Ichiju-sansai, which translates to "one soup, three dishes," is a fundamental concept in Japanese cuisine that emphasizes a balanced diet through the use of seasonal ingredients. It typically includes meal staples such as rice and miso soup, accompanied by one main dish and two side dishes, together creating a nutritious and wholesome meal.

MUSUBI KILN has curated a selection of unique, visually appealing tableware to enhance this dining experience. We believe that even those new to Japanese cuisine can fully enjoy their ichiju-sansai meal with our dinnerware sets.

Each set includes tableware from different regions, allowing users to experience a variety of traditional crafts as if they were visiting different kilns. This is made possible by MUSUBI KILN's extensive network of partnerships with producers.

In keeping with the Japanese culinary tradition of embracing the season, we plan to release a collection that reflects the charm of all four seasons. We hope to continue to introduce our customers to the allure of our products and the regions they originate from.

Below, we will guide you through the traditional arrangement of dinnerware sets so you can place each plate perfectly for maximum enjoyment.

1. Rice Bowl
Rice provides carbohydrates as a source of energy. Place the rice bowl nearest to you on the left side of the tray.

2. Miso Soup Bowl
Miso soup hydrates you with water while the miso, a fermented soybean paste, provides healthy benefits, especially for your gut. Place the soup bowl nearest to you on the right side of the tray.

3. Main Plate
The main plate is placed on the tray furthest from you. The main dish, typically a protein-rich entree, should be served on this large plate.

4. Two Side Plates or Bowls 
The side dishes, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, should be placed on the smaller plates or bowls. Typically, they are arranged to the left or right of the main plate and in the center, though this is not a strict rule.

5. Tray
The tray serves as the central element of the set, bringing all items together beautifully. It not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also makes serving and cleaning up easier.

The Musubi Mono Opulent Floral Dinnerware Set is a beautifully crafted collection that features sakura “cherry blossoms” and kiku “chrysanthemums,” enhanced with gold accents. Sakura is cherished for its fleeting beauty, while chrysanthemums, which symbolize the Japanese Imperial family, represent nobility. These motifs blend together to create a striking floral design that embodies the essence of traditional Japanese aesthetics. The interplay of gold and vibrant florals adds a celebratory and festive atmosphere to the set.

The Musubi Mono Tranquil Sakura Dinnerware Set showcases a serene and fresh color palette, beautifully adorned with weeping cherry blossoms. The rice bowl and plate, crafted by Tosen Kiln in Kyoto, feature delicate blooms and leaves cascading down, evoking the gentle feel of a spring breeze. While the cherry blossom motifs enhance the softness of these pieces, the rest of the set embraces minimalist elegance, with a simple design. The overall aesthetic creates a sense of calm, freshness, and mildness, offering a refined yet soothing dining experience.

The Musubi Mono Blue Breeze Dinnerware Set combines elegant sometsuke "blue and white" porcelain with celadon, complemented by a wooden tray and miso soup bowl. This harmonious blend evokes a refreshing and natural atmosphere, reminiscent of a gentle breeze gliding through leaves and over a pond, offering a sense of coolness and serenity.

The Musubi Mono Graceful Garden Dinnerware Set features striking turquoise tones paired with deep brown accents. With designs inspired by Kyoto’s Shogoin radish and raspberry branches, it captures the essence of summer, evoking a peaceful and nostalgic feeling, much like wandering through a garden filled with fruits and vegetables.

The Musubi Mono Emerald Orchard Dinnerware Set captures the warmth of autumn by blending the vibrant colors of Kutani ware with the diverse styles of Hasami ware. Paired with lacquerware that showcases woodgrain textures and a smooth finish, the set exudes serene seasonal beauty. Dominated by shades of green, it features delicate illustrations of purple wild grapes, a charming bird, and a bright clematis flower, creating an immersive dining experience that evokes the feeling of being in an emerald orchard and blending fine Japanese craftsmanship with nature’s grace.

The Musubi Mono Auburn Maple Dinnerware Set combines the refined design of Arita ware with the traditional charm of lacquerware. Its warm red palette perfectly reflects the autumn season, with tableware adorned with maple leaf patterns and shapes, and plates etched with gentle water motifs. The set artfully portrays maple leaves drifting on the water, showcasing the rich and elegant essence of autumn.