Journal — Stories from the world of Japanese craft — makers, beauty, seasons, and the table.

Dobuchi Yoshiaki: Decoding the Secrets of Yohen Tenmoku
Uncover the mystery of Yohen Tenmoku, a lost ceramic art of cosmic beauty, revived…

The Legacy of the 14th Generation Master at Le Sanpei Kiln
At Le Sanpei Kiln, 14th-generation master Kanagae Sanbei keeps Arita ware’s traditions alive with…

Kyoto Chronicles: Inside the Workshops of Master Potters
Discover Kyoto’s pottery at Tosen Kiln’s vintage glazes and Touan’s revival of the rare…
Rebecca Menasché
An Interview with Kakinuma Toko: Shaping the Future of Edo Kimekomi Dolls
Discover Kakinuma Toko's approach to Edo Kimekomi dolls, blending tradition with modern design and…

The Birth of a Dragon at Tosen Kiln
Learn more about how Tosen Kiln’s artisans revived the rare kyu-gosu pigment to craft…
Shirata Ai
The Artistry of Nakazato Ichiro: Elegance Born at the Fingertips
Meet Nakazato Ichiro, whose chrysanthemum carvings continue the centuries-old Mikawachi ware legacy on white…

Aged to Wooden Perfection: The Secrets of Kioke Barrel Soy Sauce
Learn about kioke soy sauce aging at Yugeta Shoyu, where rare ingredients and wooden…
Ito Ryo
Mori Toshiaki's Journey in Reimagining Bizen Ware
Learn about Bizen ware artisan Mori Toshiaki, and his unique forms, experimental firing, and…

Life as Legacy: Richard Geoffroy’s IWA Reincarnation
Explore IWA 5's story, from Richard Geoffroy's Dom Pérignon roots to his innovative journey…
Dana Melanz
Taking the Confusion out of Fusion with Chef Masa of O-Ku
Experience Chef Masa Hamaya's fusion of flavors at O-ku in Atlanta, where Japanese traditions…

Takade Eiji: A Life Etched in Wajima
Explore the life of Takade Eiji, a master of chinkin—the intricate art of carving…

Excellence Endorsed: Celebrating Japan’s Most Honored Creators
Discover the significance of being a Japanese Imperial Household purveyor, an honor held by…

Visiting Toyama's Master Craftspeople: Two Potters and a Washi Artisan
Meet three master artisans from Toyama, Japan, as they share their crafts and traditions…

IWA's Sake Brewing in Toyama
Discover IWA, where Japan's ancient sake traditions merge with French winemaking artistry, led by…

Yamada Yoshiaki: Mastery in Sketching and the Beauty of Blank Space
Meet Yamada Yoshiaki, a master of Kutani ware painting whose intricate sketches blend nature's…

From Kiln to Counter: Myousen Toubou at Shuzen Sameshima
See how tableware from Myousen Toubou enhances the harmony between Japanese cuisine and presentation…

Nishikata Hiroshi: Bringing Jewelry Industry Expertise to Tsuiki Innovation
Discover how Nishikata Hiroshi blends jewelry expertise with traditional tsuiki metal craftsmanship at Seigado.

Tsujii Musashi: Crafting Earth's Bounty through Farming and Pottery
Meet artisan Tsujii Musashi, who incorporates motifs from his farmstead lifestyle into his Mino…

Fukushima Reiko: Conveying the Charm of Akae-Saibyo With Modern Sensibilities
Meet Kutani ware artisan Fukushima Reiko, who combines modern styles with traditional red akae-saibyo…

Nishikata Ryota: The Passion and Challenges of Tsuiki
Learn about tsuiki from master craftsman Nishikata Ryota, who creates intricate metal pieces in…

My Path with Japanese Cuisine: A Chef’s Tale
Learn about Chef Ricardo Komori's unique journey and how he blends Japanese culinary techniques…
Ito Ryo
Taka Toshifumi: Bringing All Things Into Balance
Read about Taka Toshifumi's passion for Kutani ware, his family's rich legacy, and his…

Concept to Clay: The Tailored Tapestry of Hissan Pottery's Shigaraki Ware
At Hissan Pottery, Ogawa Kimio blends Shigaraki ware's traditions with sustainable craftsmanship and unique…

From Bark to Beauty: Insights from Kabazaiku Artisans
Step into the workshops of Kabazaiku artisans as they explain the production of Japanese…
