What is Kinkarakami?
Kinkarakami is a decorative paper created using a traditional technique that originated in Europe (gilded leather wallpaper), reinterpreted using Japanese washi paper. Originally called “Kinkarakawashi,” it uses handmade washi with metallic foil and embossed patterns applied using carved wooden rollers. The result is a luxurious wallpaper resembling tooled leather, often finished in metallic gold or subdued tones, depending on the paints used.

In the Meiji era, Kinkarakami gained international acclaim and was widely exported. Historic examples of Japanese-made Kinkarakami can still be seen in the Het Loo Palace in the Netherlands and Moritzburg Castle in Germany. However, the craft faded into obscurity by the early 20th century.

Thanks to the restoration project of the Otaru Branch of Nippon Yusen, artisan Takashi Ueda, founder of the Kinkarakami Institute, revived this lost art.

1985 Founded in 1985 by Takashi Ueda in Mejiro, Tokyo.
As the only known craftsman capable of producing authentic Kinkarakami, Ueda has played a vital role in restoring cultural properties across Japan, while also actively showcasing the art through exhibitions.

Born in 1934 in Kyoto. Founded Kinkarakami Institute in 1985.

Designated as a Preserver of Important Cultural Techniques by the Japanese government in 2005.

Awarded order of Emperor in 2012.

past way on Aprill 20 in 2050

Born in Kyoto

Graduated in 2014 from Kyoto Saga University of Arts, majoring in Japanese Painting.

In 2015, moved to Tokyo and began working under Takashi Ueda at the Kinkarakami Institute, where she studied the production of kinkarakami and the restoration techniques of kinkarakawashi (gilded leather paper).She was involved in the restoration, reproduction, and creation of kinkarakami for the following historical buildings:

Reception Room of the Former Iwasaki House Garden (Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Former Residence of Marquis Maeda (Meguro-ku, Tokyo)
National Diet Building (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Chikuj? Town Hall (Chikuj? Town, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Former Otaru Branch of Nippon Yusen (Otaru City, Hokkaido)
Former Sakamoto-juku Nagai Residence (Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture)
Currently, she has taken over the Kinkarakami Institute, working to preserve and pass on traditional techniques while also planning and developing kinkarakami products that harmonize with modern lifestyles, and promoting them both domestically and internationally.