Ibaraki Prefecture’s climate and local natural resources have made woodworking crafts such as carving, dyeing, and urushi (Japanese lacquer) an integral part of the area’s history. Adachi Joinery, a company in Omitama City, has become known for its expertise in Ibaraki Kumiko woodworking. Katsutoshi Adachi and his son Masago, third and fourth generation woodworkers at Adachi Joinery, create large items such as shoji screens and transoms as well as smaller objects using traditional kumiko techniques – precisely cutting and assembling thin pieces of wood into intricate patterns without nails. The patterns they create often feature traditional motifs. Mr. Adachi was selected as a Contemporary Master Craftsman by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in 2021 and was awarded the Yellow Ribbon Medal in 2022.