Wajima Institute of Urushi Arts was established by Ishikawa Prefecture with the support of the Agency for Cultural Affairs to train people who hold important intangible cultural properties (living national treasures) to carry out research and investigation of lacquerware, collection of materials, and other activities necessary for this purpose. There are two courses: a two-year training course (senshuka) for those with no experience, and a three-year training course (soji, kyushitsu, makie, and chinkin) for those who have acquired basic skills; taught by instructors including those who hold important intangible cultural properties. More than 900 people have graduated, many of whom are active as lacquer artists. The Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on New Year's Day in 2024 caused great damage and forced us to suspend classes for nine months, but thanks to the great support and cooperation from all related parties, we were able to resume classes in October of the same year. Wajima City is still in the middle of recovery, but trainees from all over Japan and even overseas gather to learn lacquerware techniques and work on their creations everyday.