The Primum Familiae Vini, an association of twelve of the world’s most historic wine-producing families, has announced that Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi, a fourth-generation Japanese lacquer refining company, has been awarded the prestigious €100,000 PFV Prize of 2025.
On the 10th of April, members of the Primum Familiae Vini (PFV) gathered in Japan for a momentous occasion: the official award ceremony of the PFV Prize 2025. In the distinguished setting of Tsutsumi’s workshop and a revered temple, they paid tribute to a family enterprise whose commitment to excellence, sustainability, and intergenerational craftsmanship resonates deeply with PFV’s values.
Founded in 1909, Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi specialises in refining natural Japanese lacquer, a centuries-old craft that embodies both tradition and innovation. Despite a 90% decline in lacquer demand over the past four decades, the Tsutsumi family has upheld its commitment to quality, developing UV-resistant lacquer and playing a pivotal role in preserving Japan’s cultural heritage.
Today, the company is responsible for a significant share of Japanese lacquer, which is used to restore national treasures such as the Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
A Prize Rooted in Family Values and Excellence
Each year, the PFV Prize is awarded to a family-run company that exemplifies excellence, sustainability, and the successful transmission of knowledge across generations. The twelve PFV families believe in championing family businesses that, like their own, embrace tradition while innovating for the future.
PFV President Charles Symington said, “Selecting a winner among so many remarkable family enterprises is always a challenge, but Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi stood out for their extraordinary commitment to tradition and innovation. Their work is a testament to the resilience of family businesses and the importance of sustaining craftsmanship for future generations.”
Past winners of the PFV Prize include Maison Bernard, Europe’s oldest violin-making workshop, and Brun de Vian-Tiran, a French manufacturer of noble fabrics. This year, Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi joins this prestigious lineage, reinforcing the fundamental role of family businesses in maintaining cultural and artisanal heritage.
Mr. Tsutsumi, Director of Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi, commented, “This award is a great honour for our family and our craft. For over a century, we have dedicated ourselves to preserving and evolving the art of urushi lacquer. Receiving the PFV Prize strengthens our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the next generations who will carry this tradition forward.”
About The PFV Prize
The Primum Familiae Vini created the PFV Prize in 2020 to support exceptional family businesses that share PFV’s commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Awarded biennially, the €100,000 prize recognises companies from diverse industries that have successfully maintained their heritage while embracing innovation.
The PFV Prize aims to highlight the fundamental role of family-owned businesses in today’s economy and their contribution to cultural and artisanal preservation.
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