, so check the latest prices in advance.
View details →FAQ
Q. Why is Wakasa agate red?
A. Its red color is developed through yakiire, in which the rough stone is heated. This is said to be due to the action of iron contained in the stone. The red color is considered well suited to celebrations, and it has been chosen for wedding favors and gifts.
Q. How many Wakasa Meno Zaiku artisans are there?
A. At its peak there were about 50 artisans, but as of news reports in March 2026, there is only one: Uenishi Soichiro of Sosuke Kobo. As the craft marks 50 years since its designation as a national Traditional Craft, passing on the techniques has become a major challenge.
Q. What kinds of items are made in Wakasa Meno Zaiku?
A. A wide range of items is made, from ornaments and incense burners displayed in a tokonoma alcove to guinomi sake cups, chopstick rests and accessories such as magatama pendants. In recent years, small goods and accessories that are easy to use in daily life have become the main products.