Journal — Stories from the world of Japanese craft — makers, beauty, seasons, and the table.
Interviews
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…
Aphotic Restaurant Shines a Light on Traceable Seafood in SF
Discover Chef Peter Hemsley's Aphotic, where traditional Japanese tableware and traceable seafood mesh seamlessly.
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…
From Tree to Treasure: Cherry Bark Craft From YATSUYANAGI
Learn about kabazaiku, or cherry bark craftsmanship, at Yatsuyanagi, where bark transforms into handcrafted…
Seigado—The Radiant Beauty of Copper
Explore Seigado's studio and discover traditional hand-hammered copperware, with insights on production, design, and…
Painter of the Northern Seas, Art and Life of Kitamura Takashi
Kutani ware master Kitamura Takashi speaks on his journey and taking inspiration from Edo-period…
MUSUBI KILN Chado Series: A Journey Through the Chabako Tea Ceremony
Learn about the history, use, and significance of chabako, wooden boxes used to hold…
Kosen Kiln's Workshop: A Magical Mystery Tour of Nabeshima Celadon
Explore the traditions and legacy of Nabeshima ware through our interview with Kosen Kiln's…
MUSUBI KILN Chado Series: A Deep Dive into the Tea Master's Philosophy
Explore the philosophy behind the practice of chado, or the Japanese tea ceremony, with…
Mitsui Tatsuya: Guardian of Kutani Ware's Eternal Beauty
Mitsui Tatsuya bridges past and present, preserving Kutani ware's legacy through vibrant ko-Kutani overglaze…
Reviving Tradition: Kawasoe Takahiko's Vision for Nabeshima Ware
Learn more about Kosen Kiln's celadon ceramics, their esteemed history, and protecting the future…
Brush Strokes of Tradition: The Maki-e Mastery of Morita Masatoshi
We pay a visit to Morita Masatoshi, an artist who has been enchanted by…
The Birth of the Moist Series: Inside Hataman Touen's Workshop
We visit the Hataman Touen workshop to see where the Moist series and other…
Exploring Hataman Touen Gallery
We visit the Hatamen Touen Gallery and speak with the company's president, Hataishi Shinji.
Beneath the Glaze: The Depth and Beauty of Kinzangama's Porcelain
Gold leaf, fire, and tradition shine in Kinzangama’s porcelain, brought to life by master…
Realms of Enchantment: Life and Art of Yoshita Minori
Yoshita Minori brought extraordinary artistry to this prestigious Japanese craft, particularly through his mastery…
MUSUBI KILN Chado Series: Invitation to the Japanese Tea Ceremony
Explore the culture of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, from etiquette and hospitality to…
Mastering Tradition and Innovation: Art of Aizu Lacquerware
An exclusive interview with Aizu lacquerware master, Komatsu Shigeo, discussing the history, the process,…
Colorful Craft: Fujii Yuya's Journey of Chopstick Artistry
Meet the artist behind Matsukan's hand-painted chopsticks, sharing the incredible path he took to…