Japan’s Leading Industry
Born from Wood and Bamboo Craftsmanship
Tokushima is one of the leading regions in Japan for the production of Buddhist altars (Butsudan). In particular, it has been the top producer of Karaki Butsudan—altars known for their beautiful wood grain and dignified appearance—since around the 1960s (Shōwa40) to the present day. Here, is the history of Tokushima’s Karaki Butsudan, its traditional characteristics, and its current state.
History of Karaki Butsudan
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Buddhist Altar Craftsmanship Passed Down from Osaka
Tokushima has had a deep connection with Osaka for long time, and Buddhist altar production was part of this relationship. It is said that Butsudan production in Tokushima began in the mid-Meiji period (around 1890–1900), when craftsmen used locally sourced wood such as oak, chinquapin, mulberry, and chestnut to create zushi (small storage cabinets for altars) and shipped them to Osaka.
With the development of the wood and bamboo craft industries, Tokushima’s artisans, possessing advanced woodworking skills and a strong manufacturing foundation, saw potential in Butsudan production. Entering the Taishō era (1912–), they traveled to Osaka to learn the techniques of Karaki Butsudan and Karaki woodcraft. After mastering these techniques, they returned to Tokushima and began producing Karaki Butsudan using fine wood materials.
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Becoming Japan’s Leading Production Area
Around 1937–1938, Karaki Butsudan began to take their present form. After World War II, the devastation in Osaka created a massive demand for Butsudan, leading to a significant increase in sales. As a result, Tokushima grew into one of the leading production centers for Karaki Butsudan in Japan.
Characteristics and Appeal of Karakibutsudan
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The Beautiful Wood Grain of Karaki
Unlike Kin Butsudan (gold-leaf Buddhist altars), which feature lavish gold decorations, Karaki Butsudan emphasize the natural beauty of wood grain. The term Karaki refers to exceptionally hard woods such as ebony (Kokutan), rosewood (Shitan), and ironwood (Tagayasan). These woods are so dense that nails cannot be used, requiring a unique Hozogumi (traditional joinery) technique for assembly. In addition to Karaki, Tokushima's Karaki Butsudan are also crafted using high-quality materials such as Yakusugi cedar, mulberry, zelkova, and cherry wood. Known for their durability, weight, and elegant appearance, these altars blend seamlessly with traditional Japanese architecture and have long been highly regarded.
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Adapting to the Times: The Rise of Furniture-Style Butsudan
As modern homes become more minimalist, the production of new Butsudan with simple and modern designs—known as furniture-style Butsudan—has expanded beyond the traditional focus on Karaki wood. Alongside these altars, the production of Ihai (memorial tablets engraved with the names of the deceased) has also grown. Compared to Karaki Butsudan, these new altars are smaller, more affordable, and blend seamlessly into contemporary living spaces without feeling out of place. The demand for Butsudan and Ihai that harmonize with home interiors is rapidly increasing. Tokushima's Butsudan manufacturers continue to honor tradition while embracing new styles, solidifying the region’s reputation as one of Japan’s leading Butsudan production centers.
Tokushima Karaki Butsudan Cooperative Federation
The federation consisting of five associations of Tokushima’s karaki Butsudan manufacturers, boasting the highest shipment value in Japan. In 2007, “Tokushima Karaki Butsudan” was registered as a regional collective trademark.
