Lacquer Trees Plantation

At the ceremony to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Netherlands, 10 lacquer trees were delivered to Europe by Professor Iino Ichiro (Metal Engraving Dep.) of Tokyo University of the Arts. These lacquer trees were planted by professor Jean Lemmens of the Antwerp Academy. The number has been reduced by a few due to the recent summer super dryness, but they are still growing in his garden.

I received several roots and branches separated from these lacquer trees, including seeds. We carried out our first lacquer trees plantation in Belgium. We tried three different types of planting from roots, branches and seeds. Growing lacquer trees is not easy. Although symbolic, we will continue to plant trees on a regular basis every year while making several failures.