Chopsticks are an indispensable part of the Japanese dining table. Did you know that more than 70% of the lacquered chopsticks distributed in Japan are produced in the port towns of Fukui Prefecture? In this issue, we will introduce “Chopstick Store Matsukan,” a company that produces Wakasa lacquered chopsticks in Obama City, Fukui Prefecture. What is their challenge to deliver excitement through chopsticks? Delivering...
Have you ever heard of Kurume Kasuri, a traditional handicraft? Kurume Kasuri is one of the representative textiles produced in Kurume City and surrounding areas in Fukuoka Prefecture. It was invented around 1800 in the late Edo period by a girl born in the castle of the Kurume domain. Kurume Kasuri is famous as a traditional textile representative of Kurume City in Fukuoka Prefecture,...
Japanese cutlery is attracting attention from abroad for its sharpness, durability, and ease of use. Among them, Sakai City in Osaka Prefecture, Seki City in Gifu Prefecture, and Sanjo City in Niigata Prefecture are known as the three major cutlery production centers in Japan. Of these, cutlery produced in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, is known as “Echigo-Sanjo Uchihamono” and is widely distributed. In this...
Washi paper has been used since ancient times for writing. Despite its beauty and durability, it has become less and less familiar to Japanese people over time. In this issue, we introduce Yamatsugi Paper Mills, which continues to take on the challenge of “making washi a commonplace of the modern age. By learning about the thoughts of the craftsmen, you will surely be attracted...
Have you ever heard of Suruga lacquerware? Suruga” refers to the area east of the Abe River, excluding Izu, which is currently around Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and refers to lacquerware made in this area. The most characteristic and attractive feature of Suruga lacquerware is its “variegated lacquer. The technique was developed to meet a variety of needs, and the designs are more modern...
The Akama inkstone is one of the most important tools in the world of calligraphy, with a long history. The appeal of Akama inkstones, which have been loved throughout the ages, is not only due to their usability, but also deeply related to their cultural value. In this article, the appeal of the Akama inkstone will be explained in detail from the perspective of...
Tawashi” is a familiar household product used in our daily lives. Takada Kozo Shoten’s tawashi are made from hemp palm trees produced in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture, and manufactured by craftsmen with great care, and were awarded the Good Design Award in 2020. In this issue, we will introduce Takada Kouzo Shoten and their products, which are one of the few companies in Japan...
Tiles have a history of 1,400 years. Almost every Japanese person knows about kawara. But how many people can talk about the charm of kawara? In this issue, we introduce “icci KAWARA PRODUCTS,” a company that promotes the appeal and new possibilities of kawara tiles. Mugs and plates made from roof tiles are chic and stylish. They make your dining table more attractive. Come...
mg&gk is a brand of Arita-yaki pottery. It was born out of a desire to encourage people to cherish the time they spend relaxing and taking a breath. We would like to share with you the appeal of mg&gk, which proposes traditional Arita-yaki porcelain for your modern lifestyle. What is mg&gk? mg&gk is a new brand created with the desire to make Arita-yaki more...
Have you ever imagined the whereabouts of the glasses and china you have given away? In this issue, we introduce RI-CO, a company that recycles discarded pottery to create new mugs and glasses. The items, a fusion of local history and recycling technology, will give you an opportunity to think about the future. Let’s take a look at the challenge of “RI-CO” to change...
