About Us

At Decima Japan, age-old tradition intersects with innovation to produce heirloom accessories that stand the test of time. Nestled in the craftmanship legacy of Echizen, our workshop carries on four centuries of Urushi mastery into the 21st century.

Our Passion for Tradition: At Decima Japan, our focus is on the meticulous craftsmanship of traditional arts from Japan. In an era dominated by disposability, we find enduring beauty in items made to withstand the test of time. Our commitment lies in creating the highest quality Urushi lacquered products, each crafted with unparalleled precision and care.

Image of box lacquering process

Made to Last Lifetimes: In a world where products are often designed with planned obsolescence, we stand apart. Our belief is simple – the things we surround ourselves with should last not just for years, but for several lifetimes. Decima Japan products are more than possessions; they are heirlooms designed to be cherished by you and passed down to the generations that follow.

Image of lacquer process

Box inlay creation process

Generations of Expertise: What sets our products apart is the legacy of craftsmanship passed down through four generations of specialized artisans from the same family. With each passing generation, the mastery of the craft has deepened, and the secrets of creating exquisite pieces have been carefully transmitted, ensuring that our creations are imbued with a history that transcends time.

Creation of the wooden frame of the box

Our Name, Our Heritage: Choosing "Decima” or “Dejima" as the name for our traditional Japanese craft business reflects the essence of our unique partnership—being Dutch, and Japanese. Much like the historical trading post in Nagasaki, Decima, where cultures converged during Japan's period of isolation, our business symbolizes the harmonious blending of Dutch and Japanese influences.

Old map of the trading post of Dejima

Back in the day, Decima served as a bridge for trade and cultural exchange. Similarly, our company bridges the gap between traditional Japanese craftsmanship along with Dutch heritage. By purchasing the customized watch boxes we offer, you can experience the true spirit of collaboration between these two cultures. In other words, we help you experience the best of both worlds through traditional Japanese crafts.

The lacquerware traditions of Echizen stretch back to the early 1600s. For over 400 years, Echizen has been the heart of Japanese lacquerware excellence. It was also the home to artisans whose creations have graced the homes of nobles across Japan.

At Decima Japan, this rich legacy inspires our calling – to honor Echizen's heritage by taking Urushi craftsmanship to daring new heights. That’s where we bridge time-honored techniques with contemporary innovations to produce a one-of-a-kind handmade watch box.

 

Our Process – Blending Tradition with Innovation

From tree to box, our Urushi process balances mastery with experimentation across five different phases. Let’s take a look at the process we follow to make our custom watch storage cases.

  1. Lacquer Tapping – Collecting organic Urushi sap, the foundation of lacquerware.
  2. Base Preparation – Crafting wood bases tailored for each design from Japanese cypress, pine, and cedar.
  3. Lacquer Coating – Applying 30+ hand-brushed lacquer layers for depth and sheen. (This is a 3 month process!)
  4. Polishing – Honing each surface to a luxurious smoothness.
  5. Unique Touches – Introducing unique touches to the personalized watch organizer to make it truly unique.

Best Regards,

The Decima Japan Team