Japanese researchers are learning the public-usage of lac from India. Exploring the utility is something new for the foreign country. Taking interest on the concept, Japanese Researcher lacquer Miho Kitagawa is presently on a three day trip in the State capital. Interestingly, in Japan the use of lac is restricted to industries where shellac (the resin secreted by the female lac bug) is imported from India.
Kitagawa is exploring various parts of Asia all alone to observe how lac is an essential part of a particular cultural. “Shellac can be used in coating furniture and chocolates. Moreover, it does not cause any disease. In Japan, people like me are still testing the process of shellac. But, in India the involvement of shellac and other lac products has been a tradition,” said Kitagawa during the inaugural ceremony of 6th International Conference on Bioscience Research for Nutritional Security, Environmental Conservation and Human Health in Rural India at Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums (IINRG) on Monday.
“Japanese companies are aware of shellac but not promoting it commercially for people. I investigated the commercial use by repairing a damaged Japanned Cabinet for over three years. Also, I am conserving historic items from England and other nations to see the effectiveness of shellac,” added the lady Researcher.
When The Pioneer asked Kitagawa why she chose IINRG Ranchi, she said there are extensive scopes of learning the stepwise process of lac production. Earlier, four scholars from Japan had been to the national institute for agriculture and forest studies but not lac. In Uzbekistan, Tibet, Bhutan and India, Kitagawa has seen lac being used in ancient wall paintings. On the other side, in United Kingdom, she observed lac in old furniture.
Kitagawa’s journey relates to those Indians who dare to roam across the world for their passion with the financial assistance of private sectors. “If I succeed in preparing a true importance of lac, I may get the support of our government or universities. lac is a completely different field where very few would prefer to make a career. I am among them,” she said.
Kitagawa is willing to visit few more cities of India like Kolkata where the relevance of lac is visible in museums and botanical gardens. “I hope to explore the wide use of lac after joining as Co-Researcher at Kyoto Prefectural University in January next year,” she said. lac is basically used for decoration in South-Eastern Asia. Chief Guest of the conference, Dr George John, the vice-chancellor of Birsa Agricultural University expected that the three day long programme concluding on December 24 will help in finding ways of enhancing the food security and rural health of Jharkhand. IINRG Director Dr Ramani Ranganathan was felicitated with ‘lifetime Achievement Award’ besides the honour given to the scholars participating from reputed universities of the country for various scientific activities.