Journal — Stories from the world of Japanese craft — makers, beauty, seasons, and the table.
Art / Craft
The Art of Plate Selection: A Chef's Journey in Picking Japanese Tableware
Discover Chef Yoshiaki Mori’s approach to Japanese tableware at Kisaku, where each plate enriches…
Tominaga Chiaki
Matsuba Tatami: Returning to the Original Inspiration
Learn how Matsuba Tatami brings new life to traditional tatami with handcrafted coasters, book…
Yamada Minako
Home Sweet Museum: Stepping Inside the Japan Folk Crafts Museum (Nihon Mingeikan)
Artifacts, collected from across Japan and beyond, irrespective of their era, represent a veritable…
Tominaga Chiaki
Glimpses into the Traditional Styles of Cuisine Ware
This article will introduce to you the diverse variations in style, texture and colors…
Defining Modern Lacquerware, a Journey of a Northern Craftsperson
Yoshita Kasho is well known in Japan for his innovative designs using traditional techniques…
Hakuichi: Imbuing A Fresh Aesthetic Sense with Kanazawa Gold Leaves
Hakuichi is renowned for their wide selection of high quality products from accessories to…
Buyer's Travelog: Gifu, the Birthplace of Mino Ware
Gifu’s Mino ware shines at Hibino Ceramic, where we explored handcrafted donburi bowls and…
Shirata Ai
Behind the Works of Tosen Kiln
Take a peek behind the warm and inviting works of Tosen Kiln. Here we…
Interview with Mr. Kota Matsumoto -Representative of Sanuki Urushi Sinra
Sinra's lacquerware resonates with modern lifestyles by infusing a unique flair into traditional techniques.
Monkeys Praying and Rabbits Wrestling, Choju Giga Picture Scroll
A fine example of a free and joyous world indifferent to the mundane obligations…
The Finest Japanese Crafts Presented at the G7 Hiroshima Summit
At the G7 Hiroshima Summit, which concluded on March 21, Prime Minister presented gifts…
Experiencing Kintsugi Gold Repair
"Kintsugi" is a Japanese art of repairing broken pottery, glass, lacquerware, and other items…
Interview with Mr. Tatsuro Hirota-President of Hirota Glass Co., Ltd (Part 2)
I had the pleasure of sitting down with the fourth president of Hirota Glass,…
Discovering Edo Kiriko with Mr. Tatsuro Hirota, President of Hirota Glass Co., Ltd (Part 1)
Step inside Hirota Glass and explore the craftsmanship, history, and future of Edo Kiriko…
Mt. Fuji: Through the Eyes of the Artists of the Past
From poetry to woodblock prints, Mt. Fuji has been the source of inspiration for…
Interview with Nabeshima Ware Artist: Kawasoe Takahiko—Nabeshima Kosen Kiln
Kosen Kiln's medaka rice fIsh series tableware has a charm that grabs your attention…
What is Kutani Shoza Style?
Learn about shoza, a painting style that uses Western-style paints alongside the traditional Kutani…
What is Kutani Mokubei Style?
Mokubei is a style characterized by filling blank spaces with calming red pigments.
What is Akae-Kinrande "Eiraku" Style?
Akae-kinrande is a gorgeous, sophisticated, and graceful style of Kutani ware. It has a…
Interview with Nakaya Shinichi, Specialist of Kutani Ware - History Part 2
Shin-ichi Nakaya, Director of The Kutani porcelain Art Museum discusses historical stories and painting…
Buyer's Choice: My Memories with Kokeshi Dolls
Today, I'd like to share with you my deep fascination and attachment with beloved kokeshi…
Umehara Haruka
What is Kutani Yoshidaya Style?
Yoshidaya style’s charm is its use of translucent pigment and delicate painting style, as…
What is Akae-Saibyo "Iidaya" style?
Akae-saibyo–red dots and lines with intricate detalization–has an eye-catching, detailed beauty.
What is Kutani Sometsuke Style?
Sometsuke is a style that paints a canvas only in indigo pigments. The beauty…