[Taiwanese Editor Kuma's Walk in Kanazawa] A Visit to Kanazawa's Gold Leaf Specialty Store "HAKUZA", which Continues to Evolve While Preserving its Long Tradition

Hi there! I'm Kuma from Taiwan, and I joined the Kanazawabiyori Editorial Department in October 2023. This time, I will be in charge of a series with the aim of discovering the charms of Kanazawa, where I live for the first time. Thank you for your interest in "Kuma’s Walk in Kanazawa", and I hope you enjoy it.

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• Table of Contents
• Kanazawa and Gold Leaf
• "Golden Tea Room" at "HAKUZA Main Store"
• Enjoy the New Year with "HAKUZA's Lucky Charms"

Kanazawa and Gold Leaf

It is said that "Kanazawa'' got its name from a legend that long ago, gold dust was found while washing potatoes in spring water. Kanazawa, which has been closely associated with gold since ancient times, boasts the highest production of gold leaf in Japan, accounting for approximately 99% of the production. It is estimated that the first gold leaf making in Kanazawa dates back approximately 400 years. There was a written order to make gold leaf from Maeda Toshiie after he entered the castle, t so it is thought that there were craftsmen making gold leaf in Ishikawa Prefecture before that time. It is said that even though the military government had issued a ban on metal leaf production, they continued to secretly produce gold leaf using limited materials, and over time, excellent metal-leaf-making techniques were cultivated in this area.

This time, I visited "HAKUZA", a gold leaf specialty store in Kanazawa. In order to contribute to the continuation of entsuke gold leaf, which is also used for the repair of important cultural properties, "HAKUZA" is devoted to the preservation of the traditional manufacturing method, while actively takes on the challenge of new businesses to expand the infinite possibilities hidden in metal leaf.

"Golden Tea Room" at "HAKUZA Main Store"

"HAKUZA Main Store", which opened in 1990, has a "Golden Tea Room" that utilizes its highest quality and technology. Don't miss the chance to visit and experience the divinity that purifies your soul by worshiping in the solemnly shining tea room. It's also a precious place where you can get an introduction to gold leaf production and watch the metal leaf craftsmen in action. So if you're interested in gold leaf, "HAKUZA Main Store" is definitely worth stopping by.

Enjoy the New Year with "HAKUZA's Lucky Charms"

As a group, "HAKUZA" celebrated its 70th anniversary this year. "HAKUZA" not only manufactures and develops metal leaf, but also continues to think about what metal leaf should be, and proposes various "forms of leaf" that have never been seen before. There are also a wide range of metal leaf processed products, including gold leaf for pottery, interior decoration, accessories, cosmetics, and cooking, so that daily life can be enriched with leaf. During the New Year, there are a variety of products such as "Pakkin chopsticks" that sparkle with edible gold leaf when opened, and decorations decorated with gold leaf in the motif of the zodiac dragon. Why not enjoy the New Year with gorgeous "HAKUZA's Lucky Charms"? Maybe something good will happen in the new year.

Living in Kanazawa for the first time, I encountered the tradition of gold leaf for the first time. I'm sure that I'm already stepping into the "future in which metal leaf is there next to us" that "HAKUZA" depicts.

■HAKUZA Main Store

Address: 1-30-4 Moriyama, Kanazawa City *Parking lot: 6 spaces
TEL: 076-251-8941
Open: 10:00-17:00
Closed: Tuesdays
*Business hours may change, so inquiring in advance before visiting is recommended.
Click here for Official Website
Click here for Official Instagram

■ Click here for the article on lucky charms of “HAKUZA” (in Japanese only)

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[Editor Kuma from Taiwan]

Born in Taiwan, raised in China. A trilingual talented in not only Chinese (traditional and simplified), but also Japanese (perfect score on JLPT N1) and English (106 on TOEFL). Enjoys photography and observing stars in various places.

■Overseas SNS accounts I am in charge of☆
Xiao Hongshu (RED) | Simplified Chinese (China)
Facebook Chinese｜Traditional Chinese (Taiwan/Hong Kong)
Facebook English

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