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Bakanuri no Musume (Tsugaru Lacquer Girl): A 2023 Film Celebrating Family and Enduring Craft

In 2023, the world of Japanese cinema celebrated the release of a poignant and culturally rich drama, Bakanuri no Musume (バカ塗りの娘), internationally known as Tsugaru Lacquer Girl. Directed by Keiko Tsuruoka, the film offers an intimate look into the struggles of a family maintaining a traditional craft in the modern era, set against the backdrop of Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture. The movie, which debuted in Japan on September 1, 2023, is more than just a family story; it is a vibrant tribute to the enduring spirit of Tsugaru-nuri, a traditional lacquerware that is as beautiful as it is labor-intensive.

The film, an adaptation of Miyuki Takamori’s novel Japan Dignity, explores universal themes of legacy, self-worth, and the pressure of upholding tradition, resonating with audiences both domestically and internationally.

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The Art of “Bakanuri”: A Foolish Devotion

The film’s title, Bakanuri no Musume, directly translates to “Daughter of Foolish Painting,” which refers to the unique and demanding technique of Tsugaru-nuri. In this context, “Bakanuri” is not an insult but a term of endearment and respect within the craft, signifying the extraordinary amount of time and effort required for the process.

The meticulous process of Tsugaru-nuri involves multiple stages of coating, drying, polishing, and grinding, often repeated dozens of times. The resulting product is known for its remarkable durability and distinctive, mottled surface pattern. The term “Bakanuri” is popularly described as being:

• “Baka ni nutte” (Foolishly painted)
• “Baka ni temahima kakete” (Foolishly time-consuming)
• “Baka ni joubu” (Foolishly durable)

This cultural backdrop is central to the film, as the painstaking work mirrors the perseverance of the protagonist in her pursuit of the craft.

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A Story of Tradition, Identity, and Family

Bakanuri no Musume centers on the Aoki family, whose legacy is tied to the declining Tsugaru-nuri industry. The narrative is driven by the quiet but determined struggle of the daughter, Miyako Aoki, portrayed by Mayu Hotta.

The Protagonist’s Journey

Miyako is an aimless young woman who, after graduating high school, has settled for a part-time job at a local supermarket, feeling like a failure. Yet, she finds a silent passion and a sense of purpose only when helping her father, Seishiro (played by Kaoru Kobayashi), in his lacquerware workshop. The film contrasts Miyako’s desire to continue the family tradition with the deep skepticism of her father.

Seishiro, a craftsman of the old guard, has grown disillusioned with the craft’s prospects in the modern world, especially after his devotion to work caused his wife to leave and his son, Yu, to reject the family business entirely to become a hairdresser and pursue a life abroad. Despite Miyako’s quiet efforts, Seishiro stubbornly insists that she “has no aptitude” for the work, reflecting traditional gender norms and a profound loss of faith in his own vocation.

Key Thematic Elements

The film deftly handles several complex themes:

• Legacy vs. Modernity: The struggle of a traditional Japanese art form to survive in a rapidly changing, cost-conscious world.
• Gender Roles: Miyako’s desire to take over the family business directly challenges decades of custom and her father’s gendered expectations of succession, an emotional hurdle that forms the core conflict.
• Finding One’s Path: Miyako’s personal rebellion—symbolized by her decision to lacquer an abandoned piano—is her declaration of self-determination, a powerful moment that ultimately begins to heal the rifts in the fragmented Aoki family.

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The Creative Team Behind the Film

The movie’s authentic atmosphere and sensitive portrayal of family dynamics are largely thanks to its acclaimed creative team.

Role	Name	Notable Contribution
Director & Co-Screenwriter	Keiko Tsuruoka	Known for her highly acclaimed work, including the award-winning The Town of Whales (2012).
Aoki Miyako (Daughter)	Mayu Hotta	Portrays the quietly determined heroine, whose pursuit of the craft drives the narrative.
Aoki Seishiro (Father)	Kaoru Kobayashi	Plays the stoic and outwardly dismissive, yet deeply conflicted, master craftsman.
Original Story	Miyuki Takamori	Author of the novel Japan Dignity, which served as the source material.

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Critical Success and International Recognition

Following its release, Bakanuri no Musume received a warm reception. In Aomori Prefecture, where the film is set, it became a significant box office success, prompting multiple re-screenings.

The film’s nuanced storytelling and beautiful depiction of the Tsugaru-nuri process led to its selection for numerous international festivals in 2023 and 2024:

• Vancouver International Film Festival (2023): Screened in the Panorama section.
• KINOTAYO Festival Du Cinéma Japonais Contemporain (2023): Was a competitor for the SOLEIL D’OR award.
• Japan Society’s ACA Cinema Project (2024): Held its U.S. premiere as part of a focus on the Japanese family in flux.

By shining a spotlight on a beautiful but struggling traditional art, Bakanuri no Musume not only told a compelling family drama but also succeeded in introducing the intricate beauty and cultural significance of Tsugaru-nuri to a global audience.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs

Q1: What is Bakanuri no Musume (2023)?
A1: Bakanuri no Musume (馬鹿塗りの娘) is a 2023 Japanese human drama film directed by Keiko Tsuruoka. It is known internationally as Tsugaru Lacquer Girl and tells the story of a young woman’s struggle to continue her family’s traditional Tsugaru-nuri lacquerware craft despite her father’s lack of faith and the industry’s decline.

Q2: What does the term “Bakanuri” mean in the film’s title?
A2: “Bakanuri” (literally “Foolish Painting”) is a colloquial and respectful term for the Tsugaru-nuri lacquerware technique. It refers to the “foolishly” intensive process of repeatedly coating, drying, and polishing the lacquer, which results in a product that is “foolishly” durable and highly valued.

Q3: Who are the main actors in Tsugaru Lacquer Girl?
A3: The film stars Mayu Hotta as the protagonist, Aoki Miyako, and veteran actor Kaoru Kobayashi as her taciturn father and Tsugaru-nuri craftsman, Seishiro Aoki.

Q4: Where does the film Bakanuri no Musume take place?
A4: The film is set in Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture, which is the historical and contemporary center of the Tsugaru-nuri craft in Japan.