Thanks guys, I too like the Akagashi, and these pieces have some nice figure in them.
To finish I sand to #320, then a heavy coat of Melamine sanding sealer, dry for 5 minutes and then buff lightly with a clean cloth. Next I sand with #400 and apply another coat of the sanding sealer, dry again 5 minutes and buff with a clean cloth, next sand #600 and then apply the Cellulose Lacquer, dry 5 minutes, sand to #800, another coat of Lacquer, and dry again, finally I use the gray scrubby pad, and then the stick wax and a buffing.
Each time between sanding and applying the next coat of finish, I ALWAYS use some compressed air to blow the piece off with, this is REALLY important after before the first coat, as you don't want to trap any dust in the pours of the wood.
I finish a lot of my stuff like this, I have found the finish holds up well and it is easy to do. One more thing, I put my light near the piece and let the lathe run to dry the pieces when I apply the finish, I find I get an even coat and it dries evenly a well.
Cheers!